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The library was named after William B. Ogden, a native of Walton who was a postmaster in the town of Walton. Ogden was elected to represent Delaware County in the State Legislature in 1834. Later, he traveled west and was instrumental in establishing the city of Chicago, subsequently serving as its first mayor.
When he died in 1877, Ogden left funds for public purposes. One of the trustees of his estate, William O. Wheeler, visited Walton in 1892 and talked to the village about how best to invest the money. Residents of the community suggested an endowment for the library.
Construction of the library began in September 26, 1896 and was completed on July 1, 1897. Built by Alexander B. Carman of Binghamton and designed by the firm of Morris and Walker of New York City, the building was constructed of native blue stone taken partly from quarries in nearby Marvin Hollow and on Shepard Hill for a cost of $13,500.
The library opened on January 29, 1899. In 1984 The William B. Ogden Free Library was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, along with the village hall and post office located on Gardiner Place. The historic library has undergone renovation to increase its interior space and provide increased service without altering the historic structure.
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