Smallpox Vaccine Discovered – 1796
In the 18th century, smallpox was a widespread and often fatal disease. Within 18 months, 12,000 people in England had been vaccinated and the number of smallpox deaths dropped by two-thirds. Come check out , at the Todd Library, what other diseases have been eradicated or still a major concern to life world-wide and the controversy over vaccinations.
To a great group of students as Spring Semester finishes up over the next two weeks – congratulations and best wishes to Waubonsee’s Class of ’18 graduates, and we look forward to seeing continuing and new students in Summer or Fall!
Here is a poem for graduates, “Into My Own” by Robert Frost:
INTO MY OWN
One of my wishes is that those dark trees,
So old and firm they scarcely show the breeze,
Were not, as ’twere, the merest mask of gloom,
But stretched away unto the edge of doom.
I should not be withheld but that some day
Into their vastness I should steal away,
Fearless of ever finding open land,
Or highway where the slow wheel pours the sand.
I do not see why I should e’er turn back,
Or those should not set forth upon my track
To overtake me, who should miss me here
And long to know if still I held them dear.
They would not find me changed from him they knew—
Only more sure of all I thought was true.
(From A Boy’s Will, 1913)
Click here for an insightful student analysis of the poem: https://owlcation.com/humanities/Robert-Frosts-Into-My-Own-Analysis
This year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Illinois becoming our 21st state on Dec. 3, 1818, a year that also saw the births of first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, civil rights activist Frederick Douglass, and British novelist Emily Bronte.
Alive for almost half the lifetime of the state of Illinois was Rev. Billy Graham, who lived from 1918-2018, and had several ties to Illinois:
A documentary of his life also aired recently, entitled “Billy Graham: An Extraordinary Journey.”
National Library Week – All Month Long at Todd Library
Come help us celebrate and learn more about libraries in general and the important role they played in people’s lives. We will be waiting to see you. “Check us out”.
The poem “Locksley Hall” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson notes, “In the Spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” This spring we would love to invite everyone to two poetry events, as March goes out, and April showers us with Easter, April Fools’ Day, and National Poetry Month!
From 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6, the Aurora Downtown Campus Library will host an Open-Mic Night in partnership with Aurora First Fridays – bring your favorite poetry, short stories, comedy, or music to present, or just listen and enjoy. Cookies and coffee provided.
Poetry Out Loud! will be held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19 at Todd Library in Sugar Grove. Recite your own, read a favorite, or just listen and enjoy! Snacks provided.
For details, or to bring a class, please contact Kathy Bartel at kbartel@waubonsee.edu or (630) 801-7900, ext. 4626.