A friend of mine that lives in Nebraska shared this story with me.

‘Top Library Cat’ can stay

Posted: Thursday, December 3, 2009 6:00 pm
By PAUL HAMMEL World-Herald News Service

BROKEN BOW — A cat fight about the longtime feline resident of the public library in Broken Bow has been averted.
At least for now.



One city official said that after learning about the role TLC (“Top Library Cat”) has played at the library in the past decade and of his widespread support, he’s all for the cat.
“The cat’s a nice addition,” said City Administrator Tony Tolstedt. “He’s kind of their mascot.”
The library in Broken Bow has had a resident cat for at least 15 years. TLC is a farm stray saved from being dispatched by its owner 11 years ago.
Broken Bow Library Director Joan Birnie said the cat frequently becomes part of programs and lectures at the facility.
He’s one cool cat — a picture of TLC wearing hot-pink sunglasses is featured on the library’s Web site.
“People love him,” Birnie said. “Some people just come in and stay longer just to hold him.”
But the fur began flying after a Nov. 24 Broken Bow City Council meeting. Councilman Doug Smith asked if a cat was living at the library.
Two constituents, Smith said, had told him they cannot use the library because of allergic reactions to the cat.
Smith said Wednesday he regrets “the stink” the issue has caused, but he also understands the concerns.
“Every citizen should be able to go in the library … . It’s a city building,” he said.
The city administrator’s investigation this week determined no ordinances bar the cat from living at the library. All expenses for TLC are covered by donations from local businesses, the public or Birnie.
So, unless someone formally complains to the city, TLC’s status is unchanged.
Birnie said the library would try to accommodate anyone with allergies by moving the cat into a back room of the 8,100-square-foot facility or spraying anti-allergy spray.
“He’s not going to live forever,” Birnie said. “It would be nice if he’d finish out his time in the library.”
Paul Hammel reports for the Omaha World-Herald.


http://www.kearneyhub.com/news/local...cc4c002e0.html