Goodwood library’s principal librarian, Rosa Folscher closed the book on her working life when she retired last week from the post she took on in 1999.
In a statement issued last week, the City of Cape Town said Ms Folscher completed her studies at the University of the Orange Free State in the 1970s.
Shortly after completing her studies, she married a theological student and as he was studying at Stellenbosch University, she moved to the Cape.
The Parow resident was the first librarian at the newly-established Elsenburg College of Agriculture Library in Stellenbosch, in 1974.
Five years later, she became an assistant librarian at Stellenbosch University’s Theological Seminary.
As the wife of a church minister, Ms Folscher moved often. During the 1980s she worked at Newcastle public library, Boksburg library, and even as a senior administrative clerk at the magistrate’s court in Rouxville, in the Free State.
After two years at Welkom library, Rosa became senior librarian and later acting chief librarian at Parow library.
In 1999 she became the principal librarian at Goodwood and a “big sister” to many other librarians in the district.
“I am always open to suggestions and new ideas if it is for the benefit of the library. I am the eternal optimist and the first one to dress up at any possible opportunity,” Ms Folscher laughs.
Although she will miss her colleagues and patrons, her retirement plans include loads of books, shows, festivals, boat trips and spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, JP Smith, congratulated Ms Folscher on her long service.
“Our librarians play an integral part in broadening the horizons and imaginations of our people.
“We are grateful for their service and wish Rosa well on her next adventure,” he said.