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The Ides of March, or Idus Martias, was a significant day in the Roman calendar even before the murder of Julius Caesar. The month was the first in the Roman calendar and named in honor of the god Mars, the Roman god of war and a guardian of agriculture. As the father of Romulus and Remus, the builders of Rome, he held a significant place in the Roman pantheon.

Ides comes from the Romans' unique numbering system and its basis in a lunar calendar. Instead of numbering each day of the month, they counted the days from three fixed days of the month with Ides occurring on the full moon.

• Nones – 8 days before Ides
• Ides – 15th day of the month in March
• Kalends – 1st day of following month

As the only fixed day in a month, rents and debt payments were usually due on the Ides of each month so people were likely wary of them before March’s Ides were associated with Julius Caesar.

As the first full moon of the year, there were special ceremonies held on the day. While the month was dedicated to Mars, the Ides were dedicated to Jupiter, the king of the gods, and it was custom to hold a procession led by a sacrificial sheep along the Via Sacra to the citadel. Romans would also celebrate the new year with the Feast of Anna Perenna, a goddess of the year. Some sources also place the Mamuralia on the Ides of March. In this ceremony, an elderly man dressed in skins, representing the old year, would have been beaten and driven from the city. By the late Imperial period, the Ides of March were the opening day to a week of festivals celebrating Cybele, the Great Mother, and Attis, her consort.

These days the Ides of March are mostly associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE during a senate meeting. The most famous portrayal of the historic event is Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. From the play we get a few common sayings including “Beware the Ides of March”, “Et tu, Brute?”, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!", and "Aye, they are come, but they are not gone."

Check out the display on the third floor to learn more about Julius Caesar and Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.
 

March 2 marks the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, one of the most popular children’s authors of all time. His imaginative rhymes, vocabulary, and characters have made his books like The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go! beloved across generations. 

One of Dr. Seuss’s most significant contributions was his ability to make reading fun and engaging for early learners. In the mid-20th century, children’s books often relied on rote memorization and uninspiring vocabulary. Frustrated by these methods, Geisel set out to create books that were simple yet fun. The Cat in the Hat, for example, was written using only 236 distinct words, chosen to be easy for young readers while maintaining an engaging narrative. His use of repetition, rhyming schemes, and rhythmic patterns not only entertained but also reinforced fundamental reading skills.

Geisel’s not only taught children how to read but also inspired them to think critically about the world around them. However, Geisel was a complex figure. As a liberal Democrat, he strongly opposed fascism and was a supporter of President Roosevelt’s New Deal. His political cartoons during World War II urged action against totalitarian threats. Nevertheless, his work also contained racist imagery and stereotypes, particularly with respect to depictions of non-white characters. For instance, he drew troubling images of Japanese Americans in his political cartoons supporting the internment camps. Some of earlier children’s books also contain racist imagery. At the same time, Geisel was not beyond growth and change. After WII, he reexamined his views on the Japanese. In fact, his book Horton Hears a Who!, dedicated to a Japanese friend, was intended as an allegory for America's post-war presence in Japan.

Despite his complexity, Dr. Seuss’s influence on children’s literature remains undeniable. Recognizing Geisel’s great impact on literacy and the enduring influence of his work, the National Education Association partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises in 1998 to establish National Read Across America Day in his honor. This annual celebration on Dr. Seuss’s Birthday brings together students, teachers, parents, and communities nationwide to promote literacy and the joy of reading. While initially centered on Dr. Seuss’s work, the event has since expanded to highlight diverse literature that reflects a wide range of cultures and experiences. Celebrate the day by checking out the book display on the first floor of the library. 

Chocolate has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Cacao was first cultivated by the Olmecs in Mesoamerica over 5000 years ago. Later, it was so valued by the Mayan and Aztec peoples that they used cacao beans as currency and in sacred rituals. It was also prepared as a bitter beverage reserved for royalty and warriors. In the sixteenth century, European explorers brought cacao back to Europe, where sugar and milk were added to make it more palatable, but it remained a delicacy only available to the elite. Over time, with industrial advances, chocolate became widely obtainable around the world. Today almost two-thirds of global consumers purchase chocolate at least once a year and over half of them eat it at least once a week. 

Contemporary chocolate comes in several varieties, each with its own distinct taste and texture. Dark chocolate has the highest percentage of cocoa solids and little to no milk giving it a rich, slightly bitter flavor. Milk chocolate, the most popular type, contains cocoa solids, milk, and sugar, giving it a smooth and creamy texture. White chocolate, despite its name, contains no cocoa solids but only cocoa butter, sugar, and milk that together result in a sweet, buttery flavor. In 2017 a Belgian–Swiss cocoa company introduced ruby chocolate, a pink chocolate with a slightly sweet and sour taste also made from cocoa solids, milk, and sugar, but also citric acid. The color comes from the kind of cocoa used and there is still debate about whether or not this truly is a fourth kind of chocolate.

