Blue Mountains News

MetaCats are life-like cats that not only look adorable; they’re designed to reduce stress and anxiety. With soft realistic fur, animated LED eyes, a simulated heartbeat, and response to voice commands, they provide emotional comfort and promote calm and joy. They’re aimed at anyone but are particularly popular with children, those suffering from anxiety and dementia patients.

The Blue Mountains Library has purchased two of these cats for its upper and lower Blue Mountains branches and will introduce them during NSS events in May. NSS is a popular event held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “We’re delighted to once again support an event that’s fun while promoting something as important as reading and literacy, and community connection.

“Now in its 25^th year, National Simultaneous Storytime involves the reading of a children's book by an Australian author and illustrator that explores age-appropriate themes and addresses key learning areas.

“The book is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places all around the country.”

This year, the chosen work is the award-winning Australian book, The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel (illustrated by Danny Snell), making this event the purr-fect time to launch the library’s two cats.

There’s also the chance for the whole community to get involved in naming the library’s furry friends. Anyone can drop their name suggestions in a ‘cat-flap’ nomination box at any library branch by 7 June, with the most creative names selected.

“This will be a fun-filled community day of storytelling and a bit of feline magic,” Cr Greenhill said. “So, mark the day in your diaries and join our libraries in promoting reading and community connection.”

Metacat launch at National Simultaneous Storytime events:

• 21 May Katoomba Library Storytime 11am – 11:30am
• 22 May Blaxland Library Storytime 11am – 11:30am
• 23 May Springwood Library Storytime 11am – 11:30am

The Metacats will then spend time rotating between all branches until 7 June when naming suggestions will close.

Following this they will live at their 'furever' homes at Springwood and Katoomba branches with occasional visits to branch libraries and library events.

Submit your Metacat name ideas by 7 June.

Find out more at: here