Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

by Vicki Myron and Bret Witter

Book Overview

Experience the uplifting, "unforgettable" New York Times bestseller about an abandoned kitten named Dewey, whose life in a library won over a farming town and the world -- with over 2 million copies sold (Booklist)

Dewey's story starts in the worst possible way. On the coldest night of the year in Spencer, Iowa, at only a few weeks old--a critical age for kittens--he was stuffed into the return book slot of the Spencer...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446407410
• ISBN13: 9780446407410
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Dewey was and is Magic

Of all the many wonderful critter stories I have read, there is no equal to that of Dewey the Library Cat. After finishing my first read of the original Dewey book, I could no longer see. Tears flooded my eyes - gasps for air hurt my chest - the sobs were out of control. I was completely devastated, yet strangely joyful to have stumbled upon such a poignant tale. It was a easy read of a sad rescue, a remarkable life, and a beautiful goodbye all at the Spencer Iowa Public Library. Vicki Myron gave us all a beautiful gift by sharing the relationship with her damaged little friend, whom she gave the name of Dewey. Be not afraid of reading this book! It will touch you in the deepest places within your soul. Dewey's story is at the very top of MUST READS! I have written to Vicki to say that her book changed my life, and that is no exaggeration. Not since losing my dear little Ratona as I gazed down into her hazy old eyes while she rested against my chest, have I been so hurt by a loss. Ratona awoke me with her last bark at 2am on February 20th, 1990. She needed me to be there for her weak exhaled goodbye. I could not return to work for a week. Dewey and Ratona are two creatures who were pure magic. Never be afraid to stand on the edge of the abyss with another soul, either in person on in such a book as Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. Larry

The Dewey books are heartwarming

These are wonderful true stories by a former librarian who found a near frozen cat & named him Dewey(decimal system)! It tells the story of this awesome cat who lived in the library & entertained, comforted, loved all he met. All her books are lovely reading & you'll laugh & cry as you get to know Dewey & the beautiful friendship & care they had.

A Fascinating Story

Who placed the kitten in the library book drop? To this day, that question remains unanswered in Spencer, Iowa. No doubt the person felt that whoever discovered the kitten would find it a good home. It certainly was a lucky day for the scrawny, half-frozen, bedraggled-looking kitty when librarian Vicki Myron found him tucked in a corner of the book drop. Vicki carefully warmed, cleaned up, and fed the little stowaway. The kitten showed no fear of people --- in fact, he responded to their kindness with sincere affection and trust. The library board reluctantly agreed to allow him to take up residence at the library. The little orange and white kitten was soon dubbed Dewey Readmore Books, Dewey for short. Dewey had the run of the library and as much attention and affection as any kitten could ever want. He attended staff meetings when he felt like it, and story hour, where he befriended the special needs children; walked among the shelves of books and napped where and when he chose; looked for welcoming laps and usually found them; and showed up daily in the lunchroom to get a few licks of yogurt and some attention. Dewey was both lucky and spoiled. After the library staff left each evening, Dewey had the whole place to himself. He must have had quite a time of it, locating cozy spots to hide, seeking out rubber bands --- which he loved to eat --- doing whatever struck his fancy. Each morning he was at the front door waiting for Vicki, who took him home on weekends and holidays when the library was closed. During one three-week period when the library was being remodeled, Dewey spent the entire time at Vicki's. He loved the open windows, the fresh air, and the sound of birds so much that when he returned to his post at the library he sneaked out while the evening janitor was working. Everyone hunted frantically for him. A few worrisome days later he finally showed up, dirty and ragged, and very glad to be back home. That was his first and only solo adventure outside. Dewey loved the camera and enjoyed posing for photographs. He was such a handsome cat that his picture graced cat calendars and often won photo contests. Magazines and newspapers near and far carried stories about him, and his fame spread quickly. People drove hundreds of miles just to come to Spencer, Iowa, and meet the famous library cat. Documentaries were made about Dewey. Even people in Japan had read about him. Dewey lived out his life, all 19 years of it, at the library in Spencer. He was a goodwill ambassador and a furry friend to all who needed a bit of cheering up or affection. There are other library cats, to be sure, but it is unlikely that any of them are as well known or loved as Dewey Readmore Books.