Whatever the kind, chocolate is incredibly popular. Surveys reveal that the number one reason people eat chocolate is because it tastes good, but they also eat it to make themselves happy, enjoy a special treat, reward themselves, or relax. Researchers have found, however, that it is not just the taste of chocolate but also the texture that is enjoyable, particularly the sensation of chocolate melting in the mouth. Other research suggests that the enjoyment in eating chocolate comes from some of the compounds in chocolate that can influence the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. However, chocolate may not contain enough of these to have much of an effect on mood. Still other research indicates the sugar to fat ratio is key, particularly with milk chocolate. Because it is the same as breast milk, humans might be in a sense hardwired to like chocolate. 

Despite all the joy chocolate can bring, the chocolate industry faces several ethical and environmental controversies. One major issue is child labor, particularly in West African countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where children work under harsh conditions on cocoa farms, often missing out on education. Additionally, many cocoa farmers receive extremely low wages, while large corporations profit significantly. Environmental concerns also arise, as cocoa farming contributes to deforestation. 

So as we celebrate National Chocolate Lover’s Month, let us also remember the importance of sustainable and ethical sourcing. Supporting brands that prioritize fair trade and environmentally friendly practices ensures that cocoa farmers receive fair wages, and that chocolate production remains sustainable for future generations. To learn more, check out the book display on the fourth floor of the library. 

Is collecting an innate human activity? Perhaps not innate, but one estimate suggests that 40% of US households participate in some form of collecting.  People not only collect physical objects, but also experiences, ideas, and even beings (e.g. animals in zoos, plants in botanical gardens, etc.). Of all the collectables, sports memorabilia stand out as particularly popular. This began in the 19th century when baseball cards were first introduced as a way for companies to advertise their products, like cigarettes and chewing gum. Since then, trading cards and other memorabilia have grown into a multibillion-dollar business. Why do people spend so much time and money on these collections? 

One reason people collect memorabilia is the emotional connection these items provide. Owning a piece of sports history, such as a rookie card or a game-worn jersey, allows collectors to relive memorable moments and feel a closer bond to their favorite athletes and teams. Collectors may also feel a sense of duty to cultural preservation. Their collections help preserve the artifacts so that others can experience a similar connection. Related to this are educational motivations. Collecting allows one to dive into the subject of their collecting for their own learning but also to teach others about it. 

Financial considerations also influence the appeal of collecting sports memorabilia. Many collectors view their items as investments, with the potential for significant appreciation over time. There might also be an aspect of the thrill of discovery in this. The process of searching for rare or valuable items can be exhilarating, providing a sense of achievement upon acquisition. For some, though, this rush can become addictive resulting in obsessive behavior. 

There is also a social aspect to collecting. Some collectors value the friendships and sense of belonging that come with engaging in a community of like-minded individuals. Such an opportunity is happening this week. The John Fox Sports Memorabilia and Card Show is Saturday, February 22, from 10am–2pm in the Alumni Campus Center ballrooms. In addition to card dealers, this gathering will feature items from the Center for Dubuque History (CDH), John Fox Collection. These items include a Hank Aaron signed baseball, a Roberto Clemente signed baseball, a Michael Jordan signed basketball, and a Dan Marino signed football. To learn more about this collection you can contact the CDH.  To learn more about collecting, please visit the book display on the Library’s third floor. 

Love is one of the most universal themes in children’s and young adult literature. It is a powerful force that shapes and transforms both the characters and the readers who follow their journeys. The love in these stories is complex, whether the strong ties of family, deep bonds of friendship, the unconditional love of a pet, the growth into self-acceptance, and, yes, even the excitement of first romance. 

For younger readers, love often appears first in stories about family and belonging. Books like Hair Love and Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle highlight the special bond between parents and children, showing how love exists in the everyday moments of comfort, support, and care. Similarly, A Gift from Abuela explores the unique and lasting connection between generations. 

As readers grow, stories of love expand to include themes of self-discovery and personal growth. In Big and Love Is a Revolution, the young characters navigate what it means to love themselves in a world that challenges their sense of worth. How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe explores self-acceptance and finding love in unexpected places.  Love, Violet and Henry in Love highlight the nervous excitement and sweetness of first love, while Heart Unbroken and Love Star explore love’s resilience and strength. In classic books like Where the Red Fern Grows and Old Yeller  the unconditional and sacrificial love between children and their loyal dogs, reveals that love can also mean loss, grief, and letting go. Ultimately, though, love in children’s and young adult books is about connection, acceptance, and the courage to open our hearts.

