“When people live in Iowa, they are rather apt to like it” according to Ruth Suckow, the author featured in the display that is visiting the library from October 20th to November 16th, and she would know.
The Society of American Archivists have declared October American Archives Month. American Archives Month is intended to raise public awareness about the importance of historic documents and records, and of archives and archivists to our communities.
Here at Loras, our archive is closely associated with the Center for Dubuque History. They are both housed on the first floor of the Loras College Library, and they both preserve documents, photographs, and other items that help tell the history of Dubuque, of Loras College (or Columbia College, Dubuque College, St. Joseph’s College, Mount St. Bernard Seminary, St. Raphael’s Seminary, or whatever name Loras went by at the time), and the rest of the community. In the archives, you can browse through old yearbooks (Purgold, Restrosum, Lorian Year in Review), view old magazines, old photos of campus and Dubuque, look through scrapbooks, and so much more. Heidi Pettitt, the archivist here at Loras College Library (and director for the Center for Dubuque History) recommends looking through the Hoffmann-Schneider Funeral records. While funeral records may at first not seem like the most entertaining records, they are incredibly useful and interesting resources that tell us more about what life was like in the past through rituals around death.
Archival collections, here and at other archives, are incredibly important tools for historians, and other scholars. The primary sources found in archives are essential components of historians’ work. Genealogists rely upon archival records as they research family trees. These collections help researchers, regardless of discipline, bring history to life. Archival records go beyond dry old files (though there are plenty of those in archival collections as well) and include documents and photos that allow us to glimpse the past.
While time travel is impossible, looking through an old diary, examining old photographs, reading letters, all allow us to, if only for a brief moment, glimpse the past. We will never know what it was like to arrive in what is now Dubuque before the city was built, what it was like to witness the crash of the stock market and the ensuing Great Depression, or what it felt like the first year women were allowed to study at Loras, but we can begin to piece together all of those events through archival records.
Don’t discount archival records as you research. You can never tell what new discovery you’ll make!
To see for yourself, visit this page, and set up an appointment to view archival collections here.
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Banned Books Week is an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and the Banned Books Coalition. Banned Books Week began in 1982, in response to a sudden surge in book challenges, and is held yearly, highlighting the books that have been challenged the most in the previous year, in a celebration of the freedom to read, even when books are challenged. This year’s theme is, “Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights.” ALA President Cindy Hohl says, “The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day. We must always come together to stand up for the right to read.”
Book challenges and bans have increased drastically in the last five years, both in Iowa and across the country. There is an ongoing court case in Iowa, Penguin Random House v. Robbins, where Penguin Random House, the Iowa State Education Association, a group of popular authors, Iowa parents, and others have challenged a 2023 Iowa State Law banning books. Read more about the court case here. Read about an injunction filed against that law earlier here.
The celebration of Banned Books week is a celebration of the freedom to read. The Banned Books Honors group is partnering with the Philosophy Department to host a philosophical exploration of banned books, examining the ethical, political, and cultural questions raised by censorship and the suppression of Ideas on October 9 in the Loras College Pub from 7-8:30pm.
If you can’t make it to the event in the Pub, you can participate in Banned Books Week by reading a banned book, and learning more about the dangers of censorship and what it looks like in 2025. For more ideas, check out this page from the ALA.
Every year the ALA creates a list of the top 10 banned books of the previous year, drawing on data from news stories and voluntary reporting from libraries around the United States. With top 10 lists dating back to 1999, the lists record the titles of banned books, as well as the reasons they were banned, showing the shifting reasons books are challenged and banned. Check out this year’s list here.
Interested in reading banned books? Check out our collection of banned books on the 1st floor, and see what the fuss is all about for yourself. Interested in the 2024 data on banned books? Here’s the official Banned Books Week website.
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This week we welcome to the blog Italee Castellon from the Counseling Center to talk about Brain Health Awareness Week (October 5-11, 2025) here on campus.
According to Mental Health America’s (MHA) 2025 calendar, October is a month full of awareness and specifically holds Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 5-11). Loras is choosing to move forward calling this week “Brain Health Awareness Week” as Mental Health is inherently Brain Health. Our brain is an incredibly powerful organ that is in control of so many important features of the body and self; including how we think, how we move, how we behave, how we experience sensations, and overall well-being. Everything that the brain is responsible for – mental and physical – is a part of brain health.
Being able to maintain good brain health is essential to everyone’s overall wellness. Brain health conditions and mental health diagnoses are common, manageable, and treatable. According to MHA’s Quick Facts and Statistics (2025), 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year and approximately half of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their lives. Many times, the symptoms begin to appear after the age of 14 years old and especially pop up in late adolescence/early adulthood.
