Your Guide to Education Publications

August 27, 2025

Whether you’re a teacher, a student, a parent, or a school administrator, the world of education is constantly evolving. Staying on top of best practices, new research, and critical resources is key to success. From enhancing the classroom environment to planning for college, our diverse collection of education publications has you covered.

For Educators and a Healthy Learning Environment

Effective teaching and a healthy school environment go hand in hand. The English Teaching Forum is a fantastic resource for English language teachers outside the United States, offering practical articles, ideas, and materials to help improve their craft.

For those focused on the school building, the Sensible Guide for Healthier School Renovations provides crucial environmental health considerations for any school-renovation project. Pair this with the Sensible Steps to Healthier School Environments, which outlines cost-effective measures to protect the health of students and staff. These two guides provide practical, actionable advice for creating a safe and healthy place to learn and teach.

For Students and Parents: Planning for College

Navigating the path to higher education can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We have several essential publications to help make the journey clearer.

My Future, My Way: First Steps Toward College is a great starting point for students, helping them think about their goals and what they want from their education.

The College Preparation Checklist is an easy-to-use resource outlining all the key steps students must take, from test prep to application deadlines.

Finally, a key piece of the puzzle is understanding how to pay for everything. Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid is an invaluable resource that demystifies finding and applying for federal financial assistance.

These publications, available as accessible eBooks, provide the knowledge and tools students need to prepare for their future confidently.

From professional development for teachers to financial aid guidance for students, these publications offer a wealth of information for every step of the educational journey. Find the resources you need to learn, grow, and succeed.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

August 7, 2025

In observance of National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), we are highlighting the importance of routine vaccinations to safeguard our communities. The month emphasizes the importance of vaccination for everyone, regardless of age, as a key part of public health. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious diseases.

During NIAM, you can:

  • Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your vaccination status.
  • Get vaccinated against preventable diseases.
  • Volunteer to help with local immunization events.

Travel with Your Health Passport

Vaccination is also critical for international travel. “Before you see the world,” a great first step is to get the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, approved by the World Health Organization and available from the U.S. Government Bookstore. Also known as the “Yellow Card,” this document is often required for entry into countries with specific health risks.

This certificate, with text in both English and French, serves as your health passport. To make it valid, you must first visit a healthcare provider for any vaccinations required for your destination. Your doctor will list the vaccinations on the form, sign it, and date it. Every traveler must keep their Yellow Card with them while traveling as proof of vaccination. With this vital document, you’re ready to plan your next venture of a lifetime.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Consumers, Family, health, Health care, NIH, Travel and Tourism | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Homeownership Resources

March 17, 2025

Purchasing a home is a major financial decision that can significantly impact a person’s life. If you are considering buying a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage, a great first step is to check out the following publications from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) bookstore.

Your Home Loan Toolkit: A Step-by-Step Guide takes home buyers through the home loan process in a breeze. This easy-to-understand toolkit includes interactive worksheets, checklists, smart research tips, financing terms, helpful conversation points to discuss with lenders, and much more. The guide also provides the closing disclosure to help home buyers become more comfortable accepting financial documents.

What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). This booklet can help you explore and understand your options when borrowing against the equity in your home. After you finish this booklet, you’ll understand the effect of borrowing against your home, various financing options, how to get the best HELOC, and what to do if the economy or your situation changes.

There are many benefits to homeownership, including:

  • Building equity: When you own a home, you build equity in the property. This means you are essentially paying yourself back for purchasing your home over time.
  • Tax benefits: Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from their federal income taxes.
  • Financial stability: Homeowners tend to be more financially stable than renters. This is because they have a fixed monthly mortgage payment, which can help them build a strong credit history.
  • Sense of community: Homeowners invest more in their communities than renters. This is because they have a stake in the property and want to see it thrive.

Homeownership can be a great investment, but it is important to ensure you are prepared for the responsibilities and costs. By researching and planning, you can increase your chances of success as a homeowner.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Unique and Thoughtful Gift Ideas

December 12, 2024

The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re searching for that special gift, let the federal government help with popular, practical, and unique gift ideas. This year, consider gifts that spark curiosity, inspire learning, and celebrate our beautiful planet. From space enthusiasts to nature lovers and young learners, we’ve covered you with these out-of-this-world gift ideas.

