We are big fans of library cats here, and I bet you are too. In fact, there’s even a library cat named Browser featured in the first Rescued anthology my human published. Just this week, I heard about a different Browser the Library Cat, this one living at the White Settlement Public Library in Texas. This Browser is in danger of losing his job because the City Council has voted to have him removed!
It all started when one city employee’s puppy wasn’t allowed to come to work. Apparently, this person didn’t understand the difference between a family pet and an animal that was performing a service and complained. Then a couple of cat hating council members took up the cause and voted to have Browser removed, claiming allergy concerns — this after being presented with a petition containing 618 signatures (not an insignificant number in a city of just over 16,000 residents) urging them to keep Browser. Several people (including cat allergic people) spoke in Browser’s favor. Even mayor Ron White wants him to stay. But Council member Elzie Clements told the local weekly, Grizzly Detail, “City Hall and city businesses are no place for animals.” This sad minority opinion won out.
Browser is not exactly a kitty-come-lately at the library. The former shelter cat has been keeping children happy and mice at bay at the White Settlement Public Library since 2010. In fact, it was the City Council back then that voted to have him there. Keeping Browser at the library costs taxpayers nothing — expenses for his food and care are paid for by library employees, donations, and through yearly fundraising. Browser has even had his own calendar. The friendly cat has been a favorite among patrons young and old, and made the library a welcome place to visit. Library cats are important mascots, and often inspire people to be more supportive of their local libraries. That certainly has been true for Browser and the White Settlement Public Library. Now all that could come to an end in this small town when Browser’s 30-day notice is up on July 14.
There is one last chance to save Browser’s position at the library. Mayor White is hoping the Council will reconsider their decision at their July 12 meeting. Support is growing for Browser, including a petition that, as of right now, has over 7,500 signatures. Can you help show Browser and the library patrons of White Settlement that you’ve got their back? You can do so below:
Sign the petition for Browser to keep his library cat job here.
Write to the Council members of White Settlement here (remember, it pays to be nice!).
Show your support and follow Browser on Facebook here.
See all of Summer’s merch at her Designercat Shop, available on Zazzle.
SO glad to read that Browser can stay!
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20160701/us–odd-library_cat_reinstated-c1858fe472.html
This is just wrong. We had Mom sign the petition. Sure hope it helps. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
I’m so glad Browser got a stay and I know this post had a lot to do with it. Thanks for publicizing this.
I don’t know why people have to be such haters.
Thanks for spreading the word, Summer. I had just signed the petition!
We just signed the petition! How upsetting that a couple of petty people can ruin things for everyone. 🙁
The idea that this is just sour grapes over someone who couldn’t play bring your puppy to work day makes us hissing mad. There’s a big difference between a cat or dog with a job and refusing to leave your family pet at home. Our human is off to sign the petition right now.
Hacked Off by this. Signing and promoting!
It’s a sad world, isn’t it?
Mom signed the petition to let Browser keep his job – and his home!
Poor Browser. How sad that a few spoilsports can ruin things for everyone. Off to sign the petition right now!
we signed the petition, Summer! we sure hope the council reconsiders and Browser can stay.
pip, smidgen, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto
Summer, I have signed and shared this petition. I do pray that Browser will be able to keep his *job*. . . ♥♥♥
I signed. How awful they want to remove Browser from people who may need him. Very sad. It doesn’t take much to make people happy, I’m not sure why there is so much bitterness in the world.
We signed the petition.
So dumb. It’s sad what a few cat-haters can do.
This makes me so angry, how can someone not know the difference between bringing a dog to work and a cat that is working. I will definitely help. I think that person should be fired too.
We will sign the petition. Some times small people who don’t get their way, can make big mistakes. 🙁
the critters in the cottage xo
Mom signed the petition, w rote to the Mayor, and did all the other things asked for. THANK you Summer.
Signed the petition. Hope he can stay at the library.
Oh I hope this petition works and Broswer can stay.
Broswer MUST stay at his home, the library! And I love the Warriors books like pictured with him. 😉
i hope the petition is successful. let’s hope browser proves the adage ‘you can’t fight city hall’ wrong.
We have a library cat at our local library – he waits every day at the door waiting to be let in when it’s opening time.
We signed the petition and emailed all the members of the council (nicely). We’re also going back to our own post and adding a line at the bottom to check out the details here. Thank you for letting us know!
This makes us so mad!!! We’re going to share the petition on our facebook page!
Summer we just heard that Blog paws will be in South Carolina next year. OMCs that is very close to us
Hugs madi your bfff
We signed the petition yesterday after reading it on “Mousebreath” online magazine. Thank you for helping bring this to your reader’s attention. We live in Texas and feel very strongly about Browser keeping his place within his life long library domicile. Let’s help Browser. Purrs
We read about Browser on Facebook. Some humans can be so stoopid! We’re purring that Browser can keep his job.
We’ve shared the petition pretty Summer. Texas needs to put out a full scale IDIOT ALERT!
signed and shared the petition Summer,xx Speedy
We just signed the petition. Sending purr prayers that he keeps his job.
my lady has already signed the petition. Hoping that Browser can keep his job
Humans are so fragile.
One purrson gets upset and makes sure everyone else suffers,
We purr Bowser will be allowed to stay.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