I HAVE A BOOK

The libraries of the houses are now fully equipped. Each was allowed by the House Plan budget twenty thousand dollars which has already been used to establish the several libraries. Beyond this, various individuals have contributed both money and books.

But there has been no provision made for the future. Lowell and Dunster have certain sums which are quite insufficient for any extensive expansion. For instance, the year's allowance for Fine Arts in Lowell House will be little more than enough to buy three or four books. It must be realized that, while literature is ever modern, many books on government, history, economics, or science have only ephemeral value. Constantly new books and new authorities arise to supplant them. There are also the transient books of criticism and fiction which are necessary to complete the satisfactory library.

If the libraries are to become an integral part of the houses, they must make adequate answer to the demands of the times. Old books must be discarded and new books must be obtained. To leave this task to the casual donor whose interest is usually sentimental and whose gifts are occasional is a mistake. Either a permanent endowment for all the houses is necessary; or the University must create a yearly fund for each house sufficient to meet the demands of the ever changing tutorial reading lists.