Wagga Wagga City Library has become home to five extraordinarily cute robotic cats.
The cats are perfect companions for visitors to the library who want that something extra in their reading time.
Senior Library Programs Office Catherine Greenslade said the robotic cats react to voices, and purr when held and stroked.
"They even come with their own hair combs," Ms Greenslade said.
"They're available for two-hour loans in the library for anyone who wants some friendly interaction during a visit.
"And if you're allergic to real cats, we promise these ones won't make you sneeze."
Ms Greenslade said robot pets first found therapeutic use as a dementia aid – where they helped revive memories and spark communication – and were beneficial for children with autism.
"Libraries have since started adopting them to increase public engagement. Robot cats have found success in Australian libraries by providing companionship, reducing anxiety and stress, and making people feel more welcome.
"They might also help children learning to read. Reading aloud to animals has been shown to increase a child's literacy confidence. While reading to robotic pets is less studied, it may mirror the effects of reading to a live animal."
