Library Cats 4

Fidel of Deal, Kent

Our first British library cat is not really a library cat like Dewey or others we have featured, as he is not a resident: he just likes visiting his local library! The black, eight-year-old feline, originally rescued from an abandoned apartment in Deal, a town on England's south coast, lives not far away from the library, but his owners go out to work during the day and he likes company — so for the past two years or so he has been going there. He is known in the neighbourhood and also from time to time patronises a local café, a restaurant and a pub, where he is sometimes given prawns and shrimps!

At first library staff tried to put Fidel off visiting, but he is quite determined and always came back when he was put out; sometimes he even arrives before the staff in the morning and waits to be let in. They don't feed him; much of the time he sleeps all day, or sometimes does a tour of the premises or sits and watches the world go by. He has a favourite blue chair he likes to sleep in, and was quite put out on one occasion when a book fair meant the furniture was moved and he couldn't have his usual spot.

Fidel is friendly and well behaved, and staff say he is no trouble. At about 4 in the afternoon he knows his owners will be coming home, so he'll get up and leave. The library district manager says, 'Fidel certainly seems to like coming here and he's very popular with our customers.' Some people, particularly children, make special visits to see him.

As of August 2009, my enquiry to the library ascertained that he was still visiting regularly.

Calling UK librarians!
Surely there must be some cats in British libraries? So far the greatest number we know of are in America, although they're not always well documented. Do please let us know if your library has a feline assistant; or perhaps as a patron you know of a resident cat at your local library. Send a selection of photos and some background information, and if they're genuine library residents (i.e. preferably not 'borrowed'!) we'll consider them for inclusion.
Naturally, candidates from anywhere else in the world are also welcome.