By Anna Jankowski, Ethan Shea, and Annie Stockmal

Happy Thursday, Wildcats! This installment of the Curious Cat is especially important because it’s National Library Week! To celebrate the occasion, we asked some Falvey patrons why they love the Library. Keep reading to see the responses we received, and be sure to watch the accompanying Reel on Instagram!

“I love old book stacks. I just love walking into random parts of the Library and sifting through old books that smell old. It’s really weird, but there’s so many little things you can find that are so interesting.”

— Satrant Bains ’25

“I’d say overall it’s just the atmosphere. I usually like to come and just sit and do some work.”

— Aliana Rojas ’25

“My favorite part of the Library is the Reading Room. I just really like how it’s always bright in there, and I work best in the quiet.”

— Maddie McClay ’23

“I like Holy Grounds because I feel like I need a little stimulation when I’m doing my work.”

— Ashley Mulhare ’23

“I like coming and people watching and doing work.”

— Christian Badalamenti ’24

“I’d say my favorite part is this room in particular [Falvey 205].”

— Mac Clark ’24

“My favorite part of the Library is the Reading Room with all of its windows. Sometimes I can watch the sunset there.”

— Julia Barclay ’25

“I agree with the Reading Room, and to elaborate on that, I like the peace and quiet.”

— Peter McSherey ’25

Anna Jankowski ’23 CLAS is a Senior Communication Major from just outside Baltimore who ​​works as a Communication & Marketing Assistant in Falvey.

Ethan Shea is a second-year graduate student in the English Department and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.

Annie Stockmal is a graduate student in the Communication Department and Graduate Assistant in Falvey Library. 

By Ethan Shea

Dugan Polk Family Reading Room in Falvey Memorial Library

On 1842 Day, the Villanova community comes together for a day of giving.

Over the past four years, 1842 Day has raised $21.4 million for the University, positively impacting the lives of students, staff, and faculty alike. There will be all sorts of fun events on campus, including “Cat Cab’s Trivia,” a Plinko-style game called “Oreo Dunk,” and live music.

In the midst of all this activity, everyone will have the chance to make a difference in their community by directing a donation to a cause of their choice. Whether you would like to support academics, athletics, or student life, 1842 Day has a cause for you!

In the interest of supporting the education of future Villanovans, I am asking you to consider designating your 1842 Day gift to Falvey Memorial Library.

The Library is perhaps the most essential part of any college campus and is the heart of all branches of academia. Over the course of the past year and a half, Falvey Library has adapted to a rapidly changing world by promoting and expanding online resources as well as contactless book pickup, which has shifted to Pick Up & Go. 1842 Day gifts to Falvey Library are critical to maintaining the University Archives and areas for students to study, such as the beautiful Dugan Polk Family Reading Room.

To donate, simply follow this link. Another way to donate to the library is through our home page. Just scroll to the bottom of the page, click the button that says “Support Our Library,” and follow the instructions.

Informational cards describing how to send gifts are available on the first floor of Falvey Library as well.

Ethan Shea is a first-year English Graduate Student at Villanova University and Graduate Assistant at Falvey Memorial Library.

Studies have shown that “sound masking,” or introducing white noise, into completely silent library spaces can help students study or read with less distractions.

Students who need to talk quietly can do so without feeling self-conscious. Nose-in-the-book readers won’t hear every pencil drop either. It’s a win-win, especially with final exams looming.

To help our students, Falvey Memorial Library has introduced white noise machines in the Dugan Polk Reading Room on a trial basis, and the staff welcome your feedback.

So, let us know…to quote Depeche Mode, do you “Enjoy the Silence?”

Comment at the bottom of this post, chat us up on social (Twitter and Instagram), or leave a note in the comment box!

Shawn Proctor is Communication and Marketing Manager at Falvey Memorial Library.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

It’s Father’s Day this Sunday, so what better way to celebrate than by honoring the Library’s namesake and founding father, the Rev. Daniel P. Falvey, OSA, MSLS, with a #TBT?

Father Falvey, who served as head librarian from 1940-1962, was a driving force to unify the library’s physical collection and fund raise to facilitate the creation of a modern building for Villanova. During his tenure as University Librarian and until his death in 1962, he was committed to the continued growth of the Library.

This is a snapshot of students hard at work in the Reading Room in October of 1964. The Reading Room first opened in 1949, in what was then the Villanova College Library. It was renamed Falvey Hall in 1963 in honor of Father Falvey.

Happy Father’s Day to all of ‘Nova Nation!

Discover more photos like this in the University Archives.

Regina Duffy is Communications and Marketing Program Manager at Falvey Memorial Library. Her father likes to send emails in “All Caps.”