Library News

On October 27, Falvey Memorial Library will host the inaugural lecture in the “Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Mannella Distinguished Speakers Series.” Richard Juliani, Ph.D., sociology department, will describe his four decades of research on the Italian experience in Philadelphia, highlighting both challenges and future opportunities. His talk will begin at 7 p.m.

Alfred S. Mannella

In 1996, Falvey Memorial Library’s friend and supporter Alfred S. Mannella, ’58 VSB, established two endowed library funds to support the purchase of books and other research materials as memorials to family members.

Now one of those funds will also support a lecture series.

The Speakers series honors Mr. Mannella’s parents, Alfred F. and Rose T. Lauria-Mannella. His father, the son of immigrants, was born in Philadelphia in 1904 and established himself as a tailor. An avid sports fan, he developed an interest in Villanova football starting in the 1930s when Maurice J. “Clipper” Smith was the coach.

His mother was the grandchild of immigrants and grew up in south Philadelphia. (more…)

According to Time magazine (9-28-08), “the American Library Association has sponsored Banned Books Week to pay tribute to free speech and open libraries” since 1982. For hundreds of years, individuals and groups have tried to have certain titles banned by schools, libraries, communities, and governments. Banning books is one way of censoring the free flow of information and ideas.

Have you ever encountered censorship and how did you respond? Tell us about it in the Comments section below.

The library was bursting with activity this week! Students all over campus were searching for classrooms and meeting old and new friends. Are there any highlights that you’d like to share? Tell us about your first week of school!

A group of Falvey Library staff traveled to Penn State to participate in discussions about the E-Z Borrow service and software. We didn’t go far, but we brought back valuable information (and ice cream from the Berkey Creamery). Did you take classes? Did you study abroad? Or did you stay close to home with family and friends?

Tell us in the Comments! (Or, visit our Facebook page and comment there!)

Books from our main collection circulate for 30 days, 60 days, or for a semester, depending on the patron.  Some can be renewed, fines are sometimes assessed, and recalls or holds can be placed, depending on the material type. What would you suggest we do to improve our policies? Is there something you would have us change?

Tell us in the Comments!

The news about Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson has the world talking about how popular culture has changed and how it has changed us over the years. Did an artist, musician, or actor have an impact on your life?

Tell us in the Comments!

Legends, Icons, and Superstars of the 20th Century (Warner Home Video)

Hollywood Animal by Joe Eszterhas

Pop Music and the Press by Steve Jones

There are free libraries all over the country. Americans also enjoy other freedoms including the freedom of speech and freedom of the press. What other freedoms do you enjoy?

Tell us in the Comments!

“The First Catholic Fourth of July”

Free Library Membership for Residents of Radnor & Lower Merion Townships!

Knowing other languages empowers one to travel, to study abroad, or to interact more readily with people from other countries. Should we add new titles that would introduce you to the sight or sound of other languages? Or do we already have what you need?

Tell us in the Comments!

A sample of audio book publishers/producers:

http://www.recordedbooks.com/

http://www.simplyaudiobooks.com/

http://www.booksontape.com/

There’s quite a buzz about the new technology that allows people to download (and read) books and newspaper subscriptions on an electronic device no bigger than a composition book. Some are embracing the electronic book with open arms. Some aren’t. Where do you stand on the use of e-readers?

Tell us in the Comments!

(More about E Ink technology.)

(Photo courtesy of E Ink Corporation and Sony Corporation.)

If you could change one thing about Falvey Library, what would you change? Over the years we’ve added a coffee shop, started a laptop loan program, and opened a 24-hour lounge. What else can we do to improve the library?

Tell us in the Comments!

(“There is nothing like looking if you want to find something.” — J. R. R. Tolkien)