'Betty the cat makes a great mascot for the library'

Betty has become Acomb Explore Library's self-appointed mascot

Acomb Explore library has barely been open two hours and already there's a team member sleeping on the job - and in full view of the customers too.

Luckily for Betty the cat, napping is all part of her unofficial job description, as the self-appointed feline mascot.

"She comes in pretty much every day - quite often she'll see me parking up my bike or my car and she'll come and meet me, waiting to be let in," manager Fiona Reilly explains.

"She's such a friendly cat and she's a little bit of a superstar in the local community."

The six-year-old, black and white cat first appeared at the library several years ago, during a particularly hot summer, when she took to cooling off in the shade of the bookshelves.

Staff dubbed her 'The Great Catsby' before discovering not only did she have a real name, but also a loving family and two feline siblings, living close by.

Owner Laura Backhouse said she wasn't aware her beloved pet had taken to visiting the library, until her neighbour showed her a picture posted from Acomb Explore's social media.

According to her, Betty has always preferred the company of humans, and will return home for the evening as soon as the family are back from work and school.

"From my perspective, I always know where she is - she's safe, looked after and happy," she says.

"I know people love her, and I think it's lovely."

Visitors to the library can expect to find Betty in numerous places, including sunbathing in the community garden, although her favourite spot is by the reception desk.

There's even an extra chair available at all times, should a member of staff find theirs chosen as a prime people-watching position.

Reading and learning advisor Katie says Betty is popular with everybody

The library's reading and learning advisor Katie says Betty established herself very quickly as a much-loved addition by adults and children alike.

"She's the most patient cat I've ever met in my life, the only thing I've seen her go for is an elastic band," she says.

"She's quite a comfort - she's like a therapy cat."

Although she might be caught having more naps than her human counterparts, Betty "does her bit for fundraising for the library", according to Fiona.

A local artist recently produced some greeting cards illustrated with her likeness, which are available for purchase.

She's also a regular fixture of the library's social media page, encouraging children to take part in reading challenges.

William Spratt, IT manager for Explore York Libraries, says he always makes sure to give Betty a fuss when he's onsite.

"She's such a gentle soul, she's always really nice with the children. She'll just sit in the corner and keep an eye on things."

Betty first appeared at the library during a particularly hot summer

During her tenure as the library's mascot there have been few things that phase Betty - but she has got very particular taste in music.

"We had the opera here and as soon as they started up, she shot out of the building," Fiona says.

"But we had a choir here the other day and she really liked that. So she's very specific in what she likes."

Betty has also established a weekly routine over the last few years, one that Fiona says library staff and users hope will continue as long as possible.

"She's just a staple of the library and everybody knows about her," she adds.

"She just cheers everybody up".

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