The following version of the book was used to create this study guide: Myron, Vicki. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World. Hachette Book Group, New York, NY, 2008. Kindle AZW file.

On a brutally cold day in January, 1988, Vicki Myron arrived at the Spencer Public Library where she worked as the director. A staff member announced there were noises from the book depository. It was not uncommon for pranksters to put strange things in the depository, and Vicki hoped for nothing more dangerous than a chipmunk. She found a cold, thin kitten who immediately curled into Vicki's arms and into her heart. Within minutes, Vicki had thought through the situation and was determined to keep this kitten as a permanent resident of the library – a library cat. She knew it had been done in other libraries and the staff immediately embraced the idea and Dewey. Officials allowed it though there were some concerns. Vicki and the rest of the staff began to introduce Dewey to the library patrons, and the response was an overwhelming approval. His name became Dewey Readmore Books. Over the next few years, Dewey became a beloved fixture in the library.

Vicki explained that his story resonated with the people of Spencer because he came to the library during a difficult economic time when people needed a ray of cheer and any symbol of hope. Dewey had overcome the odds and was thriving in the care of the Vicki and the library staff. Historically, the people of Spencer had faced difficulties as a community, ranging from hordes of grasshoppers to a fire that decimated downtown. In 1988, small farmers in Iowa were being pushed out by the large conglomerates. Additionally, a local plant had closed, meaning many were out of work. As Vicki set up a job bank and added more books on education and careers to the library, Dewey insisted the patrons pay attention to him. During a difficult time, he helped people find a reason to smile.

Because he became so popular in Spencer, Dewey's story soon spread to the surrounding area. Articles appeared in the state newspaper, then in regional and national publications. Some were about cats or libraries, but some were simply retelling Dewey's story. Vicki was flooded with requests for interviews, culminating in a documentary and then a film crew from Japan.

Vicki's life before Dewey had not been idyllic. She grew up in one of the rural towns near Spencer, married young, and had chronic health problems after complications during her daughter's birth. She eventually left her alcoholic husband and completed a degree with a minor in library science. She did not intend to return to Spencer but interviewed for a job at the library and fell in love with the many facets of the job. She was part of a tight-knit family, though two of her brothers died young. She was close with her daughter, Jodi, but their relationship became strained as Jodi aged. Jodi and Dewey were extremely close. Vicki knew Jodi was serious about her boyfriend Scott when she took him to meet Dewey. They married and started a family, and Vicki continued to work at the library.

Dewey aged; at one point, the library board felt it was time he was removed from the library. Vicki assured them his bedraggled coat and thin frame were simply a part of his aging process and that she would not let him become a problem. With the support of one board member, she prevailed. As she was preparing to go out of town for a wedding, a staff member called, saying Dewey was acting strangely. Vicki took him to the vet where she learned he had an aggressive tumor in his abdomen and was almost certainly in pain. Other staff members came to the vet's office to say their good-byes, but Vicki was alone with him as he died. An outpouring of sympathy arose in the coming weeks. Vicki and a staff member buried Dewey's ashes in the library garden and the library hosted a memorial service. More than 10 years after Dewey's death and 30 years since Vicki found him in the book depository, she wrote an addendum to the book. She was amazed at how many people were touched by Dewey and his story, many of them going out of their way to visit the Spencer library. Dewey had changed her life as well, not only on an emotional level but by providing the material for a successful series of books.