What Loras tries to promote during Brain Health Awareness Week is education on brain health, encouraging and enabling people with healthy coping strategies, and contributing to destigmatization in the community. The public’s knowledge and understanding of brain health has moved in a more positive direction over the last 20 years – it is our duty to continue the spread the kindness, hope, and understanding for our Duhawks that have been affected by brain health in their lives. Look out for the events coming up during that week hosted by the Loras Counseling Center and be a part of the change and promotion for better brain health for everyone.
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This week on the blog, we welcome Kate Cain, Peace and Justice Student Intern, as she shares what Peace and Justice Week is.
On September 21st of every year, countries all over the world recognize the International Day of Peace. It is a day dedicated to relationships across divides, ceasefires, and finding solutions to the problems that impact individuals as well as global institutions. Here at Loras College’s Fr. Ray Herman Peace and Justice Center, we are dedicated to celebrating the International Day of Peace by hosting a full week of events called Peace and Justice Week. This is a yearly tradition in which the Loras community comes together to actively engage in dialogue and activities centered around the issues we face as a society today.
This year's Peace and Justice Week features a variety of events, with something for everyone!
The keynote speaker this year is Marie Dennis of Pax Christi International’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative. She will speak on “Choosing Nonviolence for a Just Peace,” on Monday, September 22. Her free speech is in the ACC ballrooms at 7pm. Before the keynote speech, stop in the ACC concourse between 10-1 or 4-6:30 to get your professional portrait taken, and to answer the question “When have you seen an example of peace?”
On Wednesday there are two events, the Solidari-Tea with Du-Peace and Justice in ACC 460 from 4-5pm. After Solidari-Tea, there’s a meal and conversations in the Interfaith Event: Beginning Together from 6-7:30.
And finally, Peace and Justice Week this year will come to an end on Friday with the Dubuque Service and Retreat Weekend, where Loras and UD students will serve the community with other students.
Interested in learning more? Check out our book display on the 2nd floor of the library to see books related to peace and justice.
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Today marks the start of Latin American History month. Though most heritage month celebrations in the United States begin and end with the calendar month, Latin American Heritage Month begins on the 15th of September in celebration of the independence days of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, and ends one month later on October 15. In 2023, we published a blog post discussing issues and controversies regarding the name “Latin-American History Month” itself, which is well worth a read.
Latin American artists, historians, and citizens have formed an integral part of the foundation and continuation of the United States. From the early days of the United States to today, Latin Americans have played important roles in United States history, and at 18.9% of the population according to the Census bureau, they are the largest minority population in the United States.
LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) is the student organization here on campus for Latin American students. In 2024, Loras’ LULAC organization was awarded National Collegiate Council of the Year at the LULAC National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. An involved student org here on campus, LULAC posts about their events on their Facebook page, which you can check out here.
In Dubuque more generally, Dubuque Unidos is an organization that celebrates and promotes the Latinx community here. This year, they are hosting the Latinx Fiesta on October 11, in the Dubuque Museum of Art’s temporary location in the Millwork District. The Fiesta will also serve as the grand opening of the Museum of Art’s temporary space on 1000 Jackson Street.
The Latinx Fiesta will feature Latinx live music, ethnic food, folkloric dancers, vendors, a food eating contest, art, and more! The Dubuque Museum of Art will host an exhibit featuring Indigenous and Latinx artists.
Interested in reading more by Latinx authors? Check out our research guide on Latinx History month to read more!
You can also check out our collection of books by Latin-American authors, and about Latin-American history on the 3rd floor. And don’t forget about the Latinx Fiesta on the 11th of October, from 1-7pm.
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Today, September 8, is international Literacy Day. International Literacy Day was designated by UNESCO in 1966 to celebrate and highlight literacy in general, as well as the importance of literacy in creating a more just and sustainable society. Celebrated worldwide, International Literacy Day provides an opportunity to look at how far we’ve come, and to consider how far we have yet to go in fostering a fully literate world.
Since 1966, different themes have been picked yearly to highlight specific aspects of literacy that are particularly relevant to that year. This year, the theme is “promoting literacy in the digital era.” While the digital era has been around for a few decades, digital literacy is something that continuously evolves, just as the digital world itself continues to evolve. This year’s theme was selected to celebrate the achievements made possible through digital resources, as well as to consider what literacy means in 2025, and how digital literacy is taught today. Read more from UNESCO about this year’s Information Literacy Day here.
Digital literacy is more than just the ability to read. It means knowing how to interact with digital sources, the dangers that can come with them, and how to evaluate those digital resources. Digital literacy is an essential skill for navigating the 21st century, one that allows you to navigate the digital world effectively.
