Library Cats 4
Dewey Readmore Books, of Spencer Library, Iowa
Dewey, library cat in Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 2 Spencer is a
town with a population of about 12,000 in the American Midwest
state of Iowa. It is home to one of the best-known of American
library cats Dewey. He arrived on a cold January night in 1988
via the book-return chute! Library staff, finding him next morning,
decided they would like to adopt him as library cat; the idea was
approved by the board of trustees and the city council, so he was
neutered and vaccinated and became the new resident. Staff, patrons
and friends some from a long way off make donations for his
food, and he gets 'city employee discount' from a local
veterinarian when medical attention is needed.
Dewey blossomed into a magnificent cat, as can be seen from his
'official' portrait, taken when he was about 2 years old. Over the
years he has provided Spencer Library with plenty of publicity
via the local newspaper, national magazines, in books, on postcards
and on Sioux City TV. He is also the star of a video about library
cats, Puss in Books.
In November 2006 Dewey celebrates his nineteenth birthday, a grand
age for a cat. His age is starting to take its toll, says Vicki
Myron of the library staff; he has become very thin, has arthritis
in his hips and back, and of course sleeps more than he used to.
People are asked to pet him only on the head and shoulders, and not
to pick him up; however, he's certainly not finished yet! He loves
being with 'his public', still greets patrons from the front desk
each day and regularly attends every library meeting. He joined
enthusiastically in the summer 'family fun' evenings in the
presence of 250 people or more and hates it when the library is
closed.
http://www.purr-n-fur.org.uk/featuring/lib04.html
Dewey the Cat, one of America's most famous library cats.
