Evolving Educator

Sue van der Veer started her career in education but eventually realized public libraries were a better fit for her passion for teaching, learning, and community connections. When she joined the City of Port Adelaide Enfield (PAE) Libraries in South Australia in 2015, the system had “one iPad and lots of aspirations,” says colleague Pam Welford. Despite a background in the arts and little formal STEM education, van der Veer jumped into creating successful programming for youth and adults to explore digital resources and STEM disciplines. She then applied her experience to developing the new PAE Parks Library facility and Maker space, which opened in fall 2018.

According to Welford, van der Veer has inspired community volunteers, some as young as 14, to share their skills by training others in the Maker space, “provid[ing] collage workshops, sewing lessons, crochet classes, 3-D modeling, and podcast sessions,” she says. “It’s a testament to [van der Veer’s] energy and passion.” She has also established a Texpo (tech expo) to connect PAE with business and technology groups and launched Steminists to increase the involvement of girls and women in STEM.

“My job is about connecting with the community, empowering people, and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to explore their creativity,” says van der Veer.