October is finally here, Wildcats! While many of us look forward to the excitement of the season, we also know that this month marks the second half of the fall semester. Schedules become busier and deadlines appear more frequently. The midst of the (midterm) madness can get a little scary – but fear not, Falvey Memorial Library is hosting a number of thrilling (ACS approved) events for you to enjoy.

Don’t get tricked by the fast pace momentum of the month. Take a break…put down your pumpkin spice lattes, pause your studying, and stop by the Library for some much-needed downtime.

Cultural Studies Food Matters Week (October 16 & 17); co-sponsored by the Cultural Studies Program and Falvey Memorial Library:

Join us to educate your palate and your mind during the 5th annual Cultural Studies Food Matters Week involving tastings and talks on food justice around the world. Delicious food samples will be provided.

Farmworkers and Your Tomatoes (Monday, October 16th, 2017, at 6:30 PM in Room 205)

At the first event in the series, Patricia Cipollitti from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers will give a talk, titled, “Farmworkers and Your Tomatoes.”

The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) is a worker-based human rights organization internationally recognized for its achievements in the fields of social responsibility, human trafficking, and gender-based violence at work. Built on a foundation of farmworker community organizing starting in 1993, and reinforced with the creation of a national consumer network since 2000, CIW’s work has steadily grown over more than twenty years to encompass three broad and overlapping spheres: The Fair Food Program, Anti-Slavery Campaign, and Campaign for Fair Food.

Students enjoying tasty treats during last year’s Food Matters Week

Sanctuary Restaurant Movement Philly (Tuesday, October 17th, 2017, at 6:30 PM in Room 205)

Sheila Maddali from the Sanctuary Restaurant Movement will give a talk on Tuesday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m. in room 205 of Falvey Memorial Library.

Sanctuary restaurants have a zero tolerance policy for sexism, racism, and xenophobia, and believe that there is a place at the table for all. Dozens of restaurant employers have signed on to an open letter to President Trump, calling for an end to deportation threats and the harassment of immigrants; advocating for a path to citizenship for these workers.

Open Your Mind to Open Access

Wednesday, October 25th, 2017, at 12:30 PM in Room 205 (Sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library):

Falvey Memorial Library is celebrating Open Access Week (October 21st – 28th) with a panel discussion entitled “Open Your Mind to Open Access” on Wednesday, October 25th from 12:30-1:30 pm in room 205. Fr. David Cregan will discuss editing the open access peer reviewed journal Praxis, Janice Bially Mattern will discuss open data, Chris Hallberg will speak on open/affordable textbooks and Linda Hauck will describe the SOAR (Scholarship Open Access Reserve) for faculty publications. Join us to find out about open access initiatives at Villanova. Light refreshments will be provided.

Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Mannella Endowed Distinguished Speaker Series lecture featuring Spencer M. Di Scala, PhD

Wednesday, October 25th, 2017, at 1:00 PM in Speakers’ Corner (co-sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library and Ciao Philadelphia):

Please join us for the annual Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Mannella Endowed Distinguished Speaker Series lecture featuring Spencer M. Di Scala, PhD, Professor, Department of History, University of Massachusetts Boston. Di Scala will present a talk titled “Issues on US- Italy Relations.” The talk will incorporate a discussion of World War I and its aftermath.

The Alfred F. Mannella and Rose T. Lauria-Mannella Endowed Distinguished Speaker Series began in 2009 and celebrates Italian-American history and culture. It is made possible by the generous support of Alfred S. Mannella, ’58 VSB. Light refreshments will be served.

Scholarship@Villanova featuring Alan Drew on Shadow Man

Monday, October 30th, 2017, at 12:30 PM in Speakers’ Corner (co-sponsored by Falvey Memorial Library, the Department of English, the Creative Writing Program and the Writing Center):

Please join us for a Scholarship@Villanova talk featuring Alan Drew, MFA, Associate Professor of English, Director of the Minor in Creative Writing and the Villanova Literary Festival. Drew will read selections from his newly published novel, Shadow Man. A book signing and light refreshments will follow the talk.

Alan Drew, MFA, Associate Professor of English, Villanova University

Shadow Man, Drew’s second novel, follows Detective Ben Wade, who has returned to his hometown of Rancho Santa Elena in search of a quieter life and to try to save his marriage. Suddenly the community, with its peaceful streets and excellent public schools, finds itself at the mercy of a serial killer who slips through windows and screen doors at night, shattering illusions of safety. As Ben and forensic specialist Natasha Betencourt struggle to stay one step ahead of the killer – and deal with painful episodes in the past – Ben’s own world is rocked again by violence. He must decide how far he is willing to go, and Natasha how much she is willing to risk, to protect their friendship and themselves and to rescue the town from a psychotic murderer and a long-buried secret.

Do midterms have you frightened? Stop by the Library, Falvey’s subject librarians are ready to answer your research questions.