When a Florissant library patron told librarian Jennie Tesch she was looking for a home for a litter of kittens, Tesch saw an opportunity to revive a centuries-old library tradition. One of those kittens found a home at the Florissant Public Library, where Smudge has since become both the library’s resident mouser and its biggest celebrity.

Libraries and bookstores have long attracted rodents, which are drawn to paper for nesting. Surrounded by trees and filled with books, the Florissant library had struggled with mice for years.

“We’re a building full of paper materials nestled in the trees,” Tesch said. “We’ve always had issues with mice wanting to make their home at the library. We had been using bait stations, but the mice would die in random places and then it was a matter of following the smell. It was gross.”

The arrival of Smudge changed that.

“The idea of having a library cat just seemed to click,” Tesch said. “Ever since Smudge was old enough to hunt, we haven’t had any more issues with mice.”

While Smudge has proven himself an effective mouser, his role extends far beyond pest control.

He arrived at the library when he was just five weeks old, and it has been his home ever since. According to Program Facilitator Jane Backstrom, Smudge quickly won over visitors of all ages.

“When he was little, he would let the kids push him around in this little toy grocery cart we have,” Backstrom said. “He’s great with kids, but we also have adults who come to the library just to spend time with Smudge. There’s a man who comes in fairly regularly with chicken and loves to just sit and visit with him.”

Smudge has become a regular participant in library life, especially during board meetings and book clubs. His popularity has even inspired an official Smudge Club, complete with an ever-growing collection of Smudge trading cards.

On July 11, Smudge celebrated his first birthday, drawing fans from across Teller County. The celebration featured six poster boards filled with birthday wishes, a cookie decorating station, a cat mask coloring table and a gift table piled with treats and toys.

“Because Smudge isn’t an official part of the library, his care and supplies are provided by me or through donations from library patrons,” Tesch said. “It’s always wonderful when people bring him things like kitty litter and food.”

As the party grew louder, Smudge eventually slipped away for a quiet break.

“That’s what he does,” Backstrom said. “Overall, he’s a very calming presence at the library, but he can also get the zoomies, and sometimes he just needs some time to himself. We make sure he gets quiet time when he needs it — he’s got a few secret spots for that.”

For Tesch, the celebration was as much for the community as it was for the cat.

“Everyone just loves him,” she said. “He became such a big part of this library so quickly. How could we not throw him a party?”