The resurgence of relaxing reading
In an effort to get more students to read for fun and relaxation, Alden Library and the Athens County Public Library collaborated to offer a rotating collection of leisure reading titles available on the fourth floor of Alden.
March 24, 2026
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Ohio University Libraries has introduced the Alden Community Collection, a new leisure‑reading initiative designed to support student well‑being and expand access to recreational books on campus. Located on the right side of the fourth-floor entrance in Alden Library, the collection is a collaboration between the Libraries, the Honors Tutorial College, the OHIO Honors Program and the Athens County Public Library.
The idea grew from student surveys showing a strong interest in leisure reading and comfortable spaces to relax. Because many students lack transportation to visit the public library regularly, the partnership offered a simple way to bring popular reading materials directly to campus. The Athens County Public Library now supplies a rotating selection of books, giving students, faculty, staff, and community members an easy way to explore new titles.
No library card needed
The collection is intentionally designed for convenience: no library card, checkout process, or due dates. Visitors can take a book or two and return them when they’re finished. The collection's location near the fourth‑floor entrance makes it easy to browse between classes or during study breaks.
Rob Ross, dean of Ohio University Libraries, sees the collection as part of a broader commitment to student well‑being. He notes that, while supporting academic success remains the Libraries’ core mission, that success depends on students being healthy, balanced, and thriving. Libraries, he explains, should also offer spaces where students can decompress, pursue their passions, and build social connections around common interests.
Expanding access
The initiative also aligns with ideas from Kris Bross, dean of the Honors Tutorial College, who had been exploring opportunities to bring public‑library resources to campus. Her student programming will now incorporate the new collection, creating additional opportunities for engagement.
The Alden Community Collection offers a welcoming way for readers to discover new genres, enjoy a break from academic work and reconnect with the joy of reading. To help keep the shelves full for everyone, visitors are encouraged to borrow only one or two books at a time.
