Dewey Readmore Books was no ordinary cat. Abandoned in a library return box on a freezing winter morning in Spencer, Iowa, Dewey would go on to become a beloved fixture in the community and a worldwide symbol of hope, comfort, and the simple joys of small-town life. His story, as told in the bestselling book Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by librarian Vicki Myron, reveals how one stray kitten found his way into the hearts of people across the globe.
A Cold Beginning and a New Home
On January 18, 1988, Vicki Myron, the head librarian of the Spencer Public Library, made a discovery that would change her life—and the lives of countless others. Inside the metal book return slot, she found a tiny, frostbitten orange kitten, barely clinging to life. Despite the bitter cold and the harsh circumstances of his abandonment, the kitten displayed a strong will to survive and an affectionate personality that charmed everyone who met him.
Vicki named him Dewey Readmore Bookss, a fitting moniker for a cat who would soon become as much a part of the library as the shelves themselves. Dewey quickly made himself at home, greeting patrons, napping in bookshelves, and curling up in laps during storytime. He wasn’t just a pet—he became a mascot, a friend, and a source of joy for the community.
Dewey’s Impact on the Community
Spencer, Iowa, is a small, rural town that—like many others in America—faced its share of economic and social struggles in the 1980s and ’90s. Dewey’s presence brought a sense of unity and cheer to the town. Children loved visiting the library just to see him, elderly patrons found comfort in his quiet companionship, and visitors from out of town began to stop by the library hoping to catch a glimpse of the now-famous feline.
Dewey had a special way of connecting with people. He instinctively knew who needed attention, often choosing to sit with someone going through a difficult time. His empathy was uncanny, and many library-goers reported feeling a deep sense of peace and comfort when Dewey was near.
His fame spread through newspaper articles, local television features, and eventually international media coverage. Letters and gifts poured in from admirers around the world, and Spencer found itself unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight—all thanks to a small orange cat.
The Global Phenomenon
Dewey lived at the library for 19 years, during which time he continued to delight and inspire those around him. After his death in 2006, Vicki Myron decided to share his story with the world. Her book, Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, co-written with Bret Witter, was published in 2008 and quickly became a bestseller.
The book resonated with readers across the globe. Translated into over 30 languages and sold in more than 90 countries, Dewey’s story touched millions. It wasn’t just about a cat—it was about resilience, community, healing, and the extraordinary power of love found in unexpected places.
Readers wrote to Vicki sharing how Dewey’s story had helped them through grief, illness, depression, and loneliness. Dewey became more than a symbol of a library cat; he became a beacon of hope and kindness in a sometimes overwhelming world.
Dewey’s Lasting Legacy
Though Dewey passed away in 2006, his legacy endures in Spencer and beyond. A statue of him stands in the library he once called home, and his story continues to be shared with new generations of readers. The book’s success also led to sequels, including Dewey’s Nine Lives and Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library!, a children’s version that introduces young readers to his heartwarming tale.
More than a decade after his passing, Dewey remains a beloved figure, reminding us all of the transformative power of compassion. In a world that can often feel cold and chaotic, his story offers warmth, connection, and the enduring reminder that even the smallest lives can leave the biggest impact.
Dewey’s tale is not just a feel-good animal story—it is a testament to the human spirit, and to the way a simple act of kindness can ripple outward in extraordinary ways. From a forgotten kitten in a book drop to an international icon, Dewey’s journey proves that sometimes, the most remarkable stories begin in the most unlikely places.
