Librarian closes book on 37-year career

Strandfontein library bid adieu to a fellow librarian who worked for most of his 37-year career at Mitchell’s Plain libraries.

Bruce Meyer, 57, from Somerset West, who had been working at Strandfontein until the end of last year before taking a post at Macassar this year, retired last week.

Being a librarian was not a career of choice for him but rather a calling when his work application was successful a year after submitting his paperwork.

“I have enjoyed every moment of being a librarian,” he said.

Mr Meyer said he just applied for the sake of needing a job.

He started off as a cleaner and took every opportunity to work and learn at the same time.

He was an assistant librarian, librarian in charge, senior librarian, and a librarian attendant.

“I worked the card system before computers,” he said.

Mr Meyer started working at age 20 at Rocklands library, Lentegeur, Westridge, Hanover Park, Janet Bourhill library in Claremont and started at Strandfontein in 1995.

He said the library was barely year old at the time.

He served at Strandfontein library for close to 30 years where he was much more than just a librarian.

Teenagers came into greet and hug him during the afternoon tea at the library in his honour on Thursday June 27.

Mr Meyer was born and raised in Retreat and moved to Mitchell’s Plain, where he studied.

He was able to complete his Bachelor of Arts Degree via University of South Africa (Unisa) with the help of the municipality.

“People would come into the library and chat; and I would enjoy being part of their lives,” he said.

“It was about me being a part of their lives and their journey to reaching their goals,” he said.

He said he had a passion to develop people and to contribute to their growth.

“People came into the library as preschoolers and they have grown. Today their children are in the library,” he said.

Mr Meyer said the library evolved with the community.

“With the advent of computers and technology and the free internet libraries would continue to be relevant and needed in the community,” he said.

Patron Garlen Fredericks told the Plainsman Mr Meyer was a legend and landmark at Strandfontein library.

“I only go to church more that the library,” he said.

Mr Fredericks said the library felt like a second home because the librarians were like family.

“There is always a welcome friendly face, career advice and talks as to how we can change our community,” he said.

He said his son, who is at high school, was still baffled that he could not beat Mr Meyer at chess.

Mr Meyer said: “Strandfontein will always be a part of who I am. I can’t go to the shops without being stopped for a chat. The kindness and friendly community will not be forgotten. I will come back.

“This profession is about serving the community. I tell the patrons all of the time: you are the boss. You tell me what you need,” he said.