Overview of the Association
The Italian-American Cultural Center of Pennsylvania is a private non-profit organization affiliated with Alvernia University. The IACC's mission is to serve the residents of Reading and Berks County through the sponsorship of educational programs that promote the Italian-American Cultural heritage. The Center's multi-media library serves as the focal point of this educational activity. Other supporting programs include sponsorship of guest speakers and lecturers, and the publication of a quarterly newsletter The Italian American Perspective. The Center offers Italian language classes in the spring and fall.
The IACC Library
The IACC library may be accessed during regular library hours. The collection covers all aspects of Italian and Italian-American Heritage. It includes books, periodicals, and audiovisual material. Subject areas of special concentration include: immigration, history, art and music, literature, biography, geography, science, folklore, genealogy, Italian cuisine, and children’s books.
The Center also maintains a photographic and archival collection of the history of Italian Americans in Reading and Berks County.
Books in the IACC library may be borrowed by Alvernia University students, faculty and staff. All other patrons seeking borrowing privileges must become members of the Friends of the IACC. Membership is granted on a yearly basis; it includes borrowing privileges, and an annual subscription to The Italian-American Perspective.
Circulation policies are similar to those used by the Alvernia University Library. Books circulate for 3 weeks. Reference books and periodicals do not circulate. Borrowing privileges may be suspended if a patron fails to remain a member in good standing.
