Illustration of a gray mouse with a white beard and Santa hat in the center with bold, black text above and red, italicized text below

Santa Mouse is a children’s book character created by Michael Brown and illustrated by Elfrieda De Witt. Originally published in 1966, Santa Mouse embarks on holiday-themed adventures as “Santa’s littlest helper” with a big heart as he shares his cheese after realizing no one gives Santa gifts on Christmas. The books are written for an audience of primarily four to eight-year-olds with parents and grandparents passing down the beloved story. Brown wrote his final Santa Mouse book in 2011 before his death in 2014. New Santa Mouse adventures were published in 2021, 2022, and 2024 in memory of Michael Brown and his little holiday helper. 

Blue-toned photograph portrait of Sargent Shriver with white text along the bottom right rim

Robert Sargent Shriver was known for his work in American politics, diplomacy, and activism. Shriver was related to the Kennedy family through his marriage to Eunice Kennedy, sister to former president John F. Kennedy. During the 1950s, Shriver was the director of the Catholic Interracial Council, an organization that worked to desegregate schools. In the 1960s, Shriver worked for the Kennedy presidential administration and sought out candidates for top administrative and ambassadorial positions. From 1961 to 1966, Shriver was the director of the Peace Corps. He was also the first director of the Office of Economic Opportunity after President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act in 1964. Shriver became the United States ambassador to France in 1968. During the 1972 United States presidential election, Shriver replaced Thomas Eagleton as George McGovern’s vice presidential running mate after it was revealed that Eagleton received electroshock therapy for depression. McGovern and Shriver lost the election to Republican incumbents President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew. Shriver failed to obtain the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976 and returned to private life as a partner at a D.C. law firm specializing in international law and foreign affairs. Shriver passed away in 2011 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

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Illustration of a yellow dog looking at an open book, surrounded by a pile of more books, with brown text above

When patrons register for their own library card at a public library, they may receive some exciting perks, like a stylish bookmark or a button similar to this one. Along with access to thousands of resources, man libraries also offer literary-themed merchandise as a thank-you to patrons for their support. 

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The Stephenson County Antique Engine Club is a nonprofit organization established in 1969 and based in Freeport, IL. The club has celebrated America’s historical heritage for over 50 years by hosting community events to educate the public about agricultural and industrial history. The annual festival, hosted in August, showcases antique tractors, tools, and other farming equipment. Attendees of the annual show can even ride a train and enjoy some tasty fair food!

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Did you know the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes featured an invention called a "transmogrifier," a shapeshifting device in the form of a cardboard box and a laser gun? Transmogrify is a whimsical term often seen in folklore to describe transformation in fantasy settings. This button could be an affordable way to become anyone or anything!