(Above: An ink drawing depicts Alden Library's Park Place entrance.)
A library is truly a sanctuary for students. Its hallowed walls enclose a wealth of knowledge, quiet spaces for reflection and study, and an overall atmosphere of encouragement and support. I have spent many hours at Ohio University’s Vernon R. Alden Library (otherwise known as just “Alden”), with friends, classmates, group members or alone. It is a resource that I have tapped throughout the years, and I am grateful for it.
That being said, good ol’ Alden Library celebrates its 40th anniversary of being a center of learning on campus. This past Friday, May 15, I attended the rededication ceremony on the library’s 4thfloor. Speakers included Becky Watts, the chief of staff and special assistant to the president; Scott Seaman, dean of libraries; Dr. Sam Crowl, Trustee Professor of English; Dr. Kathy Krendl, executive vice president and provost; and, surprise, Dr. Vernon Alden himself, now in his mid-eighties. He served as OU's fifteenth president from 1962 to 1969.
During the original dedication of the library back in '69, Dr. Alden said, “I mentioned the need for only one building specifically in my inaugural address and that was for the need of a new library. A great library is the heart of any great university.” As honoree of Friday's ceremony, he reiterated this statement and his fulfilled promise (seen in photo below).
Alden Library is both figuratively and literally the heart of campus, added Dr. Crowl. “I can’t imagine anywhere else in the world that I could’ve been in an English department that was 20 paces away from 3 million volumes,” he said, referring to the close proximity of Ellis Hall and Alden Library. In addition to books, it holds 46,000 maps and more than 36,000 films, videos and DVDs.
An Ohio University news article couldn’t have put it better: Happy 40th, Alden Library. Here’s to the next 40 years.
Photo Credit - Top image: Courtesy of Robert E. & Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections
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