Here are popular gift ideas from the U.S. Government Bookstore that will delight everyone on your list.

The 2025 NASA Science Calendar is a must-have for the space enthusiast in your life. This calendar features stunning images of planets, galaxies, and astronauts and is a daily reminder of the universe’s wonders. It’s a great way to stay organized and get inspired.

Outdoor lovers can bring the beauty of nature into their homes with beautiful National Park posters. With choices ranging from the iconic Rocky Mountains to Canyon Country National Park and more, these posters are perfect for framing and displaying in any room. They’re a great conversation starter and a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

For the little ones in your life, the Discover MyPlate activity booklets are a fun and educational way to learn about healthy eating. These booklets help build literacy and teach kids about different food groups and portion sizes. They’re a great way to encourage healthy habits while having fun.

These gifts will surely be a hit with people of all ages. They’re perfect for anyone who loves learning, exploring, and appreciating the beauty of our planet.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

4 Comments | Art, Calendars, Consumers, Family, Gifts, National Park Service, Science & Technology, Teachers and teaching | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Food Safety and Nutrition Activity Books for Kids

July 22, 2024

Raising healthy eaters starts young, and with summer in full swing and children out of school, now is a perfect time to teach them about food safety and nutrition. Cultivating good habits around food keeps kids safe and sets them on a path to a lifetime of well-being. Food safety and nutrition are key components of this journey, and thankfully, there are engaging books to make learning about them a fun adventure.

The Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore offers the following bestselling educational publications to help teach young children the importance of food safety and good food choices.

Food Safe Families Activity Book for Kids covers the four essential steps to food safety: clean, separate, cook, and chill. It uses fun activities like crossword puzzles and word searches to keep kids engaged while learning how to prevent foodborne illness. Topics covered in this book teach kids important safety habits such as:

  • How to wash their hands properly.
  • How to avoid cross-contamination.
  • How to cook food to the proper temperature.
  • The importance of keeping food refrigerated.

Discover MyPlate Emergent Readers booklets illustrate the five building block food groups in the structure of a plated meal designed to help children identify foods within the food groups. It uses games and exercises to introduce the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy) and empowers kids to make healthy choices.

Combining these resources with a little creativity can turn mealtimes into a fun and educational experience. Your children will be well on their way to becoming healthy eaters with a strong understanding of food safety!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Children, Department of Agriculture, ebooks, Family, health, Parenting, Teachers and teaching | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Safety Month: A Time to Celebrate Safety

June 14, 2023

June is National Safety Month, a time to focus on preventing injuries and deaths in the workplace and at home. National Safety Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of safety hazards and learn how to avoid them.

The National Safety Council (NSC), a non-profit organization, works to save lives through safety education and advocacy. This year, the NSC is focusing on the following four key areas:

  • Emergency preparedness: Make sure you have a plan in place in case of an emergency, such as a fire, flood, or earthquake.
  • Slips, trips, and falls: Be aware of your surroundings and take steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
  • Heat-related illness: Stay hydrated and cool during hot weather.
  • Hazard recognition: Learn to identify and avoid hazards in your workplace and at home.

The following are tips for staying safe in the workplace:

  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
  • Follow all safety procedures at work.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and be mindful of potential hazards.
  • Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see something unsafe.
  • Get regular safety training.

Sign up for free email alerts regarding safety-related GPO publications.

In addition to the information above, the Federal government also offers the following resources for maintaining a healthy and safe environment in your home.

The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) includes essential information about the dangers of lead and the potential lead poisoning through home maintenance and renovation work. This handy booklet covers the basic facts about lead and its impact on health.

Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home provides home safety tips to help vulnerable family members suffering from chronic illnesses who may be at risk when faced with common occurrences in the home, such as mold, dust, toxins from lead, and old embedded asbestos. It also provides guidance on everyday cleaning chemicals and silent and odorless carbon monoxide and radon, which can pose health risks if not effectively treated and kept under control.

Together, we can create a safer world for everyone by following the above tips in this article.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Family, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, safety | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Nutrition Month

March 8, 2023

March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to learn about the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. To help Americans make healthier food choices, Dietary Guidelines for Americans is now available for sale from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

Dietary Guidelines, authored by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition experts and Health and Human Services (HHS), are designed to help individuals and families stay on track to consume a healthy diet. The information in the Dietary Guidelines is used to develop, implement, and evaluate food, nutrition, and health policies for Americans.

