The Hague, Netherlands

Erna Winters is the Network Manager for Public Libraries, a position she began in 2024 at the National Library of the Netherlands (the KB) in The Hague, Netherlands. Her previous roles include Director of the ABC Huis from 2006 to 2024, managing director of the Public Library Kennemerwaard, and managing director of the Public Library of Alkmaar. The KB works closely with the Dutch Public Library Association (VOB) and the Provincial Support Institutions (POIs) on social tasks such as enhancing digital literacy. In this role, Ms. Winters serves as process facilitator and is working toward establishing the goals agreed upon in a covenant between the national government, provincial and local governments.

Ms. Winters is passionate about building a literate society, promoting digital inclusion, and supporting lifelong learning. She is the current president of the Executive Committee of the European Bureau of Library, Information, and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA), and a past board member and treasurer. As chair of EBLIDA she works on a strong position for libraries in the European Parliament, European Commission, and a European framework that could lead to European library law.

She is a founding partner of Public Libraries 2030, actively advocating for public libraries with members of the European Parliament. She has served on the committee for Alkmaars Information Centre for Architecture, is currently a member of the committee for the annual memorial of the victims of WW II in Alkmaar, and was a member of the jury of the Rabobank Culture Award. Ms. Winters has served on Leaders Council since 2025.