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Gardening is a global activity practiced across cultures and climates. For some it is a hobby that brings relaxation and enjoyment, while for others it serves as an important source of food. Whether you tend just a few pots of herbs, a large backyard plot, or a section of a community garden, gardening brings numerous benefits. 

Perhaps most obviously, gardening supports physical health. Growing fruits and vegetables encourages healthier eating habits and provides access to fresh, nutrient-rich food. Homegrown produce can supplement one’s diet and, in some cases, make a meaningful difference toward food security. In addition to nutrition, gardening can serve as a form of exercise that improves flexibility, strength, and endurance.

Gardening also can have a positive impact on mental health. Spending time outdoors and working with plants has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Many gardeners describe their time in the garden as meditative. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from nurturing plants from seed to harvest can build confidence. The connection to growth cycles and seasonal changes, likewise, can help people feel more grounded and connected to natural rhythms.

Beyond personal benefits, gardening fosters community through shared gardens, plant swaps, and neighborhood beautification efforts. Loras College's Tom Blacklock Memorial Campus Garden exemplifies this community spirit. Started in 2014 by Professors Aditi Sinha and Tom Davis with Honors students, the garden began as a way to explore edible landscaping and educate the campus about local eating. It has expanded over the years, featuring carefully planned plantings that always include at least one unusual vegetable, plus prairie plants that attract beneficial insects. The garden's produce is freely available to the campus community, and all are welcome to volunteer. Those interested can sign up at Garden Volunteer Sign Up Summer 2025. To learn more about gardening visit the book display on gardening on the Library’s third floor.

If you’ve spent time in museums you’ve probably seen the terms preservation, restoration, and conservation used to describe how an artifact has been treated. All of these are processes to help ensure that a historical object continues to exist and which one is chosen depends on the condition of the object and its future use.

In archives, preservation is the most common process and generally the least intensive. Our main goal is to minimize future damage or deterioration. Sometimes it’s as simple as putting the object in a box and in a safe place, but it can get much more involved. Archival materials are generally transferred into boxes and folders that are specially designed to mitigate issues such as acidic paper, light sensitive inks and dyes, and metal oxidation and to provide proper support. Our safe space is also carefully designed to maintain consistent temperatures and humidity. 

Restoration is a process that attempts to make the item look like new. Damaged areas are fixed, treatments are used to remove discoloration or stains, and new materials are added to replace missing bits. While this is most commonly done with art and furniture, it can also be done to books and documents. The video below shows the process of restoring a painting.

Conservation can be seen as a mix of preservation and restoration. Like with preservation, the goal is maintain the item in its current condition and like restoration, the goal is to repair damage. Items that go through a conservation process are usually unusable in their current condition, but need to be used. Conservation treatments are less extensive then restoration and seek to conserve as much of the original material as possible. All processes are well documented and anything that is removed is usually retained.

Want to learn more? Email Heidi to see examples of preservation and conservation in the archives and Special Collections. She's also happy to talk about on-campus preservation internship opportunities.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of mental well-being. It is an opportunity to foster open conversations, raise awareness, and promote education around mental health. 

Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and behave, as well as how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, it can fluctuate over time based on life circumstances. Good mental health means being able to cope with daily challenges, maintain relationships, and function effectively in different aspects of life. 

For college students, particularly at the end of the school year, maintaining mental health can be challenging, but there are steps you can take. Ensure you get enough sleep, stay active, and eat healthy foods. Practice mindfulness techniques to maintain balance and focus. Keep in touch with friends and family for emotional support and to take breaks from academic work. Divide tasks into smaller steps and set achievable goals. Finally, don’t be afraid to seek assistance. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Prioritizing mental wellness takes effort, but it is an essential aspect of living a balanced life. To learn more about mental health, please visit the book display on the third floor of the Library.

May is National Photography Month, a time to recognize the significant impact photography has had on our world since its invention. Evolving from a concept discussed by ancient philosophers into an essential tool for documentation and artistic expression, photography impacts how we preserve history, share experiences, and express ourselves.

Although photography as we know it began much later, the camera obscura phenomenon, which involves the projection of an image through a small hole, was first discussed in ancient philosophical texts during the 4th century BCE and may have been used even earlier to inspire paleolithic cave paintings. It was not until 1826, however, that Joseph Nicéphore Niépce captured the first permanent image using a bitumen-coated pewter plate. His partnership with Louis Daguerre led to the daguerreotype in 1839, which made it possible to produce much sharper images with shorter exposure times. This marked the beginning of photography as a practical tool for capturing real-world pictures.

As new techniques emerged, photography became more efficient and accessible. William Henry Fox Talbot introduced the calotype, which used paper negatives and allowed for multiple copies of a photo. Later, the wet collodion process and gelatin dry plates improved image quality and simplified the workflow. The invention of roll film and the rise of Kodak cameras in the late 19^th century helped bring photography to the general public. What was once a complicated, scientific process became a common hobby and creative outlet. In recent years, digital cameras and smartphones have made it possible for almost anyone to take high-quality pictures anytime, anywhere.

