Who placed the kitten in the library book drop? To this day, that question remains unanswered in Spencer, Iowa. No doubt the person felt that whoever discovered the kitten would find it a good home. It certainly was a lucky day for the scrawny, half-frozen, bedraggled-looking kitty when librarian Vicki Myron found him tucked in a corner of the book drop. Vicki carefully warmed, cleaned up, and fed the little stowaway. The kitten showed no fear of people --- in fact, he responded to their kindness with sincere affection and trust. The library board reluctantly agreed to allow him to take up residence at the library.
The little orange and white kitten was soon dubbed Dewey Readmore Books, Dewey for short. Dewey had the run of the library and as much attention and affection as any kitten could ever want. He attended staff meetings when he felt like it, and story hour, where he befriended the special needs children; walked among the shelves of books and napped where and when he chose; looked for welcoming laps and usually found them; and showed up daily in the lunchroom to get a few licks of yogurt and some attention. Dewey was both lucky and spoiled.
After the library staff left each evening, Dewey had the whole place to himself. He must have had quite a time of it, locating cozy spots to hide, seeking out rubber bands --- which he loved to eat --- doing whatever struck his fancy. Each morning he was at the front door waiting for Vicki, who took him home on weekends and holidays when the library was closed. During one three-week period when the library was being remodeled, Dewey spent the entire time at Vicki's. He loved the open windows, the fresh air, and the sound of birds so much that when he returned to his post at the library he sneaked out while the evening janitor was working. Everyone hunted frantically for him. A few worrisome days later he finally showed up, dirty and ragged, and very glad to be back home. That was his first and only solo adventure outside.
Dewey loved the camera and enjoyed posing for photographs. He was such a handsome cat that his picture graced cat calendars and often won photo contests. Magazines and newspapers near and far carried stories about him, and his fame spread quickly. People drove hundreds of miles just to come to Spencer, Iowa, and meet the famous library cat. Documentaries were made about Dewey. Even people in Japan had read about him.
Dewey lived out his life, all 19 years of it, at the library in Spencer. He was a goodwill ambassador and a furry friend to all who needed a bit of cheering up or affection. There are other library cats, to be sure, but it is unlikely that any of them are as well known or loved as Dewey Readmore Books.