Libraries are places for cats. Really, I thought.  Where and how many?

I just learned (from a blog reader, actually) that in its listing of libraries by community, the New York State Library indicates about 30 New York libraries that have or once had a resident cat. She had read an earlier posting  on this site about dogs invited to the front yard event at the Montrose library.

OK, back to cats.

When at the state library’s site just click on the dancing cat icon (example to the left, courtesy of the New York State Library) beside the library name to see photos or descriptions of the cats as well as to learn the cats’ names. It appears that this information was originally compiled by Iron Frog Productions.

It’s less scrolling and a lot faster to access the information on the Iron Frog page than on the New York State Library site.

According to the list, the New York Public Library has two cats, statues Patience and Fortitude, at its front entrance while other libraries have real live cats indeed. Dewey seems to be a popular name for a library feline. But other clever names are Catalog and Paige. None currently reside in our readership area as far as this list is concerned, though it does note that the Putnam Valley Free Library had a resident cat, Muffin, from 1982-1988.

Here’s a photo of Syd the Biblio Cat who lives at the Frank J. Basloe Library in Herkimer, N.Y. He even has his own blog . He seems to be confined to the office area where he is admittedly spoiled by the staff.

Speaking as someone who is highly allergic to cats, I am not sure how enthusiastic I am about inviting felines into public libraries and allowing them to call the bookshelves home, but it sure sounds sweet …. until I start sneezing and wheezing that is. I was pleased to learn that Fluffy at the Sullivan Free Library is in the office at the Chittenango Library and I am sure that is the case in most cat-friendly libraries.

Iron Frog folks have posted information about libraries that have resident cats in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. To complete their research, they’re requesting that viewers send them information about libraries with residents cats that are located in South America and the Middle East. Give it a try if have any good information.

This same reader, Jean, tells me that there’s a library near the Catskills, Phoenicia Library, that allows dogs inside, well-behaved, leashed or carried ones, that is. The library sells greeting cards (as a fundraiser) with dogs in library/reading settings. She says she was an enthusiastic customer and “totally smitten.” That’s for a future post….