Dewey the Library Cat: A true Story

This is a great book about a town in Iowa that had a cat in their library. I have been to this library & played with Dewey & I think that is why I enjoyed it so much.

This is a real winner!

Dewey was summarily abandoned in what might seem to be a rather cruel manner (he was placed in the Spencer, Iowa library book drop box), but that drop box would turn out to be what saved the kitten and helped a town. Vicki Myron, a single mother with numerous problems (her family farm was lost, she'd had a cancer scare and her alcoholic husband was, well, gone) found the kitten that was near death. Dewey was nursed back to health and flourished and grew into Spencer, Iowa's library cat. To say that Vicki Myron, librarian and the town of Spencer was never the same would be an understatement. The townspeople named Dewey and the library visitors (the response of the children and particularly, Crystal, to Dewey will touch your heart) were befriended, entertained and in some ways given hope by this little cat who started out in life as an abandoned kitten. His fame grew and people began driving to Spencer to meet him. And through it all he gave Spencer the will and determination to survive crisis. I was literally handed a copy of Dewey by the publicist while I was in New York. The cover (a photo of Dewey) captured my attention and I vaguely remembered a story about a cat, a librarian and a Midwestern town. I was determined to finish the book I was currently reading on the plane trip back to Minneapolis, but Dewey called to me and I could not abandon him. And I'm thrilled I picked up Dewey to read. It's one of the most delightful stories I've read in ever so long. It's filled with hope, happiness, strength of character, determination and it's, well, a story of a town brought together by something greater than themselves. If you love animals (the cover will grab your heart) you must read Dewey. You'll be able to face the world feeling refreshed and hopeful. Armchair Interviews says: Buy it! Dewey will bring a smile to your face that will become a grin. Then buy copies for others and help them feel good.

Utterly poignant

Unless you are a cat-hater and especially hard-hearted I can guarantee that you will not read this book with dry eyes. The book tells the story of a kitten found in the return book slot of the City Library at Spencer, Iowa, and that kitten's extraordinary personality, his devotion to doing his self-appointed duty toward those who loved him and the patrons of the library, and the effect he had on all who came to know him. This is the best book about a cat I think I have ever read--certainly the best non-fiction account. I have not been so affected since I read (and re-read) The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford (read 12 Nov 1972 - re-read 15 Apr 1991), but that was fiction whereas this book is glowingly true. Do yourself a favor--read it.

HAPPY, HEARTWARMING, AND HOPEFUL

Remember Marley: A Dog Like No Other, a canine greatly loved by his master? Well, here is Dewey, an abandoned orange kitten not only beloved by his mistress but by the entire town of Spencer, Iowa. Dewey's origins were questionable as was his introduction to library director Vicki Myron. January 18, 1988 was a frigid Monday in Spencer. "It was a killing freeze, the kind that made it almost painful to breathe." When Vicki arrived at the library that morning her assistant told her she had heard a noise coming from a metal slot, the library's after-hours drop box behind the building. Soon, they both heard the noise and thought it was an animal. The opening of the box was only a few inches wide, so whatever it was had to be very small. Being metal the box was even colder than it was outside, and there in a corner of the box was a tiny kitten. It was the most pitiful thing she had ever seen, so thin she could see every rib, and she could feel its heart beating, its lungs pumping. "The poor kitten was so weak it could barely hold up its head, and it was shaking uncontrollably. It opened its mouth, but the sound which came two seconds later, was weak and ragged." But one look into his big eyes and she was Dewey's and he was hers. Dewey was not the only one who had endured hardship - Vicki was a single mom who had lost the family farm and survived an abusive husband. The people of Spencer were going through tough times during the farm crisis of that time. Depression, ennui seemed to be everywhere. Nonetheless, Vicki was determined to capture the interest of those who came to the small library and hopefully make them a little happier. With the help of Dewey she did that and more. For 19 years he returned the affection of the townspeople twofold, amusing them, enchanting them, rubbing against many hands in gratitude for their caresses. What difference can one small animal make? Dewey's story spread across state lines and even around the world. In 2003 Japanese Public Television filmed Dewey, and his obituary ran in well over 200 newspapers. His story will warm your hearts, make you laugh and cry. Don't miss it. Highly recommended. - Gail Cooke