Penn State DuBois holds little free library dedication in memory of Tony Vallone

DuBOIS, Pa. — Members of the Penn State DuBois community gathered Tuesday, April 29, to dedicate a Little Free Library in honor of Tony Vallone, associate professor of English, who passed away earlier this year on Jan. 5.

The memorial event, held outside the Smeal Building where the little free library is now installed near the pillars that once marked the entrance to the former DuBois mansion, celebrated Vallone’s profound contributions to literature, education and campus life during his 36-year tenure. Faculty, staff, students and friends attended the midday ceremony, which featured reflections, poetry and heartfelt remembrances from colleagues and loved ones.

Vallone was known for his deep love of writing and teaching. He taught more than 25 different courses during his time at Penn State DuBois, covering subjects such as composition, film, creative writing and professional writing. He also served as longtime program leader for the Letters, Arts, and Sciences degree program, now known as the Multidisciplinary Studies program.

“This Little Free Library is a symbol of knowledge, community and the enduring power of stories,” said Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer. “Just as Tony opened doors to literary worlds for our students, this library opens its doors to everyone.”

The idea for the Little Free Library began in 2017, during a conversation between Vallone and Jessica Clontz, assistant teaching professor of human development and family studies (HDFS). With support from engineering students who constructed the structure in 2019, the library was installed this year as a tribute to Vallone’s passion for learning. The library is designed to resemble the former DuBois mansion that once stood on campus and was used as an educational building when the campus first opened.

“Tony and I dreamed of a Little Free Library that would bring people together through the simple joy of sharing books,” Clontz said. “Even after delays and challenges, we kept the vision alive. Today, I know he’s with us, proud of what we’ve created.”

Vallone’s wife, Jackie Atkins, assistant teaching professor of English, also shared some insight into Vallone’s ideals as a professor.

“Tony wanted students, and really everyone, to realize they could write poems,” Atkins said. “He wanted everyone to know that poems should be about things that you care about and experiences you’ve had.”

Atkins also shared her own memories during the dedication, including the story of a poem that helped Vallone realize his own potential as a writer: “A Blessing” by James Wright. She read the poem aloud, noting that its final line, “If I stepped out of my body / I would break into blossom”, is engraved on Vallone’s urn.

She also read two of Vallone’s original poems, “Ribbons” and “An Evening Walk in DuBois, Pennsylvania,” both of which reflect his life and connection to the campus and community.

The dedication concluded with the reading of a poem written by Vallone specifically for the Little Free Library. Long thought to be lost, the poem was recently rediscovered by Atkins and shared publicly for the first time.

All attendees were invited to donate a book in Vallone’s honor, continuing his legacy of generosity and love of literature.

Vallone’s official obituary is available online.