It is a fact well known, by generations of college students, that the on-campus library is the heart of the higher-level academic experience. The library is a place to meet with friends, work collaboratively with classmates, hunker down (in an incredibly comfortable chair) and finish dreaded assignments, and more importantly, it houses the hub of knowledge that we will carry with us throughout our four years at HFU and beyond.

Recently, the Holy Family University library, in conversation with the HFU English Program, has made its walls even more inclusive of students, focusing on creating curated exhibitions surrounding literary topics and journalism heroes. English faculty member Dr. Ficociello, ENGL-230 (Journalism I) and ENGL-241 (Intro to Literature-New Orleans) prompted his students to build tangible  and deeply informative installations on the first floor of HFU’s library! 

Dr. Ficociello noted, “With all of the virtual work students are required to do, I wanted to assign projects that involve students walking around and using their hands to make something that can be touched and seen by people who are not me or not in their classes.” 

ENGL-230 students have worked tirelessly throughout this spring semester to create an exhibit that explores the rich history and famous faces of the journalism movement! About how the display differs from typical assignments, Victoria Suos (PreK-4 Education, 2027) said, “It’s fun that I get to create something of my own. It was a very hands-on type of project, which is stepping out of my comfort zone.”

In the same manner, ENGL-241 have centered their installation around the cultural practices, history, and literature of one of the most fascinating cities in the United States: New Orleans! Vania Reyes (Criminal Justice, 2027) said, “I learned a lot about the importance that New Orleans holds. Learning about the artists that come from New Orleans was interesting due to the fact that some of the artists are very popular even to this day.”

The student creators believe that it is deeply important to expand one’s knowledge on diverse topics, regardless of if you are closely aligned with the English major itself! Kaitlyn Cross (English, 2024),involved in the creation of the journalism installation, says, “It [the journalism installation] brings attention and light to our major, but it also highlights what we do on a daily basis as well! The landscape of journalism has changed so much, it’s important to see how much it has evolved over time, regardless of if you are an English major or not.” 

If you have never visited HFU’s library, I implore you to immediately! Joseph Giansante (Marketing/Management, 2027) added, “I really enjoyed being out of the classroom and doing an assignment this way, walking around, and finding the books needed to make the display.”

 Beyond the plethora of books available to you at a moment’s notice, and the cozy study rooms in the basement, HFU’s library is offering you an immersive, colorful insight into the dedication and knowledge of the ENGL-230 and ENGL-241 students and staff. Knowledge is power HFU, so check out these library installations as soon as you can!

Susie DiPietro is a senior English major, and creative writing minor at Holy Family University. She is currently a Senior Editor of Tri-Lite. Her interests include film, vintage fashion, and music.