It provides science-based advice to promote health and reduce the risk of major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. It summarizes and synthesizes knowledge regarding individual nutrients and food components into recommendations for a pattern of eating that consumers can quickly adapt.

It’s important to remember that a healthy dietary program does not have to be based on a rigid prescription. These Guidelines feature a customizable framework, core elements from which individuals can tailor an affordable series of healthy choices to meet personal, cultural, and lifestyle preferences.

How long have you been contemplating changing to a healthier diet? Purchase Dietary Guidelines now for new ideas.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

2 Comments | Consumers, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, health, Health care, Libraries, U.S. Department of Agriculture | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

National Wellness Month

August 22, 2022

August is National Wellness Month, a great time to focus on eating a healthy diet and maintaining physical wellness. Incorporating healthy habits into your lifestyle makes for a better quality of life. To help Americans make healthier food choices, Dietary Guidelines for Americans is now available from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

Dietary Guidelines, authored by the Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition experts and Health and Human Services (HHS), are designed to help individuals and families stay on track to consume a healthy diet. The information in the Dietary Guidelines is used to develop, implement, and evaluate food, nutrition, and health policies for Americans.

It provides science-based advice to promote health and reduce the risk for major chronic diseases through diet and physical activity. It summarizes and synthesizes knowledge regarding individual nutrients and food components into recommendations for a pattern of eating that consumers can quickly adapt.

It’s important to remember that a healthy dietary program does not have to be based on a rigid prescription. These Guidelines feature a customizable framework, core elements from which individuals can tailor an affordable series of healthy choices to meet personal, cultural, and lifestyle preferences.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

4 Comments | Agriculture, Department of Health & Human Services, Family, health, Health care, Libraries | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Physical Wellness Month

April 13, 2021

April is Physical Wellness Month. Physical wellness includes both physical fitness as well as nutrition. According to Dietary Guidelines for Americans, available at the U.S. GPO Bookstore, even though infections disease rates have dropped, the rates of chronic diet-related diseases have risen in part to changes in lifestyle behaviors. Also according to the publication, more than two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children and youth in America are overweight or obese.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage Americans to:

  1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan
  2. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount
  3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fasts and reduce sodium intake
  4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices
  5. Support healthy eating patterns for all

The guidelines explain that Americans should eat vegetables from all subgroups—dark green, red and orange, legumes, starchy, and other. A healthy eating pattern also includes fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, and a variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes, and nuts.

Healthy eating patterns limit saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Check out the publication to learn what percent of your calories each day can be from added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.

Also helpful are the guideline’s suggestions for shifting current eating patterns to healthier patterns. For example, choose plain popcorn instead of buttered, whole grain bread instead of croissants, and fruit rather than cake or cookies for dessert.

Coming very soon to the GPO Bookstore is the newest version of this publication, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services. Check our online bookstore periodically for the latest version and get on track for Physical Wellness Month!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the P.R. Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Department of Agriculture, Family, health, U.S. Department of Agriculture | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Home Safety Guidance for Winter and Beyond

January 13, 2021

Winter season is upon us and COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise. With many families still having to work and manage virtual learning from home, there is no better time than now to evaluate the health of your home. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently released Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: A Stakeholder Guide for Protecting the Health of Children and Families.

Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home provides home safety tips to help vulnerable family members suffering from chronic illnesses who may be at risk when faced with common occurrences in the home such as mold, dust, toxins from lead, and old imbedded asbestos. It also provides guidance on everyday cleaning chemicals, as well as silent and odorless carbon monoxide and radon, which can pose health risks if not effectively treated and kept under control. Each topic is fully explained including what causes the problem and how to prevent and eliminate it. The publication provides a room-by-room safety checklist for conducting a complete healthy home assessment for your house or apartment.

