As the Iowa Digital Library approaches the 100,000-item mark, we’re celebrating this milestonetemp by highlighting some of our favorite items from the collections.

Title: Boys in front of boxcar, Holy City, Bettendorf, Iowa, 1920s
Creator: unknown
Collection: Mujeres Latinas Digital Collection

How can one not be moved by this simple but compelling photo? Two little boys obviously pleased to be photographed, standing proud and straight against a background of utter poverty—a picture of the resilience, fortitude and hope of children everywhere.

–Ed Holtum
Curator, John Martin Rare Book Room