In January 1988, a small tabby kitten was rescued from the Spencer Public Library book return by library staffers and named Dewey Readmore Books. However, in his 19-year life, Dewey rescued not only the library, but its patrons, staff, and even the city of Spencer, Iowa, which struggled like many Midwestern towns. Whether graciously dealing with rough toddlers or befriending well-known cat haters, Dewey was, and remains, the perfect poster child not only for reading, but for acceptance, love and forgiveness.