Dewey
the Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

Vicki Myron
with Bret Witter

It was a very cold morning in January, 1988, Vicki Myron met Dewey. He was a kitten that someone had left in the library book drop box. Vicki was the head of the public library in Spencer, northwest Iowa. The tiny kitten was chilled through, with frostbitten paws, and starved. Vicki was immediately smitten. She bundled up the tiny orange mess and took him to the vet. The kitten was 8 weeks old and in good health other than having been abandoned in the book drop on a frigid Iowa weekend.

Dewey was adopted by the library staff although he was especially Vicki's. He didn't go home with her but instead took up residence at the library. Vicki decided on his first day that no library funds would be spent on Dewey. All food, litter, medical, and other costs came from donations or Vicki's pocket.

And Dewey adopted the library and its patrons. He made himself at home and took them all into his domain. He quickly took up stewardship of the library. He met people as they came in the library. He allowed children to handle him. At story time he joined the children and sat on a different lap each week. Dewey was ready to be loved by anyone who wanted to pet him or play with him. Even so, he didn't force himself on anyone who wasn't interested.

At first people weren't sure about Dewey. But he was such a loveable kitten he quickly made friends. Soon more people started coming to the library. Then people started talking about Dewey to other towns people. Iowa was being hit with hard times as a factory closed down and farming was shifting from family farms to the large conglomerates. Unemployment in Spencer was rising and people were moving out. Yet the library was helping with job boards, resume preparation, and other services. Dewey helped. As Vicki watched from week to week more people would warm up to Dewey and were able to forget their problems for a short time.

Dewey lived in the library the rest of his life - 19 years. He became an ambassador for Spencer and the library. His story spread and soon Dewey was famous in Iowa. His story spread further and he became known throughout the country. Eventually his story spread around the world. He was featured in newspapers, magazines, and on radio. Once he was even added to a Japanese television movie on cats.

This is short book of love by Vicki Myron is Dewey's story. She goes closely through Dewey's first year or two. Then she combines the Dewey stories over the years. They are fairly chronological but not a day by day type telling. Vicki describes how Dewey's fame grew from a local celebrity to a world known cat.

As a cat lover, a reader, and a librarian, of course I had to read this book. It's lovely - not great writing but instead an enjoyable, comfortable tale. This is a book to touch the heart. Dewey was remarkable in his reactions as a cat. I have had cats in my life since I was two. I can't imagine any of my cats being willing to put up with the kids, let alone the cameras, the attention, or the public appearances Dewey performed without a complaint.

Dewey the Small-Town Library Cat is a poignant tale that any pet lover will enjoy. I listened to the audiobook, so had the extra addition of the tones and inflections of Vicki Myron's story of a special friendship.