Kaufman County library cat Whisper taken out of circulation, but her story isn't over yet

[TexasTowelie]

Another North Texas library cat has been shelved and fans are fighting to get it back.

The city of Mabank recently directed the Tri-County Library to get rid of its library cat Whisper by Oct.1, the Mabank Monitor reported.

At the city council meeting a few days later, about a dozen people showed up and tried to convince the city to keep the cat, which was adopted by the library board eight years ago. Maybe use Whisper as a marketing tool, said one library volunteer who isn't partial to cats but sees Whisper's effect on guests.

But Mayor Jeff Norman said keeping the cat would set a precedent for other employees who might want to bring a pet to work, the Monitor reported.

Read more: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/animals/2016/10/26/kaufman-county-library-cat-taken-circulation-story-yet

[Ruth Bonner]

1. As an adult who loves animals, I might really appreciate getting to bring my pet to work...

But if there is an official workplace mascot who gets to come and mine doesn't I think I'd live.

The city council member who is worried about setting a precedent sounds like the kind of person who so dreads telling anyone "no" that he'll go to ridiculous lengths to avoid it.

At the very, very least do an anonymous poll of library staff and see if anyone has "issues".

Too many libraries - especially in small towns - are underfunded and underutilized. If a friendly cat brings people back - that matters!

[Bibliovore]

2. There's definitely a difference between a workplace mascot and bringing a pet to work

That said, and with the clarification that I love both cats and books:

I know people who are so allergic that they would not be able to set foot in a library that housed a cat. That for me is a compelling reason to keep mascot animals out of public libraries, which are spaces dedicated to the accessibility of books and other learning materials for all.