School is back in session so it’s got me thinking about all of the awesome things that our school-age patrons will get to learn and experience, and all of the fun topics that we dove into during school.
What were some subjects or topics that you loved learning about in school? Was there a certain historical period or concept you found fascinating? This could have been during elementary school, middle school, high school, or even college. What kinds of things did you love to learn about? Feel free to share any books, TV shows, or resources you used in school to dive into that topic!
Dawn B., Event Coordinator: In elementary school I was OBSESSED with the Loch Ness Monster! I did several different types of reports on Nessie. My resources were library books and the show Unsolved Mysteries!
Tabbitha, Youth Services: One of my favorite topics in school was the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I was fascinated by how they discovered countless new insects and animals, and meticulously mapped the uncharted land.
This led me down a rabbit hole of historical events that paved the way for their journey. I learned that the expedition was made possible by the Louisiana Purchase, a massive territory bought from France under President Thomas Jefferson. While this purchase was a huge win for expanding trade routes, I also learned about its complicated role in expanding slavery in the South.
Over their two-year, four-month, and nine-day journey, Lewis and Clark met many different Native American tribes. This expedition was a huge part of my elementary school history classes, especially since I’m from Illinois. It was an amazing topic that captured my interest for years!
Kathy, Public Support Services: My favorite books growing up were the James Herriott books and that led to Vet School which I loved.
Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: Starting in about 7th grade I had a history teacher, Mrs. Kelso, who I absolutely loved. She was always excited about what she was teaching and it sparked my love for history.
In college I studied history for my degree. I graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro. My advisor, Dr. Richard Kyle, taught many of my classes, took a group of us on a trip to Europe and helped me work my way through writing my senior paper about Thomas Cranmer and the English Reformation. He was so knowledgeable about so many subjects and had a career that took him all over the world. It was a great privilege to know and learn from him.
Dawn S, Youth Services Coordinator: It was Little House on the Prairie for me. My mom and I spent every morning before school watching the television series and I told my teacher about it. My teacher informed me there was entire book series written. I had to read them all!
Shane, Public Support Services: This should not come as a shock to anyone, but history has always been my favorite subject, particularly early American History. This continues to be a focus of mine into my college education. I first discovered this love in middle school American History. The late David McCullough is a notable historian who has written many great American History books. I have History Matters on hold to read when we have it available. It is a collection of essays he wrote during his life curated by his daughter and colleague focusing on his passion of History.
Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: In elementary school, I loved learning about American History, particularly the Revolutionary War. I watched this PBS Kids show, Liberty’s Kids, all the time. In middle school, I did many projects on the life of the poet, Maya Angelou. I found her so inspiring and her poetry made me feel both strong and vulnerable. I loved her poems “Phenomenal Woman” and “Still I Rise.”
Now it’s your turn! What were some topics that you loved learning about or are currently learning about in school?
