Staff Spotlight: Venue Supervisor of the Old Library, Donna

Say hello to Donna, our Old Library Venue Supervisor. 

Hear all about her career journey, her role in bringing the Old Library to life, and what inspires her work within our community. Here's what Donna had to say:

What is your role at the Corn Exchange

My role is Venue Supervisor of the Old Library. I oversee the day-to-day running of the Old Library Café and venue, ensuring every visitor enjoys a welcoming, and seamless experience. From leading volunteers to supporting shows, courses and workshops, I help bring the venue to life as a vibrant community space.

What is your work background?

My career has taken me in a few different directions over the years, from retail management and education to theatre, administration, and even working as a Funeral Arranger. It's certainly been a varied journey, and I've enjoyed every opportunity to work with different people and communities.

Supporting my local community in Newbury has always been important to me, both professionally and personally. Outside of work, I volunteer as an instructor with the Army Cadet Force. I'm excited to be bringing that same community-focused approach to my role at the Old Library.

What does a typical day at work look like?

No two days are quite the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about my role. Depending on the shift, I open or close the building, respond to enquiries from colleagues and the public, manage stock orders, and ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

A large part of my day is spent supporting and developing our fantastic team of volunteers in the Café, helping to maintain a welcoming atmosphere and a high standard of service. I'm also currently working on our new summer drinks menu, which has been a fun project. Throughout the day, I support class practitioners as needed, and I finish by cashing up and preparing the venue for the next day.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to connect with people every day. Whether it's welcoming visitors, supporting our volunteers, or helping them develop new skills, it's rewarding to see the positive impact a friendly and supportive environment can have.

I also enjoy being part of a thriving arts and wellbeing hub that brings the community together. Every day brings a new challenge or project, and I love finding solutions, embracing new opportunities and helping to create a space where everyone feels welcome, valued and inspired to return.

What inspires you to do your job?

I'm inspired by the people I meet every day and the chance to play a small part in making our community a welcoming place to be. I enjoy seeing people come together, whether they're trying something new, meeting friends, or simply taking time out to enjoy what's on offer.

I also find a lot of satisfaction in supporting our volunteers and helping them grow in confidence. Being part of a place that encourages creativity, learning and connection makes every day feel worthwhile.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work in theatre/the arts?

Be curious, get involved and don't be afraid to say yes to new opportunities. The arts is a wonderfully varied sector, and every experience helps you learn something new. Building relationships, being approachable and staying open to new challenges will take you a long way.

Above all, remember that every role matters. Whether you're front of house, backstage, in a classroom or behind the scenes, you're helping to create experiences that bring people together and make a real difference in your community.