'Dewey' author to sign books at Le Mars library

The Le Mars Public Library will host a book signing by northwest Iowa author Vicki Myron Thursday.

Myron is the author of "Dewey, The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World" and the children's book, "Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!"

She will be signing copies of both books from 5-6:30 p.m. Copies of both books will be available for purchase that evening.

Her books tell the story of a kitten abandoned in the Spencer Public Library's book drop on a cold January morning in 1988.

Myron, the library's director, pulled the kitten from the book drop box, and immediately the kitten made friends with the library staff.

It wasn't long before Dewey Readmore Books or Dewey for short, was a permanent resident of the library, where he stayed until he died in 2006.

"I always knew Dewey had a big story," said Myron.

Through the years, Dewey had gained national and international attention as his position as the official library cat.

His death received the same attention.

Myron was contacted by several book agents after Dewey died, wanting to do a book about the cat.

"I didn't want a quick, cute book," Myron said.

Eventually, she connected with agent Peter McGuigan.

"He believed in publishing a real book," Myron said.

What she needed, however, was a writer.

"I told him I don't have time, find me a co-writer," Myron said.

Soon she was talking to writer Brett Witter, from Kentucky, who didn't know about doing a story on a dead cat.

The two hit it off in a phone conversationas Myron shared the story of Dewey.

Within a couple hours, Witter sent Myron a couple paragraphs on what they had discussed on the phone.

"It was like my voice," she said.

The book came out in 2008, and Myron said she's busier than when she was Spencer's town librarian.

"I knew the book would be big, but I never expected all of this," said Myron of the book signings and tours.

While traveling and touring, Myron and Witter have written two more children's books.

"There will be a middle school age 'Dewey' book out in March, very similar to the original 'Dewey' but geared to reluctant readers," said Myron.

They also have a Christmas Dewey book slated for 2010.

Also in the works is a second adult book, a sequel to "Dewey."

That book, Myron said, will include stories from other people she's received since Dewey's death, and chapters about truly incredible stories and how the cat changed people's lives.

"It's amazing the stories I hear on the road and through the letters I get," Myron said.

The story of Dewey is in 36 countries now.

"Dewey was truly special in the way he loved people. He had a sixth sense and just adored everyone.

"I always called him an old soul in a cat's body. I never considered Dewey a cat. We had a bond that was unbelievable," Myron said.

Myron said she's happy to do book signings at local libraries.

She added being friends with Le Mars Public Library director Sue Kroesche makes the Le Mars stop special.

The Spencer Public Library still gets visitors from all over the world who make a special point to visit there to see where Dewey lived, the book drop, the heater he laid in front of, the guest book and his final resting place in front of the library.

"Dewey's magic continues to happen," Myron said.

See more about Dewey at www.deweyreadmorebooks.com.