American Notes WASHINGTON

Visitors to the quiet confines of the Library of Congress reading rooms are often left scratching their heads by some bewildering text. But since last month they have had another reason for creeping feelings of paresthesia in the < cranial zone: head lice. Library staffers noticed traces of Pediculus humanus capitis on a newspaper in a periodical reading room. An entomologist identified the problem and discovered that the little critters had invaded a nearby theater and music room. All the affected areas were vacuumed and heavily doused with insecticides, and newspapers were placed in a refrigerated truck in an attempt to freeze out any eggs hiding inside. Despite these measures, a second infestation was found just before Christmas, prompting another visit by the exterminator. Officials in charge of the anti-bug offensive hope the library is now free of the little louses, so that scholars can resume the habit of scratching their heads in thought.