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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.