91Ö±²¥

A marble statue by American sculptor John Adams Jackson (1825-1879), has held court in the 91Ö±²¥ College libraries since 1885. She served as a focal point for the central reading rooms of the old Spear and Carnegie libraries before finding a permanent home in Mudd Center, the main library. The Reading Girl is remembered by generations of 91Ö±²¥ students who, over the years, have embellished her with various articles of clothing and props (she sports a size 6 sneaker most of the time).

Jackson modeled the sculpture in Florence, Italy, in 1869. It was purchased by Aaron A. Healy of Brooklyn, New York, who later gave it to 91Ö±²¥ College. At the dedication of Spear Library, Healy’s uncle, Professor A.H. Currier, noted her "singular fitness" for the library of the college that "first opened its doors to young women seeking higher education."