#LibraryNews

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. 

March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women. This year’s theme, Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations, highlights the power of women as educators and leaders who shape the future. 

Education has long been a catalyst for change, equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed to challenge societal norms, break barriers, and advocate for equality. Pioneers like Mary McLeod Bethune, Patsy Mink, Sally Ride, and Malala Yousafzai remind us that access to education is a fundamental right and a steppingstone to empowerment.

Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator and civil rights leader, founded the Bethune-Cookman Institute to provide Black students with quality education at a time when opportunities were scarce. Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to the U.S. Congress, was instrumental in the creation of Title IX, ensuring gender equity in education and athletics. Sally Ride, as the first American woman in space, broke barriers in STEM and later dedicated her life to inspiring young girls to pursue science. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner at age 17, defied oppression to advocate for girls' education worldwide. Their legacies continue to inspire and uplift new generations of women.

This Women’s History Month, let us recognize the impact of the women who educate, inspire, and empower those around them. To learn more about the women who have shaped our collective history, check out the book display on the fourth floor. Who are the women who have inspired you? Add their names to the white board at the entrance of the Library. 

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.