via iStock/Andypott
When the Contemporary Art Museum stopped hosting the Internet Cat Video Festival, Stacey Lewis started thinking: “Wouldn’t that be a fun program for the library?” A cat-lover herself, Lewis set about making that happen.
Lewis, the manager of adult programming for the library district, initially envisioned the event as smaller, a chance for visitors to “maybe meet other folks in the community that are also cat-minded.” Or, she adds, “meet a new furry family member.” The event grew—“dare I say exploded,” says Lewis—gaining more programming and community support.
And thus, CatCon was born. Held on August 10, a.k.a. International Cat Day, at the Grant’s View branch (9700 Musick, 314-994-3300) from 6–8 p.m., the convention builds from the base idea—Cats! Libraries!—and resurrects some of the CAM spirit. Unlike the International Cat Video Fest, though, the library’s event is free.
Lewis hand-curated an endless playlist of cat videos for the big day. Selections will include gems such as "An Engineer's Guide to Cats."
Refreshments will be provided. Thursday’s event also includes adoptable cats (courtesy of Animal House Cat Rescue and Adoption Center, Stray Haven Rescue, and Tenth Life). The Animal Protective Association will provide educational materials.
And for those less interested in learning, more interested in furry friends, the library will provide the ingredients for pipe-cleaner cat ears and “catnip kickers”—socks or fabric full of stuffing and catnip. Lewis and a colleague will also present a DIY cat-bed showcase, which demonstrates ways to make cool cat beds from materials like an old suitcase. “You always see it on YouTube, but sometimes it’s nice to see it in person and hear from folks,” says Lewis.
The event fits well with the library’s mission to provide programming that people wouldn’t exactly expect. “I think it’s really going to be a lot of fun for the community, just focusing on a different way to interact and find out about community organizations,” says Lewis. Plus, she hopes it’ll draw a younger crowd that isn’t always reached by other library events.
“Hopefully if all goes well, this will not be our last one,” says Lewis, who—based on the extent of the excitement and positive response so far—thinks the event might turn annual. And she hopes to give dog-lovers a chance with a Bark Con down the line.
Creative outfits are encouraged: You’ll spot Lewis in her Pusheen shirt.
CatCon is free to all on Thursday, August 10 from 6–8 p.m. located in the Grant’s View branch library (9700 Musick, 314-994-3300).
