Why wouldn't helping us in our duties be 'earning your keep'? [The concept is strange to the Cat. The patrons were asked to stay. Why would they demand more from them than what the Head Librarian had asked?]

Your assistance is all that we ask of our patrons. We will try to assist those who would like other pursuits to make this place more homelike but you are not required to have jobs here. Is there some specific work that you would like to take up in your spare time?