While the digital era has made resources more available for more people through digitization of materials, online publications, academic databases, and so on, it has also created an additional barrier. Technology, the skillset to effectively use technology, and access to the internet have added additional barriers for users. The inability to access these resources can lead to double marginalization, where people are unable to interact with either traditionally published materials and digital materials, preventing them from traditional learning and the opportunities afforded by digital resources.
While the state of Iowa does not track digital literacy, it does track literacy rates. Last year in Iowa, literacy rates for elementary schools have finally reached pre-pandemic levels again. However, middle and high-schoolers literacy rates are still below pre-pandemic levels. Read the State of Iowa’s report on literacy here.
To learn more about literacy in general, please visit our book display on 4th floor.
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Elizabeth Tulley is the new Instruction, Outreach, and Assessment Librarian. She promotes the library, provides library instruction, and helps with assessments of library services and collections. She also assists students with research questions.
How can you assist students?
I’m happy to work with students during every stage of the research process, from narrowing down ideas to evaluating and finding resources to use!
How long have you worked at Loras?
I started at Loras right before the school year started, so I've been here for just a few weeks. I’ve loved getting to learn more about Loras’ history and campus over the past few weeks, and can’t wait to meet all of the students, faculty, and staff that call Loras home.
Why did you choose libraries as a career/vocation?
I’ve always loved reading and working with my community, and so in high school I started working at my local public library as a library page. My experience there showed me that I did truly enjoy working in libraries, and I’ve worked in libraries ever since. At the University of Northern Iowa, where I went for undergrad, I worked at the academic library and discovered that academic librarianship was the part of librarianship that I was most excited about. I love how libraries are community centers, and that by working in a library, I get to help people find the resources they need! I especially love helping people with research, which is part of what drew me to academic libraries.
What is a book you would recommend?
It’s always so hard to choose, but right now I would say Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery (call number: PreK12 Collection Chapter M767). It's the third book in the Anne of Green Gables series, and is my personal favorite, especially as the school year begins!
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While many people associate libraries only with books, libraries have long been evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities. Over time, they’ve added periodicals, visual and audio media, digital collections, and now, many are expanding once again to include “Things.” A Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items available for loan, such as tools, household items, camping gear, games, and more. Rooted in the concept of a shared economy, this model emphasizes access over ownership, allowing users to share resources rather than each person owning seldom-used items.
This approach offers several key benefits. Environmentally, it promotes sustainability by encouraging reuse and reducing waste. Borrowing instead of buying, lowers demand for new products, which in turn cuts down on carbon emissions and conserves resources. It also helps keep functional items out of landfills.
Economically, Libraries of Things provide a practical alternative to purchasing expensive or infrequently used items. This makes it easier for people to take on new projects or explore hobbies without the upfront cost. It also gives users the chance to try out items before deciding to invest in their own.
Beyond the environmental and economic benefits, Libraries of Things also strengthen social connections. They support a culture where people can explore new tools and ideas together, perhaps during hands-on workshops or skill-sharing events. Promoting equitable access to resources also helps create a more inclusive and supportive community.
At Loras Library, our Library of Things includes everything from outdoor gear and games to technology tools and
household items. You can explore the full collection at https://library.loras.edu/LoT. Have a suggestion for something new? Let us know by filling out this form: https://loras.libwizard.com/f/lot.
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Summer is a great time to break free from routine and explore new places. Whether a hike in a nearby state park, a weekend road trip through the Midwest, or a journey overseas, travel offers a way to recharge and grow through experiences that reduce stress and improve emotional health.
Travel offers numerous benefits beyond relaxation. Navigating unfamiliar places, trying new foods, and meeting people from different backgrounds helps our adaptability and problem-solving abilities. These encounters also broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the world, teaching us to listen more closely and observe more carefully. Through shared adventures, travel also can strengthen relationships while building empathy, confidence, and resilience that extend far beyond the journey itself.
For students, travel can be especially transformative when it is tied to education. Study abroad programs offer immersive experiences that combine academic learning with cultural engagement. These experiences challenge students to think globally, communicate across cultures, and gain independence. But meaningful travel doesn’t always mean going far. Domestic programs, internships, and service-learning trips can be just as impactful, offering new perspectives close to home.
Loras offers a range of study abroad opportunities, from semester-long to short-term faculty-led programs. Here students are encouraged to explore the world with intention. Whether studying theology in Rome, completing an internship in Ireland, or participating in a domestic immersion experience, Loras students are invited to see travel not just as a destination, but as a path to deeper understanding. For more information on study abroad visit https://loras.edu/study-abroad/. To get some ideas for summer travel, check out the book display on the fourth floor of the Library.
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