To learn more about the history of photography as well as see the artistic work of some of the world’s great photographers, please visit the book display on the main floor of the library. 

Each May, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the diverse cultures, rich histories, and lasting contributions of AAPI communities to the United States. Representing over 50 countries and hundreds of languages, the AAPI identity is deeply complex, spanning a wide array of experiences, traditions, and stories, but at the same time, sharing common threads of resilience and leadership.

AAPI communities have consistently demonstrated this resilience and leadership throughout American history by transforming hardship into platforms for progress and advocacy. For instance, Chinese laborers played an essential role in constructing the transcontinental railroad despite facing severe discrimination and harsh working conditions, establishing a foundation for future equality movements. Similarly, Japanese American soldiers of the 442nd Infantry Regiment served courageously, even as their families back home were imprisoned in internment camps, challenging prejudices that eventually led to the Civil Liberties Act.

Later, in the face of exclusionary immigration laws and persistent anti-Asian sentiment, AAPI leaders emerged to fight for civil rights and representation. Dalip Singh Saund, an Indian American farmer, mathematician, and judicial officer overcame legal barriers to become the first Asian American congressman, demonstrating how perseverance and advocacy can lead to institutional change. Patsy Mink, a third-generation Japanese American and the first woman of color in Congress, fought for representation, co-authoring Title IX to create opportunities for women in education and athletics. Grace Lee Boggs, a Chinese American philosopher and activist, spent decades organizing alongside Black and working-class communities in Detroit, redefining solidarity through grassroots organizing. 

Today, this legacy of resilience and leadership continues through contemporary AAPI figures who are shaping every aspect of American life, from science and literature to politics and public service. The groundbreaking scientific work of Nobel laureate Roger Tsien, the literary voice of Ocean Vuong, and Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic role all exemplify the continued impact of AAPI individuals in American life. In addition, across the country, AAPI organizers and advocates are taking on issues such as anti-Asian hate, immigration reform, and racial justice, building inclusive partnerships and stronger communities in the process.

During this AAPI Heritage Month, we invite you to explore the stories, voices, and contributions that shape the AAPI experience. To get started please visit the book display on the fourth floor. 

May is National Get Caught Reading Month, established in 1999 by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) as part of an initiative to promote reading and literacy across the United States. This month-long observance encourages people of all ages to make reading a visible activity. Its goal is to inspire others by example, showing that reading isn't just a necessity but an enjoyable pastime that enriches our lives.

After months of assigned readings and scholarly articles, Get Caught Reading Month is a great way for members of the Loras community to reconnect with books on your own terms. Reading can help you unwind after finals; research shows that reading for pleasure reduces stress and supports mental well-being. Maintaining reading habits between academic years also helps preserve critical thinking skills and vocabulary over the summer. 

In addition to the general benefits of reading for pleasure, Get Caught Reading Month highlights the community aspect of reading. While often considered a solitary activity, this observance transforms reading into a community experience. Schools organize read-a-thons, libraries host special events, and many people post pictures of themselves enjoying books in unexpected places with the tag #GetCaughtReading. 

Whether it’s a quiet moment alone or a shared experience with friends, reading can be both restorative and fun. If you are looking for a post-finals week read, visit our Popular Reading Collection in the Klauer Commons on the main floor or talk to one of the librarians for some recommendations.

Children’s poetry has long delighted readers with its playful language, vivid imagery, and surprising humor. These qualities not only entertain young readers but introduce them to the power and flexibility of language. Poetry for children, like poetry in general, has ancient roots, with nursery rhymes and lullabies passed down through generations. Today's children's poetry encompasses everything from playful nonsense verse to profound reflections on childhood experiences.

Poetry provides children with essential building blocks for language development. The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition found in poems help children recognize patterns in language, build vocabulary, and expand their ability to hear and manipulate the sounds of words. Moreover, these attributes foster children's ability to remember and memorize information. Poetry can also help reading fluency and literacy as repeated reading of poems helps children improve their pronunciation and understanding. 

Besides language skills, poetry can help nurture emotional intelligence. Poems capture complex feelings in accessible ways, helping children understand and express their own emotions. Reading about diverse experiences aids in the development of empathy and understanding different perspectives. Additionally, poetry encourages children to use their imaginations to visualize images and concepts described in the poem. 

One of the most exciting developments in children's literature has been the growing popularity of novels written entirely in verse. Award-winning titles like Kwame Alexander's basketball-themed The Crossover, Sharon Creech's Love That Dog about a boy's poetry journey, and Jacqueline Woodson's memoir Brown Girl Dreaming demonstrate how verse novels combine the emotional impact of poetry with engaging narratives. These books particularly appeal to reluctant readers; the white space on the page appears less intimidating than dense prose, while the emotional directness creates immediate connection, making them perfect gateway books for children who might otherwise avoid reading.

During this National Poetry month, we invite you to explore the children’s poetry in our Library. We have both collections of short poems as well as verse novels in our display on the first floor and even more in our PK-12 Collection. 

