Lamont Crime Rate Is Low; Summer Shutdown Likely

In spite of the pressures of reading period and the temptations of Lamont's open shelves, the new library has not been losing an abnormal number of volumes to student book thieves, librarian Philip J. McNiff reported last night.

The situation is actually better than it used to be at Widener, he stated, although there were unofficial reports that certain reprobates had made off with as many as 30 volumes of Lamont bookshelf apiece.

No one has yet been caught stealing books from the new library, however. The penalties are severe: a student nabbed as he was trying to sucak a book out of Widener a few years ago was ousted from his House and only narrowly escaped probation.

As usual during reading period, there has been an increase in the number of bookhogs who hide hard-to-get volumes on obscure shelves or build up private stacks in booths about the building. The library hopes to curb them by frequent checks of shelves and reading rooms, McNiff said.

Lamont Library will probably not stay open for the summer session, Herbert J. Spire '50, chairman of the Student Council Library Committee, reported last night.

Spire and Robert K. Fischelis '49, president of the Council, had discussed the possibility of keeping the air-conditioned building open with Keyes D. Metcalf, Director of the University Library, and Provost Buck on Tuesday.

The Provost stated that the large amount of money necessary to keep the library in operation was the chief objection, Spire said, Librarians have estimated that $10,000 would be needed.

Although the matter has not definitely been closed, since the Corporation must approve the decision before its becomes final, chances are very slim that Lamont will be kept open, Spire said.

Students at the summer session will have access to all reserve books necessary for their courses, however. Plans have already been made for transferring over 1500 books to Widener for the summer.