Violet and Matilda wouldn’t be able to help you with a Google search or point you to the fiction book section, but they are two of the favorite staff members at the Mystic & Noank Library — so popular that when they first arrived, they were besieged with dozens of gifts.

Violet and Matilda, newly adopted, are cat rescues from the Stonington Animal Care and Control organization; both were inseparable and well-accustomed to human interaction from previous owners. Before they joined the library in March 2021, Violet and Matilda had predecessors named Mito and Emily who lived on the second floor of the library.

Emily was adopted by the library staff in 1989, blessing patrons of her new home for 17 years until her death of old age, Mito’s adoption was shorter due to poor health and being retired to stay with the library’s former director.

“Emily and Mito predated our new rescues years back,” said Chris Bradley, the library’s executive director, in an interview. “Although Emily’s stay was the longest in terms of years and memories, Mito was short as he had suffered from health issues and old age but that did not stop him from making occasional visits from time to time.”

Mito has been relegated to ambassador who now visits the newfound cats from time to time.

Settled on the second floor of the library with an expanded play area, Violet and Matilda now have the run of the place, day and night.

Roberta Donahue, children’s librarian, led the community effort to get the cats spayed by the Stonington Veterinary Hospital at a significantly lowered price. Local patrons in the community pitched in further by bringing in treats and playing with both Violet and Matilda whenever they decide to leave the second floor.

“I was surprised to see that the community still retained that fondness of the cats, especially during the pandemic we have now,” Bradley said. “Every single person who had gotten word of the library acquiring these pets were excited and wanted to join in the efforts. They practically keep our feeding and litter funds full every week; they don’t even miss a period without being scratched behind the ears or petted by locals coming in to check out a book.”

Events involving the cats have yet to be created, as the directors have yet to approve indoor activities. Concerts and book clubs continue to survive through Zoom meetings or outdoor shows, the cats have since become patrons of the digital club sessions.

“Our cats have become very fond of our Zoom meetings,” said Bradley. “They seem to be always interested in staff matters during the pandemic ... we cannot have a good book club online without one of the sisters popping up to greet the audience.”

Matthew Rascoe is a Times intern and a student at Mitchell College.