Historical Note
Whitman College’s Penrose Library was renovated in 2000. At that time,
the Allen Reading Room on the library’s main floor was named in recognition of
a gift from the Paul G. Allen Charitable Foundation. Whitman College students
use the Allen Room as quiet study space. After the library began staying open
24 hours a day during the academic year, an anonymous student created the Allen
Room Challenge autograph book in February 2003. Students win the honor of
signing the book by being the last person to leave the Allen Room on any given
night.
Content Description
The collection consists of one item, a bound volume of signatures and
comments written by Allen Room Challenge winners. Instructions in the front of
the book instruct winners to sign their name, date, time they depart, and the
professor for whose course they are studying. Many winners also write humorous
reflections on their academic work, cramming for exams, and other aspects of
student life and culture.
