SUSAN LOESCH

CATS IN THE STACKS

Barney was on the job first thing this morning and he has kept busy all day. After all, he has a lot to learn about being a library cat even if he does sport the title “Acting Head Library Cat!”

When he is ready for a break he heads to the stacks for a snooze, much like Alex did last fall when he first took over the job. It wasn’t long, though, before Alex was hanging out with us all day, and I imagine it will work the same with Barney.

He has already discovered Big Footsie’s prized green frog, with the bald spots Footsie created over the years by “kneading” the frog’s head. (more…)

Aug. 17, 2009

SUSAN LOESCH
CATS IN THE STACKS

As our students began to drift in, Alex and I were in the main hall walking around – or at least I was walking. Alex was enjoying an over-the-shoulder chauffering event.

From down the hall, I heard, “Ms. Loesch, is it true that Big Footsie died?” Gulp. I knew this was coming. “Yes, Makayla, it is true.”

Makayla’s sister piped up, “Makayla was crying.”

“Sure she was,” I said. “I did, too. In fact I cried for two days straight. It’s ok to cry.”

“Did you have a funeral for him?” she continued. “I think we should make a big poster and have Big Footsie’s picture on it and put it up in the hall so everyone remembers him.” I told her that we will decide together how to honor Big Footsie and we can certainly do posters. (more…)