The Rev. Joseph T. Durkin, S.J., Collection in American Studies

We are pleased to announce that this unique collection within a collection, which is located in the Pierce Reading Room, has recently been given expansion capability through the generosity of Mr. Eugene L. Stewart ('48 BSS; '51 LLB) who arranged for the construction of eight additional custom oak bookcases, totaling 144 linear feet of new shelving. The addition will permit another 1200 volumes to be added to the Durkin collection over the next few years. It was through Mr. Stewart's initiative and generosity that the collection was formed a number of years ago. The books in this collection, which form a core collection of the most useful titles in American Studies, are very heavily used by our undergraduate students. The collection was formed to honor the Rev. Joseph T. Durkin, S.J., one of Georgetown's most popular and influential teachers. Although officially retired, Father Durkin remains an active and productive scholar. The library staff know him as one of the heaviest users of the library.