Buzz
While a library can function without a feline companion, one with a cat holds a unique charm. These cats attract new visitors, bring smiles to faces, soothe the staff, and help keep mice at bay. Many also play a role in promoting literacy, encouraging library visits, and supporting pet adoption. Spending time curled up with a cat and a captivating book is a delightful way to enjoy your local library.
1. Ernie
Ernie resides at the Bealton Library in Bealton, Virginia. Discovered near the depot, he was adopted by the library staff. As a polydactyl cat, he was aptly named Ernest P. Hemingway, after the famous author who adored such cats. Ernie spends his days napping in the manager’s chair, monitoring the parking lot, and welcoming visitors. He also oversees the library’s “Flat Ernie” initiative, where patrons can take a photo of Ernie along on their journeys.
2. Stacks
Stacks was adopted by the Litchfield Public Library in Litchfield, Illinois, from Benld's Adopt-a-Pet shelter in 2009 to help eliminate mice. With the mice now gone, Stacks spends her days lounging near the computers, eagerly awaiting a lap to curl up on. You can view more photos of Stacks on her library page. Proceeds from t-shirts and coffee mugs featuring her image support both the library and Benld's Adopt-a-Pet shelter.
3. Elsie
Elsie is the beloved feline at St. Helena Public Library in Saint Helena, California. She outlines her responsibilities on her Facebook page.
My role: greet staff each morning and deliver the night report, inspect file drawers, assist with unpacking boxes, oversee operations by walking around, and guide staff in maintaining my celebrity lifestyle
In spring 2012, Elsie was brought to a shelter after her family lost their home. Around the same time, the library discovered a mouse issue. It turned out to be a perfect match! Elsie, an indoor cat and skilled mouser, is comfortable around children and dogs (the library welcomes all well-behaved pets). Her name has dual meanings: she’s named after library supporter Elsie Wood, but “L.C.” also stands for Library Cat. Watch Elsie dispel myths in this video.
4. Whispurr Nap
The Bradford Public Library in Bradford, Pennsylvania, is home to Miss Whispurr, who prefers to be called Whispurr Nap. On her Facebook page, she shares library updates from a feline perspective, along with plenty of photos. She also proudly features at the top of the library’s Facebook page.
5. Trixie
Trixie became the resident cat at the Independence Public Library in Independence, Kansas, exactly five years ago today! She was just a kitten when she was left at the library’s doorstep and has stayed ever since. The library even incorporated a cat into their logo. Trixie enjoys exploring the library’s amenities, particularly the oversized chess set, which makes for great photos. Follow her adventures on her Facebook page.
6. Pages
Pages is the feline staff member at the Valley Center Public Library in Valley Center, Kansas. She maintains a blog titled Posts from the Paw, which, though updated sporadically, is filled with enthusiasm. On her blog, she shares her journey from being a weary stray to becoming the library’s beloved resident in 2010. While most posts highlight library events, she occasionally shares personal stories, such as the incident when her tail was accidentally stepped on.
7. Miko
Miko serves as the unofficial mascot for the Texas A&M University Libraries. Residing at the Medical Sciences Library, she holds the esteemed role of Pest Control Specialist. Miko also stars in library literacy campaigns, like the poster featured here, and her image is available on postcards at the library.
8. Library Cat
A black and white cat has become a regular at The University of Edinburgh Central Library in Scotland, where the staff have warmly welcomed him. While not fully domesticated, he allows patrons to pet and pamper him. Known simply as Library Cat, he shares his musings on life and daily adventures on Facebook, offering a glimpse into his unique perspective through third-person narratives that reveal his inner thoughts.
In his dreams, Library Cat often wandered through a kaleidoscope of thoughts, touching on reader-response theory, the Large Hadron Collider, and George Orwell. But this afternoon was unusual. He found himself in a peculiar blue room teeming with plump mice, all gazing at him with such reverence that he felt consuming them might be seen as an honor. They vaguely reminded him of the eerie, Camus-inspired robotic mice he once encountered during his ill-fated journey to the Hugh Robson Essay Bunker.
9. Rosie
This is the tale of a cat who briefly worked at a library. Stephanie Villani shared how her cat Rosie snuck onto her husband’s fish truck as it left Long Island. When the truck arrived at the Brooklyn Farmer’s Market, Rosie dashed out and disappeared into Prospect Park. Eight months later, Villani received a call from an animal hospital: they had found Rosie! During her absence, Rosie had been adopted by the Brooklyn Public Library, where she served as their library cat. When the staff took her for medical care, a microchip scan revealed Villani’s contact details, leading to a heartfelt reunion with her family. Rosie has since settled back into life in the fish business, leaving her library days behind.
10. Kuzya the Russian Library Cat
A stray cat wandered into a library in Novorossiysk, Russia, and ended up finding a home, a job, and fame. While cats in libraries or bookstores are common in the U.S., the cat named Kuzya has become a sensation across Russia.
Kuzya appeared at the library’s doorstep one day, charming the staff with his adorable and fluffy appearance. By rubbing against people’s legs and arching his back, he quickly won their hearts, securing food and a cozy spot to escape the winter chill. However, Kuzya lacked the necessary paperwork to stay in a public space like a library. Recognizing his potential, the staff took steps to formalize his stay. They obtained a cat passport for him, complete with an ID chip and a rabies vaccination. With his documents in order, Kuzya was free to roam the library aisles. Officially designated as a “pet,” he dedicated himself to grooming, napping, and looking irresistibly cute, which led to a noticeable rise in library visitors. People came for the cat but stayed for the books.
Kuzya’s charm soon earned him a promotion to assistant librarian, complete with an official certificate. This new role also required him to dress the part, sporting a dashing bow tie. You can watch Kuzya in action on video.
See also: 8 Library Cats and 9 Delightful Library Cats. You might also enjoy the series on Bookstore Cats.