Another popular home safety guide from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, provides important facts about lead and how it can affect your family’s health. If you’re a property owner thinking about hiring a painting contractor or plumber, you will find this publication useful. It explains how best to choose a contractor, and, whether you’re a do-it-yourself type or not, how to prepare for a renovation or repair job. And finally, it tells you where to get more information about lead safety issues.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is a writer and senior marketing specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Division supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (http://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Leave a Comment » | Consumer Product Safety Commission, Consumers, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Environmental Protection Agency, Family | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Government Resources for Homebuyers

August 7, 2020

Thinking about buying a new home? Existing home owners, real estate brokers, and mortgage providers can all benefit by checking out helpful resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The following publications provide important facts and processes in securing the best loan for you and your family.

Buying a home is exciting and, let’s face it, complicated. A great place to start is Your Home Loan Toolkit: A Step By Step Guide. This booklet can help you make better choices along your path to owning a home. This easy-to-follow guide will take you through the home loan process. It provides interactive worksheets as well as a simple 4-step process to help you estimate key financial considerations. Sections on checklists, research tips, and terms will keep your process on track.

Consumer Handbook On Adjustable Rate Mortgages will help you decide whether an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) is the right choice for you and will help you take control of the home buying process. This publication helps you understand how an ARM works and the risks that come with the variety of ARM products available.

If you are considering purchasing a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage, be sure to check out these helpful publications at the GPO Bookstore.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

2 Comments | Consumers, Family, finances | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Summer 2020: Staying Safe and Healthy at Home

June 23, 2020

Summer celebrations are going to be different in 2020 while the COVID-19 pandemic prevents Americans from enjoying the usual large holiday gatherings and travel. Many families will spend more of the summer at home than ever before. While in our safe havens, we need to make sure that our homes are free from other common hazards, inside and out.

To recognize the importance of our homes as it relates to our health, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has declared June National Healthy Homes Month. According to HUD, most people spend 70 percent or more of their time inside their home, even when not under stay-at-home restrictions. This statistic is reported in the HUD publication Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: a Stakeholder Guide for Protecting the Health of Children and Families, available for sale from the GPO Online Bookstore. This book covers a full range of home safety issues including lead paint, allergens, mold, carbon monoxide, radon, unsafe drinking water, household chemicals, pests, and the dangers of slips and falls. Even a single one of these unhealthy housing problems can endanger residents, especially children and the elderly who are more vulnerable. This stakeholder guide is intended to assist health care professionals, teachers, religious leaders, and others who work with families, but it could also be used by anyone wanting to maintain or improve their residence. Each topic is fully explained including what causes the problem and how to prevent and eliminate it. Included is a room-by-room safety checklist for conducting a complete healthy home assessment for your house or apartment.

Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: a Stakeholder Guide for Protecting the Health of Children and Families is also available from GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications in Spanish.

There is also a companion publication: Everyone Deserves a Safe and Healthy Home: Protect the Health of Children and Families: a Consumer Action Guide. The consumer action guide provides much of the same information as the Stakeholder Guide in a shorter version for homeowners and renters.

In July, Americans will be mark Independence Day with small, at-home celebrations. Due to COVID-19 precautions, many cities and towns have cancelled traditional Fourth of July fireworks shows. As you plan for the holiday, keep your outdoor activities fun and safe with these publications made available from GPO’s Catalog of Government Publications:

  • Fireworks Fact Sheet (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). It might be tempting to plan your own fireworks this year, but even legal consumer fireworks can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at very high temperatures and can cause third-degree burns. Illegal fireworks can be deadly. This brochure provides information about using consumer fireworks safely and lists the different types of consumer fireworks permitted in each state.
  • Fireworks Annual Report (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission). For more in-depth study, the Fireworks Annual Report is available for years 2013 to 2018. Each annual issue describes injuries and deaths associated with fireworks during the calendar year, including statistics that break down injuries by age and gender.
  • Grilling Fire Safety (U.S. Fire Administration). This flyer has tips for keeping outdoor cooking in the safe zone. Also available in Spanish.
  • Summer Safety Tips (U.S. Fire Administration). Whether you are camping, swimming, or biking, this flyer will help you do it safely.
  • Summertime Burn Safety (U.S. Fire Administration). This is a quick checklist for preventing and treating the common burn injuries of summer. Also available in Spanish.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

For the free resources, click on the links above within this blog post.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Caroline Hassler is a Supervisory Librarian in GPO’s Library Services & Content Management office.

2 Comments | Consumers, Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Family, health | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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