To learn more about these titles and other children’s and young adult books about love, please visit the book display on the first floor.

The 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” highlights the transformative role of Black labor throughout US history. From the forced agricultural labor of enslaved Africans later to work in mining, manufacturing, domestic service, small businesses, skilled trades, and professional roles, African Americans have continually shaped the nation’s economy and culture. This work has often taken place in the face of oppressive structures and opposition. Nevertheless, even as they faced discrimination, the push for economic justice was constant. Black professionals and laborers alike fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and labor rights.

One of the most significant milestones in Black labor history was the establishment of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids in 1925 by A. Philip Randolph. This was the first Black-led labor union to receive a charter in the American Federation of Labor, marking a key victory in the fight for workers' rights. Years later, the civil rights movement would build on the connection between labor and social justice, with figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advocating for economic justice as part of the broader struggle for racial equality. King’s Poor People’s Campaign in 1967 called for better wages, economic opportunities, and fair labor practices, emphasizing that the fight for Black liberation could not be separated from labor rights. In fact, at the time of his assassination, King was in Memphis supporting the strike of black sanitation workers. 

It was not only black men who advocated for workers' rights. Black women too have been at the  forefront of labor movements, promoting for economic justice while challenging both racial and gender discrimination. Rosina Corrothers Tucker helped establish the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids. Nannie Helen Burroughs, a suffragist, began a labor union for Black domestic workers in 1921 as she integrated labor reform and voting rights. Following in her footsteps, Dora Lee Jones helped found the Domestic Workers Union in Harlem in 1934 and later Dorothy Bolden founded the National Domestic Workers Union in 1968. Maida Springer Kemp was the first African American woman to advocate for workers’ rights internationally beginning in 1945 and continuing throughout her life. 

There are countless other African American leaders whose efforts have reshaped industries, influenced national policies, and empowered generations of Black workers. Honoring this history not only acknowledges past contributions but also serves as an inspiration for current and future generations to continue the pursuit of economic justice and equity for all. To learn more about African Americans and Labor please check out the book display on the main floor of the library. 

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed annually on 27 January, on the anniversary the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by the Soviet army in 1945. This day honors the memory of the six million Jewish people and the millions of other minorities (e.g., the disabled, Sinti-Roma, Slavs, gay men, Free Masons, and Jehovah Witnesses) who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust. 

The day was established by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 in 2004. The intention was to not only remember the victims but affirm the reality of the Holocaust so that it might “forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice.” All Member States were urged to develop educational programs to “inculcate future generations with the lessons of the Holocaust in order to help to prevent future acts of genocide.”

Perhaps there is no better way to learn these lessons than by reading and listening to the testimonies of Holocaust victims and survivors, to let these people speak for themselves. These accounts bear witness to this history in a deeply personal way. They enable us to hear individual’s voices and consider their life experiences within the context of genocide. The statistics of the Holocaust are staggering, but it is essential that the individuals these numbers represent not be forgotten. Their stories reveal the horrors of the concentration camps and ghettos. In many of them, particularly in those who survived, we also see glimpses of hope and humanity amid despair – the strength and resilience of those who rebuilt their lives. 

On the main floor of the Library you can find a display of first-person account of victims and survivors of the Holocaust. These include memoirs, diaries, and transcripts of oral histories. Also consider listening to the voices of survivors tell their story. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Jeff and Toby Herr Oral History Archive is one of the largest and most diverse collections of Holocaust testimonies in the world. By listening to their stories we honor their legacy. These accounts call us to commit to ensuring future generations never forget and to work toward a world where such atrocities will never happen again.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is widely celebrated for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. His commitment to equality, however, extended beyond simply race; it was a radical vision of interconnectedness and mutuality among all people. This broad perspective is evident in his 1961 commencement speech at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where he focused on the foundational ideals of the United States stated in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal” and “that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” For King this was the American dream, and it had yet to be realized.

King argued that the only way to make this dream a reality was to develop a “world perspective,” reject the false doctrine of white supremacy, and embrace non-violence. Humanity must recognized their shared destiny and interconnectedness. There must be a collective commitment to creating a world of unity and mutual respect. The technological and scientific developments of the time demonstrated how small the world really is. As King stated:

Through our scientific genius we have made of the  world a neighborhood, and now through our moral and ethical commitment we must make  of it a brotherhood. We must all learn to live together as brothers, or we will all perish together as fools. It simply means that every nation must be concerned about every other nation. Every individual must be concerned about every other individual. 

