Anyone who knows me know that I am a huge animal lover. I have always loved the idea of cats hanging out or living in the local library. But, alas many people are allergic to the dander and I think that's why many libraries shy away from keeping a feline resident. Research has show that children, especially developmental readers, benefit from reading to an animal. It builds their confidence and gives the kids a "safe" listener who will not make fun of them but give them snuggles.
There is a GREAT book out right now, "Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World." Review From Booklist:"Her first thought upon hearing a strange sound coming from the book drop one frigid January morning was “this can’t be good.” In fact, for both the tiny kitten found shivering in the metal box’s corner and for Myron, director of the Spencer Public Library, the discovery was the best thing that ever happened to either of them, and to the tiny Iowa farming community beset by an unrelenting string of economic challenges. Filthy and frostbitten, the kitten was in dire need of massive doses of TLC; fortunately, the library staff, patrons, and townspeople had plenty to spare. The story of how a bedraggled orange fur ball became “Dewey Readmore Books,” an enchantingly irresistible library mascot capable of bringing international attention to a small midwestern town and melting the heart of even the most curmudgeonly visitor, is uplifting enough; but woven among the cute-cat anecdotes are Myron’s own inspirational stories of enduring welfare, the abuses of an alcoholic husband, breast cancer, and single motherhood. Myron’s beguiling, poignant, and tender tale of survival, loyalty, and love is an unforgettable study in the mysterious and wondrous ways animals, and libraries, enrich humanity. --Carol Haggas"
Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon this marvelous site yesterday which maps the world's library cats, past and present. http://www.ironfrog.com/catsmap.html
The names are one of my favorite parts! One observation I did have was that many libraries only had their furry friend for a few years. I hope this was because someone adopted the kitties or perhaps some of these cats found refuge among the books and kindness in the patron for their sunset years. Meow meow!
