The library is named after William B. Ogden, a former Postmaster of Walton.  Ogden was elected to represent Delaware County in the state legislature in 1834. Later he traveled west and helped to establish the city of Chicago, subsequently serving as its first mayor.  When he died in 1877, Ogden left funds for public purposes.  The residents of Walton suggested the endowment be used for a library. 

The services of New York City firm, Morris and Walker were employed to design the building.  Construction began in 1896 and was completed in 1898, at a cost of $13,500.  Built by Alexander Carman of Binghamton, it was constructed from native bluestone taken in part from quarries in Marvin Hollow and Shepard Hill.  The library opened to the public on January 29, 1899.

In 1984 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A portrait of Mr. Ogden hangs above the fireplace on the main level.  

The Mission of the Library:
The mission of the William B. Ogden Free Library is to enrich the literary and cultural lives of our community members, and to preserve the integrity of the historic structure of the library.