To the Editor of the Crimson:

A possible but perhaps unconscious reason why more fellows--to answer the CRIMSON editorial of October 13--do not study in the Widener reading room is that it is improperly lighted. At night room is that it is improperly lighted. At night the desk lamps cast uneven light over the tables and it is difficult for anyone who doesn't place his book directly under the lamp to see without straining his eyes.

After midday one cannot read without strain in either the east wing or the center hall of the room. The daylight is too weak and electric lights are ineffective. In the early morning and late afternoon the same weak light is noticeable in the west wing.

A few suggestions might be offered to improve the lighting conditions although the architectural mistake of placing the room in a northerly location and in back of an overhanging roof can never be completely overcome.

First, the table lamps could be removed and adequate overhead lights substituted. Secondly, the opaque glass in the skylights might be removed and more transparent glass substituted. The intensity of the light during the day would be greatly increased. Thirdly, the book cases might be painted white and the walls washed during vacation.

The atmosphere and lighting in Widener is not unlike that of a tomb. If some improvements such as those suggested above were introduced, the room might attract more readers. In any event the changes would make studying more pleasant for those who have to use the reading room. Robert Adamson '38