The Alden Room is named in honor of Jessica Alden, our College's very first librarian. Ms. Alden attended Oneonta Normal School and graduated in 1906. After completing the library course at Simmons College and then teaching in Massachusetts and California, Ms. Alden returned to Oneonta Normal School in 1912 when she joined the staff of 26 faculty.

Jessica Alden
The Alden Room itself is original to our current Milne Library, which was completed in 1974.

Front doors of the Alden Room shortly after construction of the library in 1974

One of the many beautiful displays by Martha Chambers

The original furniture, carpet, and layout of the Alden Room