Max the Library Cat Returns to Macalester College in Painting Form
Rebecca Wingo
Back in 2017, a sign posted on the door of a library at St. Paul’s Macalester College went viral. “Please do not let in the cat,” it read. “His name is Max. Max is nice. His owner does not want Max in the Library. We do not want Max in the Library.”
Max belonged to a couple who lived in the neighborhood, one of whom worked at the college, and he’d just gotten a little too bold with his campus wanderings. It was exactly the kind of fluffy story people needed to take their minds off more serious world events—as Chris Schommer, who created the sign, told Twin Cities Geek at the time, “People love libraries, people love cats, the internet loves all those things.”
Max and his owners have since moved away from Minnesota, but the Star Tribune reports the orange tabby has now been immortalized in an oil painting that will live in the library that was originally trying to keep him out:
Library staff will get the 3-foot by 2-foot print framed, then hang it in a prominent place to allow current students and staff to pose for selfies with Max. And the print will likely provide lighthearted fodder for tour guides showing off the campus to prospective students, she said.
See the painting at the Star Tribune, and read the whole story of Max’s 15 minutes of fame here on Twin Cities Geek. You can also follow @cool_cat_max_and_gracie on Instagram to keep up with Max’s current adventures.
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About the Author
Madeleine Vasaly
Madeleine is Twin Cities Geek's co-head and senior editor, managing the editorial team and running the organization with editor-in-chief Hal Bichel. She's also a freelance editor, proofreader, and publishing consultant and the author of The Proofreader's Guide to Comic Book Style.
