Lawrence University Suffers
Theft of Rare Books
Upon returning to work Monday, January 17, library staff discovered that 11 rare volumes had been stolen from the Heritage Room of Lawrence University’s Mudd Library. The books, some of which dated to the 17th century, had a total value of $20,000. Several were lavishly illustrated nature books—items that are particularly vulnerable to being destroyed by a thief intending to sell individual prints. The Appleton, Wisconsin, college has worked with law enforcement authorities to ask rare book dealers throughout the state to be alert for the missing items.
The thief forced open a locked cabinet to reach the books, Appleton Police Detective Dan Woodkey told the Lawrence University Lawrentian. Woodkey suggested the thief may have been interrupted, as a number of unidentified items were left behind. Police have no suspects in the ongoing investigation.
Posted February 7, 2000.
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