Work on New Library Is Set For Next June

Long delayed by war-time materials shortages and a protracted search for a suitable site, construction of the Lamont Undergraduate Library is definitely slated to begin this June, Edward Reynolds, administrative vice president said yesterday.

Approval on Thursday by the Civilian Production Administration of a building cost estimate to the extent of $900,000 removed the final obstacle hindering commencement of operations on the latest addition to the Yard.

In accordance with a decision reached last spring after lengthy discussion, the Dana Palmer House will soon be transferred from its present location on the corner of Quincy and Harvard Streets to the lot between the Faculty Club and the Union in order to make room for the new building.

Navy Traces Removed

Refurnishing of the President's House at 17 Quincy Street, war-time headquarters of the Naval training schools centered here, will be undertaken shortly to permit President Conant to move from his current residence in the Dana Palmer House.

Construction plans for the Lamont Library, Reynolds said, indicate that the new undergraduate center should be ready for student use sometime in the fall of 1948. Workmen will start excavation of the Library site immediately after the removal of the Dana Palmer House.

Now at work on details of interior furnishing, a joint student-faculty committee is planning the layout of a projected series of smoking, browsing, and conversation rooms.