Willie, MLIS 2012
Cats and humans have peacefully coexisted within libraries for centuries. In ancient times, they were regarded as Gods and were welcomed without hesitation into the sacred temples where knowledge was preserved and protected.
Generally, they were considered useful for scaring off rodents who were partial to the glues used in bookbinding.
Baker and Taylor, two Scottish Fold cats, were the official mascots of the Baker-Taylor Book Distribution company for over twelve years. Fond of attention, they savored the limelight entertaining patrons and staff with their antics at Minden, NV where they were employed as the library's official working cats.
Generally, they were considered useful for scaring off rodents who were partial to the glues used in bookbinding.
Baker and Taylor, two Scottish Fold cats, were the official mascots of the Baker-Taylor Book Distribution company for over twelve years. Fond of attention, they savored the limelight entertaining patrons and staff with their antics at Minden, NV where they were employed as the library's official working cats.
Dewey
Dewey Readmore Books may be the most famous contemporary library cat. After being found one cold winter morning in the Spencer, IA book return, Dewey went on to charm children, adults, and his loving librarian caretaker for over a decade. Today there is a book about him and a bronze plaque and picture of him hanging over the library's entrance.
Today, there is an official Library Cats Society that actively promotes the existence of cats in libraries throughout the world. They encourage library personnel to recognize the need for a literary feline presence, as well as to respect the library cat.
It is estimated that there are 680 library cats in the world today
Today, there is an official Library Cats Society that actively promotes the existence of cats in libraries throughout the world. They encourage library personnel to recognize the need for a literary feline presence, as well as to respect the library cat.
It is estimated that there are 680 library cats in the world today
Patience and Fortitude - The Big Cats at the New York Public Library
Shown here in 1948, Patience and Fortitude, the Library Lions have stood guard over the entrance to the New York Library since its opening in 1911.
Ralph Waldo Emerson first noted that "Patience and fortitude will conquer all things," and in the 1930s, New York's Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia officially named the big cats to represent the attributes that New Yorkers would need to survive the great depression.
For more information about The Library Lions, visit their Web page at: http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/library-lions
Ralph Waldo Emerson first noted that "Patience and fortitude will conquer all things," and in the 1930s, New York's Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia officially named the big cats to represent the attributes that New Yorkers would need to survive the great depression.
For more information about The Library Lions, visit their Web page at: http://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/library-lions