Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers, 1896-2005 | Dr. JoAnn Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University

The Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers is arranged into five series by material type. The first series contains mostly photocopied material used to create a biography of Milner. Series II holds correspondence written and received by Milner as part of an information gathering project she headed in 1912. Series III includes materials related to library administrative duties during her time as the university's first librarian. Series IV contains notebooks holding the library lecture notes she created. Series V holds copies of a photograph and two pieces of ephemera.

The Angeline Vernon Milner University Librarian (Dean) Papers contain materials pertaining to the first library director at Illinois State University. The papers include biographical information, correspondence between libraries, Milner Library statistics, lecture notebooks, photographs, and ephemera.

Milner, Angeline Vernon (1856-1928)

Angeline "Ange" Milner was born in Bloomington, Illinois on April 9, 1856. Milner was the first of six children for John Vernon Milner and Angeline Baker Milner. Primarily educated at home, Milner attended Bloomington High School but never graduated. She was later hired by the Illinois State Library of Natural History - then located in Old Main on the campus of Illinois State Normal University - to organize and catalog the many specimens, artifacts, and books in their collections. In 1889, the university's literary societies agreed to combine their large and scattered library collections into one university collection. Thus, in 1890, the university's third president, Edwin Hewett, hired Milner to be the first university librarian. Milner and the library collection were located in Old Main, in the hub of student education and activities. Though known for having strict rules in the library, Milner had a quick wit and called herself outspoken. Milner always offered help to all campus community members and would clip articles or hold books for students and faculty who were working on certain projects. During her tenure as university librarian, Milner helped found the Illinois Library Association and served as its president. Milner also developed classes for students to take in learning how to better use the library. It was also during her tenure as university library that Milner moved the first university library from Old Main to North Hall where students had more study space and better access to materials. Milner was beloved by the ISNU community and students referred to her as 'Ange' or 'Aunt Ange'. Milner served as the university librarian until 1927 when poor health forced her to retire. Milner died at her home on January 13th, 1928 and was buried in Evergreen Cemetery. In 2006, on Milner's 150th birthday, the university and Milner Library placed a commemorative tombstone at her grave site. Author: April Karlene Anderson

Illinois State Normal University - Faculty.
Milner, Angeline Vernon, 1856-1928 - Correspondence.
Milner, Ange V. (Angeline Vernon), 1856-1928
Milner Library - Management.