After a little more than three years of diligently serving Durbanville Library, the chief librarian, René Schoombee, has recently been promoted to the new role of area head for library and information services for the City of Cape Town.
Schoombee will leave Durbanville Library at end of October and will be overseeing multiple libraries in the area in her new position – bringing her experience and commitment to a broader audience.
Previously from Rustenburg, Schoombee took over the reigns on 1 April 2021 with 29 years experience working in the field of libraries.
She started her career right after she had finished school as an assistant in the children’s section, while she studied part-time. She gained management experience in children’s libraries and was acting deputy city librarian for more than 10 years at Rustenburg Library. She was acting city librarian for three years, also at Rustenburg Library, and then as library facilitator and staff manager at Rustenburg Primary School for 12 years.
SA Librarian of the Year
While she was working at Rustenburg Primary School, she received the award as SA Librarian of the Year from the Library and Information Association of South Africa (Liasa) in 2007.
“We reluctantly bid her farewell at the end of October. In the three plus years she has been at our library, she has achieved what many others would take decades to accomplish,” says Lyn O’ Kennedy, chair of the Durbanville Friends of the Library.
“From being a place where you borrow books, the library has blossomed into a community hub where way more than checking out books takes place.
“Tuesday’s knitters can attest to this, with thousands of beanies-for-charity as proof. Thursdays amid much laughter (and tea) seniors get gaming, plus chess, children learn to knit, sketching and art classes and the newest is Lego building.
“We had many book launches, poetry and music evenings… the list goes on and on.
“We are indeed proud to be part of the ‘new look’ library and grateful for the innovative enthusiasm and pro-active attitude that she has given to all the projects she brought to life, not to mention the Durbanville Library Facebook page with constant updates as to what’s on at the library,” O’Kennedy says.
Friends of the Library
“Her support for the Friends of the Library cannot go unmentioned. The committee and Friends of the Library, and I am sure, all the patrons, not only want to thank her, but wish her every success in her new regional position where she will positively impact many more than just one library,” she concludes.
Reflecting on her time at Durbanville Library, Schoombee shared her deep appreciation for the community.
“The Durbanville Library has always felt like a special place – not just to me but to everyone who steps through its doors. It has been a privilege to watch our library, or our ‘pond,’ thrive with so many ‘ducks’ – our patrons – coming together in support of one another.”
Schoombee expressed her gratitude for the opportunities to work on meaningful projects like the Raise a Village initiative, which united the community and highlighted the power of collaboration.
“I want to sincerely thank the Durbanville community for their constant support and kindness. The library is only as strong as the people who fill it with life, and for that, I am deeply grateful,” Schoombee says.
As she steps into her new role, she looks forward to continue this work across the area, helping to nurture other libraries in the same way Durbanville has grown and flourished.
