What happens when a group of cat-loving librarians starts wishing for a library cat? In Alexandria, Virginia, they turn that simple idea into a beloved community tradition that has delighted thousands of residents and proved that libraries can bring people together in unexpected ways.
The Alexandria Library Cat Contest began with a conversation in the Adult Services Department at Central Library. Several staff members joked about how wonderful it would be to have a real library cat roaming the stacks and greeting visitors. While an actual feline employee wasn’t in the cards, the idea sparked a different question: what if the community could help choose a Library Cat instead?
The inspiration came after librarian Sara Severn learned about another public library that hosted a summer pet show. Alexandria is filled with devoted pet owners, so adapting the concept for the library seemed like a natural fit. Working with colleagues in Youth Services, the library launched its first Dog Days of Summer Community Pet Show.
Dogs attended the event in person, but cats participated virtually through photographs—a much more cat-friendly arrangement. Just seven cats were entered that first year, with their photos enlarged into posters that were paraded through the crowd before judges selected a winner. Jasmine earned the title of Alexandria Library Cat and spent the following year in poster form, proudly displayed in the library.
The small contest planted the seeds for something much bigger.
Library staff realized that a stand-alone Library Cat contest could become a fun way to engage adults and families during the busy summer months, when meeting rooms are largely devoted to children’s programming. Better yet, a virtual contest would allow anyone to participate from home while still encouraging visits to the library.
In 2025, the Library Cat Contest returned with a new level of ambition.
Two of the 2025 Finalists
Sara partnered with fellow librarian Jessica and the library’s Communications Department to create a full-scale community campaign. Coincidentally, it was an election year, making nominations, campaigns, and voting feel especially timely. Library visitors were invited to “elect” Alexandria’s next Library Cat through online and in-person voting.
To generate excitement, life-sized foam cutouts of the reigning Library Cat were placed throughout the library. Complete with soft finger-knit tails that perfectly matched the cat’s fur, the displays quickly became favorites with visitors, especially children who couldn’t resist giving the tails a gentle pet. More than one patron had to do a double-take before realizing the cat wasn’t real.
The library also launched an extensive social media campaign and displayed large promotional posters in all four branches. The community responded enthusiastically.
Instead of a handful of entries, the library received 174 cat submissions from across the region. The contest even caught the attention of local media, earning recognition as a featured weekend activity by the website DC City Cast.
Selecting finalists proved challenging. An inaugural Cat Committee narrowed the field to twelve feline candidates, whose photos were displayed both online and at a physical voting station at the Beatley Central Library location. During the voting period, more than 1,800 votes were cast by community members eager to support their favorite cat.
Castiel on May the Firth, Declaring His Allegiance
The contest became more than just an online vote—it became a library experience. Patrons smiled when they spotted the finalists displayed at the Information Desk, and conversations about favorite cats filled the library’s social media and hallways.
To extend the fun, visitors could complete a cat-themed scavenger hunt that introduced them to library collections and spaces they might not otherwise explore. Participants who completed the hunt earned an upcycled souvenir magnet that quietly revealed the winning cat a week before the official announcement on social media and at the library.
Community partnerships also helped elevate the program. Local nonprofit Mt. Purrnon Cat Café enthusiastically promoted the contest and demonstrated how local organizations and libraries can work together to celebrate shared community interests.
Even after election season ended, the Library Cat continued making appearances. Life-sized cutouts of the reigning champion Castiel appeared in seasonal displays throughout the year, sporting Halloween costumes, winter hats, and other festive accessories. Staff frequently moved the displays to different locations, creating an informal scavenger hunt that delighted both children and adults.
One question, however, became increasingly common.
“Where’s the Library Dog?”
After hearing that question countless times, Alexandria Library decided it was time to expand the program.
The 2026 Library Cat Contest submissions opened on June 29, welcoming canine competitors for the first time with the introduction of the Duncan Dog contest alongside the search for Alexandria’s next Library Cat. The addition reflects Alexandria’s deep affection for dogs, particularly in the Del Ray neighborhood, where four-legged companions are a familiar sight on sidewalks and patios.
This year’s contest also includes several refinements. Submission guidelines will place greater emphasis on each pet’s unique story while providing clearer guidance about the types of photographs that work best. To celebrate Alexandria’s own community, entries will be limited to individuals eligible for an Alexandria Library card.
The library is also strengthening its partnerships with local animal rescue organizations. Mt. Purrnon Cat Café returns as a community partner, joined this year by King Street Cats. Both organizations help amplify the contest while supporting animal welfare throughout the city.
2025 Winner Castiel with His Trophy
A newly formed Cat Selection Task Force will review submissions and select the finalists that will advance to public voting, which will once again be available both online and at select library branches.
What began as a lighthearted conversation among cat-loving librarians has evolved into an annual celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the special bond people share with their pets. Along the way, the contest has introduced new audiences to the library, encouraged visitors to explore collections and services, and provided thousands of Alexandrians with moments of joy.
Now, with dogs joining the race, Alexandria Library’s friendliest election season is about to become even more paws-itively competitive.
-Sara Severn, Librarian I, Alexandria Library and Jessica Shea, Librarian I, Alexandria Library
