Library Cats

You have probably noticed the lovely orange tabby next to the computer when you view our blog. Although he looks very much like a feline who used to inhabit my life, I do not know this particular fellow. Cats in libraries, however, are a long tradition, dating back to early Egypt.

In fact, research shows that there are over 600 documented library cats in the world. I knew library cats were popular, but I didn't realize anyone would go to so much trouble to document the library cats of the world. Check out www.ironfrog.com/librarycatsmap to see where the library cats past and present reside. In our area, the famous Emily of Mystic & Noank Library passed away in 2006 after seventeen years in residence. The Lyme Public Library has been home to Emma since 2003.

Another famous library cat, Dewey Readmore Books, of the Spencer Public Library in Iowa, also passed away in 2006. His obituary appeared not only in the local papers, but also in USA Today and the Washington Post. It appears, however, that he will live on in the writings of Library Director Vicki Myron, who has reportedly signed a $1.2 million contract to write his story.

The Ledyard Public Libraries have never had a library cat, although at the Gales Ferry Library, we have found some lovely cat pictures to adorn the desktop of our staff computer. It is rumored that cats are also very popular at the Bill Library.

Is it time for a library cat in Ledyard?

"Thanks" giving

I am always thankful for the library, both as a place to visit and a place to work. From birth to old age, the library has something for everybody, nearly all at no charge. Whether you are looking for books, movies, music, magazines or a cup of coffee, they are all here for you. That is something for which you can be very thankful.

The library staff is also thankful for the opportunity to serve our community. We want you to ask us questions and we hope we will be able to answer those questions. Finding the answers to those questions is not only our job, but also a chance to solve a mystery. Librarians always enjoy a good mystery! We want to see the smile on your face when you pick up the book that is waiting for you. We love it when we can introduce you to a library service that enriches your life, be it our new downloadable audio books or homebound delivery. We even love the happy little voices filled with enthusiasm, as they pursue their favorite book.

I am full of thanks for libraries, their helpful staffs and the wonderful people who visit us.

Off We Go!

It seems like everyone is going somewhere. Traveling these days could mean many things; going to see family, taking a cruise, heading to warmer climates or checking out new places. For those of you who are experienced travelers, taking off probably is exciting, even exhilarating. For me it has always been more of a struggle. When I finally come to the realization that I have to give in and go somewhere, I have no idea where to go, or rather, where I am willing to go. No place too hot or too cold, too remote or too crowded is on my list.

So I go to the library shelves and pull out a few of those bright orange books in the travel section (914-917 for Dewey Decimal fans). Mr. Fodor, or whoever he or she is, has done an excellent job of preparing a book on every place I might never go to. You can look at Mexico or narrow it down to Cancun, Cozumel,Yucatan Peninsula or check out The National Parks of the West. If you don't want to look at all of Massachusetts, you can find separate books on The Berkshires and Cape Cod. There is not only a California book but also Northern California and Southern California. Each Fodor's is full of interesting information, maps and places of interest. There was even a place that won me over, so don't look for that book in the next couple weeks.

I'm off!