The Clymer-French Creek Free Library has brought in a new library cat, Violet, to see if she will be a good fit for the library and community. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

CLYMER — There is a new furry face to be found among the bookshelves at the Clymer-French Creek Free Library.

The library has officially introduced a library cat to the library, opening for the first time with the cat on Wednesday, July 16. The Clymer-French Creek Free Library is located at 564 Clymer-Sherman Road and is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Library Director Alice Cook, said the cat, Violet, was brought to the library after being found by her sister.

“There was this absolute sweetheart of a cat who decided to adopt my sister’s family as her humans,” Cook said. “Unfortunately, my sister does not have a huge place and already has other animals, so the cat has largely been an outside cat. We agreed on a trial run to see if she’d be a good fit as a library cat since libraries and cats go together so well and she would receive lots of attention. Also, we figured she would be great for pest prevention in our old building.”

Cook said Violet is very friendly and very vocal, so she will meow whenever she is trying to get attention or find her way around, as she is in a new place. Also when trying to get attention Violet may give kisses or try to jump higher to be closer to someone. Cook added that she is very patient with little children and enjoys all of the petting.

“She is still a little bit skittish of the door opening right now, but that will probably dissipate,” Cook said. “If she rolls over, only pet her belly if you’re ready for her to play and bat at you because belly pets equal play mode.”

When stopping by the library these days, Violet is still getting used to the space so Cook said she may go upstairs into the library’s attic if she wants to be alone, so she may not always be around when people come in. If she is out and about though, Cook said she will love any attention people want to give her, adding that people should “expect a friendly, cuddly cat.”

“She may get on tables or chairs to be closer to you,” Cook said. “Don’t be afraid to push her off if you don’t want her there. She’ll be fine, and we want her to get the hint. She will rub up against you, meow for attention, and relish any pets you’ll give her. If you don’t want any cat attention, make sure to let me know and I can occupy her while you’re here.”

The most important thing people should know about Violet, Cook said, is that she loves people and that the library staff love her. Right now, Violet is in a trial run at the library to see if having a library cat is a good fit for Clymer, and to make sure it is the best thing for Violet as well. The library is also keeping both front doors closed for now to keep Violet in, so Cook reminded visitors to the library to close the inside door on the way in or out, or to ask for assistance if someone’s hands are full.

“If you are excited about her or if you have any qualms with a library cat, it is so important to let us know so we can make the best decision for the library and Violet,” Cook said. “Don’t worry, Violet will always have a home with either us or my sister if it doesn’t work out here, but we would so love for it to work out.”