Library at UM

24/08/2026

19/08/2026

We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Ġorġ Mallia.

Professor Mallia leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Maltese literacy, writing, children’s literature, illustration and comics. Through his work, he influenced generations of readers and helped make reading in Maltese accessible, engaging and enjoyable.

His Pullu series introduced countless children to reading in Maltese, making his contribution to Maltese literacy and children’s literature particularly significant. As an author and illustrator, he inspired young readers and nurtured a love of books and storytelling.

He was also one of the pioneering figures in Maltese comics. From his work on Avventura and Il-Komik to his celebrated One Family and Żepp strips, he played an important role in shaping Malta’s comics tradition and bringing humour, satire and social commentary to generations of readers.

Through his writing, cartoons, academic work, broadcasting and contribution to Malta’s literary community, Professor Mallia enriched our cultural life in countless ways.

His contribution to Maltese literacy, literature and comics will remain an important part of his legacy.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched.

May he rest in peace. 🕊️

The University of Malta is deeply saddened by the passing of Prof. Ġorġ Mallia, a much-valued member of our academic community.

Throughout his years at UM, Prof. Mallia touched the lives of many students and colleagues through his teaching, creativity and dedication. His contribution to the UM community will be remembered with great respect and affection.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

Rest in peace, dear Prof. Mallia.

19/08/2026

Melitensia Book of the Month - August 2026

Factions, Friends and Feasts: Anthropological Perspectives on the Mediterranean written by Jeremy Boissevain; published by Berghahn.

Jeremy Boissevain’s book brings together a selection of revised essays based on more than five decades of research into the social, cultural and political dynamics of Mediterranean communities, with particular emphasis on Malta, Sicily, and Italian migrants in Canada. Throughout the volume, Boissevain examines the influence of factions and patronage on local and national politics through social relations that include kinship, friendship, patronage, and mafia connections. Boissevain also explores the effects of mass tourism on the economy, social relationships, celebrations, notions of privacy, and the environment. His pioneering studies of Maltese village politics and the social significance of religious feasts are regarded as authoritative contributions to the field and continue to be widely consulted by scholars researching Maltese society and Mediterranean anthropology.

Il-Ktieb tax-Xahar fil-Melitensia - Awwissu 2026

Factions, Friends and Feasts: Anthropological Perspectives on the Mediterranean miktub minn Jeremy Boissevain; stampat minn Berghahn.

Il-ktieb ta’ Jeremy Boissevain iġib flimkien għażla ta’ esejs riveduti bbażati fuq iktar minn ħames deċennji ta’ riċerka dwar id-dinamiċi soċjali, kulturali u politiċi tal-komunitajiet Mediterranji, b’enfasi partikulari fuq Malta, Sqallija, u l-emigranti Taljani fil-Kanada. Matul dan il-volum, Boissevain jeżamina l-influwenza tal-fazzjonijiet u l-patrunat fuq politiki lokali u nazzjonali permezz tar-relazzjonijiet soċjali li jinkludu l-parentela, il-ħbiberija, il-patrunat, u r-rabtiet mal-mafja. Boissevain jistħarreġ ukoll l-effetti tat-turiżmu tal-massa fuq l-ekonomija, ir-relazzjonijiet soċjali, iċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet, in-nozzjonijiet ta’ privatezza, u l-ambjent. L-istudji pijunieri tiegħu dwar il-politiki tar-raħal Malti u s-sinifikat soċjali tal-festi reliġjużi jitqiesu bħala kontribuzzjonijiet awtorevoli fil-qasam u jibqgħu jiġu kkonsultati minn studjużi li jirriċerkaw is-soċjetà Maltija u l-antropoloġija Mediterranja.

18/08/2026

A little look at what we’ve been up to this summer! ☀️📚

The first two weeks of August gave us a chance to step away from the usual routine and spend some time learning, sharing and connecting.

From training and discussions to cultural activities, mindfulness and exploring new tools and ideas, it was a great opportunity to pick up new skills, broaden perspectives and learn from one another.

A busy couple of weeks, with plenty of learning along the way!💪🏻

17/08/2026

We’re back! 🎉 After a little shutdown, we’re officially up and running again.

03/08/2026

August according to Svetlana: slow down, recharge, and enjoy the quiet moments🐈💤 We hope you take some time to rest and relax too!

In the meantime, the Library will be closed for the first two weeks of August while we prepare behind the scenes with staff training and housekeeping, getting everything ready for the new academic year📚

29/07/2026

📢✨ ATTENTION ALL UM Patrons!! 📢✨
The Library will be closed between 1 and 15 August for the annual housekeeping activities and staff training.

We will reopen on Monday, 17 August.

22/07/2026

The MCA would like to invite local artists to submit their classics related art and we will promote it on our page! Simply send us an email to [email protected] with up to three artworks, and a simple bio with your socials. We look forward to seeing your art.

If you're an international artist feel free to share your art with us as well!

The MCA values human creativity and will not accept any AI generated content.

21/07/2026

📚Melitensia Book of the Month – July 2026⚔️

Defiant: The Knights at War 1522–1535, written by Joseph Scicluna; published by Kite.

This book focuses on one of the most turbulent periods in the history of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem. It covers the years between the siege and loss of Rhodes, the Order’s establishment in Malta, and the 1535 conquest of Tunis. In this work, Scicluna recounts in meticulous detail the 1522 Siege of Rhodes, during which the Knights faced the forces of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman.

Scicluna then documents their harsh exile as they searched for a new base and purpose. Beyond battles and military campaigns, Scicluna situates these events within the geopolitical and ideological currents of sixteenth-century Europe while revealing their human dimension: the suffering and heroism of those involved, as well as the atrocities committed by both sides.

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📚Il-Ktieb tax-Xahar fil-Melitensia – Lulju 2026⚔️

Defiant: The Knights at War 1522–1535**, miktub minn Joseph Scicluna; stampat minn Kite.

Dan il-ktieb jiffoka fuq wieħed mill-iktar żminijiet imqanqlin tal-istorja tal-Ordni Ospitalier ta’ San Ġwann ta’ Ġerusalemm. Dan il-perjodu jkopri s-snin bejn l-assedju u t-telfa ta’ Rodi, it-twaqqif tal-Ordni f’Malta, u r-rebħa ta’ Tuneż.

F’dan ix-xogħol, Scicluna jirrakkunta f’dettall metikoluż l-Assedju ta’ Rodi fl-1522, li fih il-Kavallieri ġew wiċċ imb wiċċ mal-forzi tas-Sultan Ottoman Sulejman. Scicluna, imbagħad, jiddokumenta l-eżilju aħrax waqt it-tiftix tagħhom għal bażi u għan ġodda. Lil hinn minn battalji u kampanji militari, Scicluna jambjenta dawn l-avvenimenti f’kurrenti ġeopolitiċi u ideoloġiċi tal-Ewropa fis-seklu sittax, waqt li jikxef id-dimensjoni umana tagħhom: is-sofferenzi u l-erojiżmu ta’ dawk involuti, iżda wkoll l-atroċitajiet imwettqin miż-żewġ naħat.