Between 2010 and 2019, Cauli Le Chat (2006?-2020), feline roving reporter for Mooresville Public Library (Mooresville, Indiana), reported all things interesting to cats (and humans) happening at the library. Related stories from across the state (and beyond) were also included.
It must be like the Doctor's TARDIS--bigger on the inside than the outside.
I don't think patrons are allowed to take the elevator to Santa's workshop. It would spoil the surprises Santa will be bringing for Christmas. So best to just imagine.
Of course, I've taken the elevator, but, then, we journalists have access to such things. Power of the press, and all that.
The Decorinator and BizMeister have just put-up our October decorations around the library. 'Tis the season to be Halloweeny, to be sure. The decorations are wonderful, as always, but I have to take issue with a few of them.
Surely, I don't look like the felines in these photos! (As always, click the pictures to bigify them.)
That's Not Moi
Not Moi, Neither
Definitely Not Moi with Charlie Brown and Peppermint Patty
Cute, But Still Misses the Mark
We black kitties are NOT always arching our backs and hissing-and-spitting, I hope you know. I understand the reputation black cats have, especially around this time of year--it's an unfair stereotype (just ask the ancient Egyptians)--but we need to fight against unfair stereotypes, right, librarians? Or should I play this game, too?
Deux Can Play At This Game, Librarians!
All Dolled Up For Work, Barbie?
Right Back At'cha, Shush Lady
Some of our old favorites have a new look.
Hank & Willy Are Ready For Trick-or-Treating
Haunted Kiddy Crossthrough Is New!
It should be another fun month at the library. We've got several Halloween-themed programs happening later in October, so visit our online events calendar to see dates and times.
Remember--if you see a black cat crossing your path, it means s/he is going somewhere. Black cats always bring good luck to everyone who knows them. Just ask all of my library colleagues and friends.
The Decorinator and BizMeister have been plenty busy putting up holiday displays for December. They created some nice new ones to go along with old favorites. As always, click the photos to bigify.
Many happy returns to you, too
There's a huge wreath above the automated book return next to the Friends of the Library book sale room.
Straight from the Arctic Circle (or maybe the Circle K)
This nifty igloo is constructed from plastic milk and water gallon jugs. It looks cold, but actually it's quite comfortable to lay inside.
Hank and Willie looking dapper in their holiday gear
Can you see the lights?
Our stuffed slobberdog warms up by the faux fireplace
As you may recall, we've had some close calls with the faux fireplace in the past, especially with my "flat" counterparts.
Holiday books, movies, music, etc., available to checkout
One of my personal favorite DVDs
Our other faux fireplace
This fireplace is an actual heater that blows real heat. The blower is turned off right now, though, so only the pretty fire is running.
Flames look plenty real to moi
Mr. & Mrs. Claus light-up the bottom of our automated book return
Stop by the library sometime in December to see all these (and many other) wonderful decorations. Once again, the Decorinator and BizMeister have outdone themselves with their creativity.
The Decorinator has brought out her slobberdog Christmas display. As always, click the photos to bigify.
That slobberdog knows a comfy spot to nap--right next to the faux fireplace. I'd lie there moiself, but I'm not allowed in the public areas of the library (actually, I'm not even supposed to come inside, but sometimes I do, even so). Anyway, it's faux fire, so there's no actual warmth (but there is psychological warmth). Not that our slobberdog would notice the difference.
This is probably my favorite display of the Decorinator's. "Flat" Cauli, however, is scared of it. Here's why.
While in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1944, Valentine Davies (1905-1961) wrote the story from which director George Seaton (1911-1979) wrote the screenplay for the movie Miracle on 34th Street (1947). Davies was discouraged by the rampant commercialism that had invaded the Christmas holiday season, and so he wondered what the real Santa Claus would say if he were to walk into a modern American department store after Thanksgiving. So he created this wonderful fictional tale of Kris Kringle, who lived in a senior citizens community home on Long Island but became the store Santa at Macy's Department Store on West 34th Street in Manhattan.
Following development of the movie, Davies wrote a novelization based upon the screenplay (and also elements from his original story). The book is as good as the movie, and we have it available to checkout from our Evergreen Indiana catalog. Our book trailer summarizes the plot.
MPL Book Trailer #233 Miracle on 34th Street, by Valentine Davies
Davies received the 1948 Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Story, while Seaton garnered Best Adapted Screenplay. Edmund Gwenn, who played Kris Kringle in the movie, captured the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
The movie was remade in 1994, and I'm sure it was fine. My minions said it was okay. We're not big fans of remakes, but that's no reason not to watch it, if you want.
Treat yourselves to this wonderful book and the movie, too, which is also available in our Evergreen Indiana catalog. There's a colorized version (2006), but it's better in the original black-and-white. See if you can find a copy of the original.
I love this movie and book. Okay, minions, time to read to moi, then we'll watch the film. Snacks, sooner than later, minions. Just saying.
Your Roving Reporter On The Go,
Cauli Le Chat
P.S. Here's a clip from the original 1947 movie in which Kris Kringle explains that Christmas isn't just a day; it's a frame of mind. What a wonderful philosophy!
The Decorinator and BizMeister have created a charming gingerbread decoration for the entrance to my Library's youth services department.
Click Photo to Bigify
That will surely inspire our kiddy patrons' imaginations. Sugar plums dancing, and such like. It is a beautiful frontispiece to youth services. I hope nobody tries to eat anything--even though it all looks delicious.
Superb job, as always, Decorinator and BizMeister!
Not all fairies are cute little fellas. Well, maybe you think they're cute, but they scare moi, and, as you know, I don't scare easily. These Leprechaun dudes recently invaded my library and took up residence in various nooks and crannies, as well as occupying some rather comfy chairs and high elevations. I surreptitiously snapped some photos of these impish interlopers:
Hey! Dude! That's MY Chair!
Looks like this Leppy is pretty "relaxed," if you catch my drift.
Okay, This One Just Creeps Me Out
Bet that "walking stick" is really a magic wand or maybe a dowsing rod. Wonder what you can find with it (if it's used for dowsing)?
A Leprechaun Slobberdog Sleeping on the Job
(Big Surprise There!)
Well, I don't take invasions lying down! I'm going to go right up to these sprites and show them who's boss kitty 'round these parts.
Cauli Le Chat
MPL Roving Reporter
Celtic News Beat
P.S. (last edited March 9, 2025): Enjoy this wonderful Irish ballad, "Sweet King William's Town," written by Irish immigrant Daniel Buckley ("Dannie") (1890-1918) (not to be confused with "our" Danny Buckley, whom I call The Music Man, who composes soundtracks for our Library's videos). Dannie lived in New York City after surviving the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. He later served in the U.S. Army during World War I. He was the last American soldier killed in action, when he was shot by a sniper while trying to rescue injured comrades. Dannie's song (and brief biography, see video below) is performed by Mick Moloney and Haley Richardson, from "By Memory Inspired: Mick Moloney's Songbook" (Irish Arts Center YouTube channel, 2020). Learn more about Dannie Buckley in the book The Irish Aboard Titanic, by Senan Molony (Wolfhound Press, 2001; revised edition, Mercier Press, 2012), which is also available online in Amazon Kindle format (2023).
