University Library Books Still Missing from Display

By Sophia Arredondo | April 21, 2025

Photo Credit: Sophia Arredondo / The ASP

A collection of 21 brand new books from the University Library’s main display remains missing two weeks after they were taken on April 7 at around 10:00 p.m. 

In addition to the books, two acrylic signs and a stack of Queer Book Club bookmarks were also taken. The library has since replaced the bookmarks and posted a sign explaining the incident. The stolen books were never checked out, and despite thorough searches, staff have found no trace of them.

The 21 books taken were collectively valued at approximately $500. Their disappearance not only affects those interested in reading the stories, but also leaves the University Libraries to deal with the repercussions of what happened. 

The act took place on “Right to Read Day,” a national day of action supporting the freedom to read. The University Libraries had spent the day advocating against book banning and censorship. 

“While there is certainly a monetary cost, what’s more concerning is that their disappearance means other members of our campus community no longer have access to these materials,” a library staff member said. “These books were meant to be shared, and we hope they’ll be returned so everyone has the opportunity to explore and enjoy the wide range of leisure reading available through the libraries.”

University Library Staff encourage anyone with information about the missing books to come forward either by visiting the front desk or emailing circulation@albany.edu.