Why Every Library Needs a Cat
“The director of the public library in Thorntown, Ind., extended a job offer this week to a stray ginger tabby cat named Chance. He is to replace Tober, a much loved library cat who died last fall after 7 loyal years of service in the stacks...
Cats generally don’t discriminate & neither do libraries. In fact, libraries are among the most democratic institutions out there: they don’t turn anyone away...I’ve interviewed several librarians who have feline co-workers, & they told me cats instantly make a library feel more welcoming, encouraging repeat visits while providing relief to overburdened staffers.
Cats & libraries have a long & storied history that dates back to ancient Egypt, when the animals were employed to keep rodents away from the papyrus scrolls in temples & libraries. In the 19th century, the British government actually paid librarians to keep a cat or 2 on hand. The glue used to bind books has always been a kind of mouse candy, & shelling out for cat food is cheaper than hiring a human exterminator or replacing books.
...Most librarians I’ve talked to said their cats were strays or came from shelters, & that has inspired some patrons & staff to adopt a homeless pet of their own...”
Lisa Rogan
From the Washington Post
Montreal Gazette
July 2/2016
Cute Critter Pic
Weekly Chuckle
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