Falvey Memorial Library has created a display in support of the Mirror Images Conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies. The Center offers a minor or concentration to undergraduates who wish to expand their understanding of international issues and world cultures. It was founded by Villanova University in 1983 to recognize “the critical importance of the Middle East” and the impact that Arab and Islamic cultures have had on the arts and sciences.

This display, consisting of numerous books, book covers, images, text panels and Egyptian artifacts, is the work of Merrill Stein, coordinator of the political science/ geography/cultural studies liaison team, and Joanne Quinn, a member of the Programming and Outreach team, who is responsible for creating displays in Falvey. Taras Ortynsky, a member of the liaison team, assisted with the display.

Books, including one by Reverend Kail C. Ellis, O.S.A., Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and assorted book covers provide some indication of the wealth of material available in the Library. Not only are there non-fiction books, but also novels and poetry books. On top of one case is an eye-catching portrait of Rachel Corrie next to the cover of her journal.  Rachel was an American peace activist killed in Gaza by an Israeli bulldozer.

The Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies is hosting an international Conference April 1-4. At that time a Koran from Falvey Special Collections will be added to the exhibit.