Nottawa Township Library certainly exceeds the usual library standard, but had something particularly special in the form of “Cal the library cat.” His namesake was the Caldecott Award, given annually to the distinguished American picture book for children. He wore many different hats to accomplish his important missions.

Most patrons, upon their entrance to the library, would be greeted by a large, poofy, orange and white tabby doorman plodding down the front hallway, doing his security check. Cal was unique in that his tabby coloring was light orange on a bold, dark orange base with white chest, chin, under-side of his tail and white darts over his eyebrows. His keen eye and snout would detect if the entrant was male, female, teen or child and whether they were carrying a treat. If it was a group, a bit overwhelming to evaluate all at once, he would hunker down just inside the doorway of the conference room or kitchen to survey his hallway covert operation. 

Cal grew into his multitasking adulthood from a tiny kitten with sweet blue eyes that eventually turned green. Rescued from the rain in the library parking lot July 21, 2013, he began his reign as a tiny bundle of much-adored, purring curiosity. He became an immediate celebrity. Sir Cal began his ambassadorship soon after and continued for nine years. Readers of all ages were drawn to Nottawa Township Library because of his furry friendship. This was especially true for those who couldn’t have a cat of their own. Very young children learned how to properly interact with a feline before a family obtained one. In that sense, Cal was an important teacher. He was also a therapy cat to elderly visitors who didn’t want to adopt a cat, for fear it might outlive them. They would worry about what would happen to their beloved pet.

Our writers’ group would hold our quarterly writing retreat at the library and Cal would greet me at the door, accompany me to the checkout desk to get two treats. Then we would find a cozy nook for me to settle down to write on my computer, with Cal either seated in the chair next to me or stretched out on the carpet. He was my muse.

Over the years, I came to recognize Cal’s many perches throughout the library. Usually, they involved some sunlight on the carpet, a chair or windowsill. In my mind, he was making the rounds to keep an eye on the patrons. Since he stayed in the library overnight, who knows what mischief he got into. There is a photo, taken first thing in the morning, that reveals an open book lying face down on the floor with Cal sitting right next to it. The title . . . “This Is Mouse.” I wonder if he used reading glasses. 

As librarian emeritus in his later years, he would cruise along the bottom row of books throughout the library investigating each tome. This puss was very dedicated to his kingdom. It was with great sorrow in my heart, I learned Cal took his final cat nap before crossing the rainbow bridge on August 29, 2022. Thanks for the memories my beloved friend. Rest well.

Writer’s bio: Catherine has a special place in her heart for every animal she meets. Most recently her heart aches for all the animals who experienced Hurricane Ian. If you wish to contact Catherine, e-mail her at cgbartist@yahoo.com. 

Tip: Cal was easy to write about because of his importance to me. It is important that his legacy continue. Write about a very special animal in your life, now or in the past. Use lots of descriptive terms to bring him or her to life for the reader. Share it with your school classmates, Sunday School or Nottawa Township Library. Write about the happy times. 

Sturgis Writers’ Mill is a community of writers who constructively encourage, support and challenge each other as they discover their unique voices. Any opinion expressed is solely that of the author.