Would you like a library mascot?
When I began reading Dewey: a Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron, I expected to read a book with a collection of cute tales about a library cat. Not only were my expectations fulfilled, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a lot more. Dewey’s story is told, along with a biography of the author and a history of the small town of Spencer, Iowa.
One cold, mid-winter morning, while opening the Spencer Public Library, Head Librarian, Vicki Myron discovers a tiny, half-frozen kitten abandoned in the library’s drop box. Vicki, a single mother, decides to keep the kitten, which grows into a loveable library cat. Through this book we learn of Vicki’s life, her divorce from an abusive alcoholic and the many obstacles she faced.
Dewey arrives at Spencer during the 1980s as the farming town is facing financial crisis, with many losing family farms and businesses. Dewey’s antics keep customers smiling despite these hard times. As his fame grew, people from all over suddenly begin to visit the Spencer Library just to get a glimpse of the library cat. A television crew from Japan even visits to film the famous Dewey.
3 thoughts on “Would you like a library mascot?”
This was a lovely book! I found myself smiling on the subway as I read it. A very heartwarming story.
Glad to hear you enjoyed Dewey too!
I read this book. I thought it was quite heart warming. One scene in the book described Dewey snuggling up to a homeless man who would visit the library frequently. It was really beautiful.