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Michigan State Protesters
Take Library Books Hostage

Declaring “We're taking these books hostage until our demands are met,” about 30 Chicano and Latino students crashed the library computer at Michigan State University February 18 by checking out 5,000 books in a three-hour period and hauling them away in a 14-foot rental truck. The books, most of which were from the popular reading and new book sections, were valued at about $250,000.

Members of MEXA de MSU are demanding a Hispanic studies program, greater diversity among faculty and administration, Hispanic culture rooms, and renaming the Student Services Building for Cesar Chavez, according to the February 19 Lansing State Journal.

Library policy allows each student to check out up to 700 books. The lending period is three weeks, but a book can be renewed continually via the Internet unless someone has requested it. Then it must be returned in two weeks or a fine of $1 per day is charged.

Posted March 1, 1999.

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