April is Autism Awareness Month, but for a group of Loras students, supporting and celebrating neurodiversity is a year-round mission—and it now has a name: Neuro-DU-verse.

Neuro-DU-verse, Loras College’s new student organization, was founded to create a space where neurodivergent students—including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, learning differences, and more—can feel seen, supported, and understood. But this group isn’t just about raising awareness. It’s about creating real community, connection, and change.

Loras has always been strong on community, but students with disabilities haven’t always felt included. As one member explained, “Especially at a school where athletics are so important, it’s easy for some groups to feel forgotten. [Neuro-DU-verse] is a judgment-free, welcoming space for anyone who feels like they don’t quite fit into other places.”

The new organization meets weekly in the Lynch Learning Center. It is an open, accepting space where students come together for games, ice breakers, and conversation. While the gatherings are consistent and routine, they are also flexible, with no pressure or long-term commitments. “It’s about having somewhere to go where you can just be yourself,” another student said. “You don’t have to stress about what’s due or what’s coming next. It’s a space where people get it.” And you don’t have to identify as neurodivergent to attend. The organization is open to everyone—students, staff, and faculty—who either identify as neurodiverse or are allies in support.

The impact of Neuro-DU-verse has already extended beyond weekly meetings. Their recent Care Package Fundraising Project created and distributed care packages to 28 members of the community during one of the most stressful points of the semester. The goal? To spark joy and ease anxiety for the recipients. The project raised $700, launched with the help of a $300 donation, and involved collaboration with a career strategies course. Students took on leadership roles in marketing, logistics, and finance—learning hands-on skills and navigating the real-life challenges of team dynamics, responsibility, and self-advocacy. One organizer said, “It wasn’t just another group project.  It felt like volunteering and was fun.” Another added, “Seeing how happy people were to receive those packages—it was heartwarming.”

As the group looks to the future, Neuro-DU-verse is already planning new events and initiatives, with leftover funds being saved to support the next round of programming. Their mission remains rooted in creating inclusive, welcoming spaces. If you are interested in joining the group, just come Monday evenings at 5:00 to the Lynch Learning Center. 

To learn more about autism and other forms of neurodiversity, please visit the book display on the main floor of the Library.

Stephanie Foo’s memoir, What My Bones Know is a powerful exploration of healing from Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Foo built a successful career as a journalist and radio producer of This American Life but beneath that exterior was a lifelong struggle with the effects of childhood abuse and abandonment. After years of therapy, she was finally told her diagnosis of Complex PTSD. This revelation became a turning point, opening a new path where Foo would come to terms with her past and find healing.

Foo’s narrative is both personal and investigative, blending her own experiences with research, expert interviews, and stories from other trauma survivors. She details her frustrating search for mental health care, the limitations of cognitive behavioral therapy, and her exploration of other therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic experiencing, and mindfulness practices. Foo’s journey has no single breakthrough moment, but instead she takes the reader on her slow, nonlinear process of healing. 

In telling her own story, Foo also reflects on intergenerational trauma. She explores how cultural identity and inherited pain shape her understanding of trauma and resilience. She confronts the ways in which cultural silence can compound suffering while also recognizing the strength found in community and heritage. This realization inspired the title. As she writes, “"Every cell in my body is filled with the code of generations of trauma, of death, of birth, of migration, of history that I cannot understand…My family tried to erase this history. But my body remembers…I want to have words for what my bones know. I want to use those gifts when they serve me and understand and forgive them when they do not (202). 

To learn more about healing from trauma, including some books recommended by Foo, please visit the book display on the third floor. Also, please join us on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 in the MARC Third Floor Commons to hear Foo talk about her memoir.

Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness, fostering discussions, and equipping people with the knowledge needed to take action against climate change. This event brings together educators, students, activists, and policymakers to emphasize the importance of climate literacy. This year it takes place April 7-13. 

The initiative began in 2019 and was first organized by Bard College's Graduate Programs in Sustainability as the Worldwide Teach-In. The last couple of years saw over 600 events in more than 70 countries. However, this program was not the first but built on the work of the early 2000s when environmental organizations and educators recognized the need for structured climate literacy programs.

Climate education goes beyond understanding the science of global warming. It empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions, adopt sustainable practices, and advocate for policy changes. Additionally, climate change is a justice issue. It disproportionately impacts those least responsible, and addressing it requires reversing these injustices. 

This year at Loras we will begin the week a bit early with the Climate Action Festival on Thursday, April 3 from 4-6pm in the Alumni Campus Center. The Climate Action Festival will host short informational sessions on the relationship between human health and climate, communicating and understanding science information, and the intersection of climate change and spirituality, as well as celebrating nature through dance and arts and crafts. Each session will be led by faculty, staff, and student volunteers. Additionally, there will be exhibits from student artists from the area colleges whose works explore these topics in various forms.

To learn more about climate change and sustainability, please visit our book display on the fourth floor.