This idea of interconnectedness was central to King’s philosophy. He articulated this in what he called an “inescapable network of mutuality” and a “single garment of destiny,” asserting that the well-being of one person or group is tied to the well-being of all:

“Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. As long as there is extreme poverty in this world, no man can be totally rich even if he has a billion dollars. As long as diseases are rampant and millions of people cannot expect to live more than 28 or 30 years, no one can be totally healthy, even if he just got a checkup in the finest clinic in the nation.

King’s words compel us to reflect on our shared responsibilities and confront systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and disease, not as distant problems but as urgent matters that touch all of humanity. Yet, for King this mutuality and interconnectedness goes beyond economic stability, racial equity, and physical well-being. It is ultimately about the purpose of human life:

Strangely enough, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. And you can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the way the world is made. This the interrelated structure of reality.”

To learn more about Martin Luther King Jr. please check out the book display on the Library’s fourth floor. You can listen to the full version of King’s “American Dream” speech here.

Poverty remains a persistent challenge in the world, affecting not only the material well-being of individuals but also their access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for advancement. In fact, according to the World Bank the global reduction in poverty is at a standstill. Millions of people in the United States continue to live below the poverty line, with children and marginalized communities disproportionately affected. Globally, poverty’s impact is even more staggering, leaving billions without access to clean water, nutritious food, and safe shelter.

Poverty is caused by a series of interconnected issues. These include economic conditions like income inequality, unemployment, inflation, and unstable markets. Additionally, events such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, and disease outbreaks create new economic vulnerabilities resulting in food insecurity and resource scarcity. Historical inequalities, such as racism or gender-based discrimination, further perpetuate poverty in marginalized communities. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated these issues, introducing unprecedented challenges for global economies and widening income inequality. Climate change too disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable. 

Breaking the cycle of poverty requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate needs and systemic barriers. Improving the climate can mitigate energy insecurity, protect vulnerable communities, and reduce hardships linked to poverty, such as inadequate housing along with water and food insecurity. Supporting affordable homeownership enhances health outcomes and provides financial stability. Advancing food security through assistance programs and building grocery stores in underserved areas can alleviate food deserts. Additionally, implementing supportive government policies, such as social safety nets and income support, can play a crucial role in alleviating poverty and promoting economic mobility. 

During this Poverty Awareness Month we are called to reflect, learn, and act. Whether through volunteering, donating to local shelters, or advocating for policies that address inequality, each action can make a difference. By fostering awareness and compassion, we can work toward sustainable solutions that uplift those in need and pave the way for a future where poverty no longer defines lives. For more information please check out the book display on the third floor of the Library. 

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, served from 1977 to 1981. His presidency included several notable achievements, including brokering peace between Egypt and Israel through the Camp David Accords, transferring control of the Panama Canal to Panama via the Panama Canal Treaty, reaching a strategic arms agreement with the Soviet Union, and establishing formal diplomatic relations with China. Carter also worked to make the government more inclusive, appointing more women, African Americans, and Jewish Americans to official positions and judgeships than all previous presidents combined. Additionally, he created the Departments of Education and Energy and prioritized environmental protection. A staunch advocate for human rights, Carter placed them at the center of U.S. foreign policy. Despite these accomplishments, his presidency faced significant challenges, including the Iran hostage crisis and a struggling economy.  Likewise, as a political outsider, Carter took pride in prioritizing principle over political maneuvering, but this approach often made it difficult for him to achieve legislative goals in Washington.  

After leaving office, Carter and his beloved wife Rosalyn, his partner throughout his political and public service career, embarked on a journey of humanitarian and peacemaking efforts that would define his legacy. In 1982, they founded The Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to “waging peace,” promoting human rights, and alleviating human suffering. The Center has been instrumental in advancing health initiatives, notably contributing to the near-eradication of Guinea worm disease.

Carter's commitment to peace extended to diplomatic missions worldwide. He played a pivotal role in mediating conflicts and promoting fair elections in various countries. His efforts in North Korea in 1994 led to a temporary freeze of the country's nuclear program. Additionally, Carter's work in the Middle East, particularly his advocacy for Palestinian rights, showcased his dedication to finding peaceful solutions to complex international issues. 

Carter's humanitarian work was also exemplified through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity. He and Rosalynn began volunteering with Habitat in 1984, actively participated in building and repairing homes for those in need. This commitment led to the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, an annual home building blitz organized by Habitat and its affiliates. It generally takes place in the United States one year, and an international location the next. Since its inception, the Carter Work Project has built 4,447 homes in 14 countries and involved over 108,000 volunteers.  

Carter's post-presidential work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, for “his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” For Carter, though, his dedication to service was not about receiving accolades but simply a way to live out his faith. He stated, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I’m free to choose that something. That something—the something that I’ve chosen—is my faith. My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.”

To learn more, please visit our book display on the main floor of the library.