Help Browser the Library Cat Keep His Job!

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!

A photo posted by White Settlement Library (@wslibrary) on Jun 13, 2016 at 9:02am PDT

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.

A photo posted by White Settlement Library (@wslibrary) on Apr 6, 2016 at 1:19pm PDT

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.
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