Harry the Library Cat, who spent his days loitering around Sólheimasafn library in Langholt has been barred from the premises due to one library goer’s allergies.
Since Harry began hanging out at the library during opening hours, the local house cat has become popular with staff and visitors.
“I live in the neighbourhood and take my daughter to the library now and again,” said Sigrún Jónsdóttir, library regular. “[Harry] is always around and is incredibly sweet and good natured. Everyone who comes by the library pets him and has a little chat, but last month I found out that a complaint had lodged against Harry, then this morning I asked the staff about it and found out that he was not allowed to come by any longer.”
Sigrún says that it is unfair that one person with allergies can wield such an influence on Harry’s presence in the library and thinks that individual should instead visit another library or use the book-mobile.
Alas, the fact remains that legally pets aren’t allowed in public buildings and the well being of humans has to come first.
“Well there’s a customer here who has a terrible cat allergy and asked very nicely that Harry not be allowed in here,”said library manager, Óskar Guðjónsson. “Harry is just a house cat from the neighbourhood who has gotten into the habit of dropping in on us… he’s even taught himself how to open the door… but people have the right to go to the library and not come in contact with a cat or dog.”
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