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The 1918 influenza outbreak, caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus, was the deadliest pandemic ever recorded at that time. An estimated 500 million people – about a third of the world’s population – were infected. At least 50 million people died worldwide, including about 675,000 in the United States. Young adults between 20 and 40 years old, usually little affected by these types of infectious diseases, were among the hardest hit, along with the elderly and young children.

Occurring at the end of World War I, fatigue, malnourishment, and overcrowding likely contributed to mortality rates. Soldiers were especially susceptible living in crowded conditions – more US soldiers died from the flu than were killed in battle. Troop movements also helped spread the virus.

Despite their relative isolation, rural communities were not immune from its effects. One such community was Titonka, Iowa. The townspeople there were under the care of Dr. Pierre Sartor. He recorded his experiences in a handwritten memoir entitled, “Thrills of my life, specifically my ‘Flu Life.’” According to his accounts, he treated more than 1,100 patients with only five deaths. His prescription was to wear a mask, practice hygiene and isolation, and be kind.

Decades after its writing Sartor’s memoir was discovered by his granddaughter, Mary Beth Sartor Obermeyer, in a lockbox filled with family documents. After extensive family research she used his work as the foundation for a book on his life. To learn more, join us for an Author Talk, Thursday, September 14, 4-6 pm in the MARC 3rd Floor Commons. Also check out our book display on the 1918 flu pandemic that includes Obermeyer’s book, When Winter Came.

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Celebrating Dr. Seuss’s Birthday

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. ...

National Chocolate Lover’s Month

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. ...

Sports Memorabilia

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 in Children's and Young Adult Literature

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. ...

When Winter Came – 1918 Flu Pandemic

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