The philosopher Sam Keen once remarked that “deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” Here at Falvey, however, the timbre is much different. In August at an academic library, one can sense teeming activity brewing under the surface with anticipation of the students’ return from summer vacation.

One would only have to share an hour or two shadowing Falvey’s Library Events and Program Coordinator Regina (Gina) Duffy, to see that, despite her desire to tickle her toes in the sand, scheduling 250+ annual events is a year-round endeavor. Duffy’s unassuming demeanor belies the fact that under her serene, smiling exterior she is busily juggling the phone calls, demanding schedules and sometimes capricious email habits of the many speakers and organizers planning to appear at the Library. Like the proverbial duck, she is paddling like heck under the surface.

But what compelling results. Already, Falvey’s fall event schedule is packed with free sessions with experts on fascinating topics ranging from Spanish theatre and religious intolerance, to Photoshop and the Mafia. Students and the greater Villanova community will be delighted by the lineup. According to Duffy, “Although it’s only August, preparation for fall events is well underway by Falvey Memorial Library’s Outreach Team. We are looking forward to a schedule full of exciting events this year, including our annual Conscience of the Holocaust lecture, regular Electronic Enthusiasts Club meetings, Scholarship@Villanova faculty lectures as well as many other important cultural events.”

She adds, “In addition, Falvey will be the host site for many other great events for departments and groups across campus, including workshops, lectures and open houses. Make sure to check out the events page for updates. We have a busy semester ahead!”

So, in the Outreach suite, the dog days of August more resembles a team readying for the Iditarod than a lazy basset hound soaking up the sun. Incidentally, it’s not too late to add your event to the new academic year schedule.

Since the addition of the Learning Commons in 2012, the Library now has multiple venues for organizations to utilize, including the first floor’s brightly lit and accessible Speakers’ Corner and several second floor multi-purpose meeting rooms with modular furniture that are perfect for workshops, media presentations or lectures.  Here is a link to events form, or contact Gina Duffy at (610)519-3872 or by email to get the ball rolling!

Photos by Alice Bampton and Joanne Quinn.  Joanne Quinn is the Team Leader for Communication and Service Promotion.