Women’s History Month

March 9, 2021

March is Women’s History Month, a time for celebrating the wide range of women’s contributions and achievements in society.  In recognition of the many achievements of all the American women who have helped shape our history, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) offers many publications, highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of American women.

Visit the GPO online bookstore Women’s History collection featuring notable women such as Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President in American history; Harriet Tubman, escaped slave and brave conductor of the Underground Railroad who later fought for women’s rights; First Lady, U.S. senator and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; the first woman elected to Congress and much more.

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).


Federal Publications for Women’s History Month

March 3, 2020

Women’s History Month, celebrated in March, is a time to recognize the strides women have made in fighting for equality. According to womenshistorymonth.gov, this month is a time to “join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.” So, GPO welcomes you to join in on celebrating this important month and learn more about women’s history with publications from the GPO Bookstore.

Do you know the name of the very first woman representative in the United States? If you guessed Jeannette Rankin of Montana, you’re a women’s history whiz! How about the first woman representative in your state? Learn all the fun facts about the history of women in politics in Women In Congress, 1917–2017. This popular publication includes a set of essays that reflects the considerable increase in the number of women in Congress during the last decade.

We’ve all heard that women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Want to know even more facts and figures on women in the workplace? Women in the Labor Force: A Databook from the Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics presents historical and current labor force and earnings data for women and men from the Current Population Survey.

The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was the women’s branch of the United States Army that was created in 1942 and disbanded in 1978. When it was first created, women had never before served in the military, aside from being nurses. At first, women were not granted the same benefits as male soldiers. Want to learn more about this fascinating time in history? The Women’s Army Corps from the Center of Military History gives a history of WAC from its beginning in World War II until it was discontinued by Congress. In the volume, readers will learn about the decision by Congress in 1978 to end the separation of men and women in the Army and give women roles in other branches of the Army. Bettie J. Mordon, the author of the volume, served as a WAC throughout its entire existence and writes of the changes in WAC throughout the years, including the transformation in the status of Army women and how the Women’s rights movement of the ‘70s helped revolutionize the U.S. military. Also in the volume are images of various uniforms enlisted women, drill sergeants, and officers have worn throughout the years.

Today, women make up about 19% of the total naval force. But this hasn’t always been the case. The Navy’s First Enlisted Women: Patriotic Pioneers gives a historical account of the women who have broken down barriers and changed the Navy for the better. In this publication, you will read about Loretta Perfectus Walsh, the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Navy who volunteered to continue her family’s legacy of military service. Also in the publication are historical photographs of the U.S. Enrollment Office, U.S. Naval Reserve Force enlistees, and other interesting facts.

Women in the Federal Government: Ambitions and Achievements assesses the treatment and advancement of women in the Federal Government. Written by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the report notes that the situation for women in the Government has improved since its last report. For example, women hold an increased proportion of positions in the Senior Executive Service, and fewer women report that they are subjected to discrimination or stereotypes. However, according to the report, there’s still work to be done. It notes that Federal agencies may need to reexamine their approaches to recruitment, work assignment, and leadership development in order to continue to bring women and their work to the forefront of the Federal Government. MSPB includes recommendations that Federal agencies, managers, and employees can take to promote workplace fairness and the full utilization of all employees.

We hope these GPO publications help you learn a little bit about the women pioneers who changed our Nation for the better. Happy Women’s History Month!

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 Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.


Celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month 

May 24, 2019

The U.S. Government Publishing Office invites you to celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month by showcasing the achievements and cultural traditions of Asian Americans.

In this blog post, the U.S. Government Bookstore will feature a few curated titles from our Asian resources collection. In this collection, you will find an assortment of publications about foreign policy and international relations.

Here are a few hand-selected titles for your consideration, education, and enjoyment:

Learn about elected Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress, serving from 1900–2017 in this free ePub download. You will find biographical profiles as well as photos and key legislation of your elected Asian and Pacific Islander American officials.

The Mayaguez Crisis: Mission Command and Civil-Military Relations. This award-winning title was selected as a featured item for the Notable Government Documents 2018. The Library Journal wrote that the publication is “A fresh look into the 1975 Mayaguez Crisis, during which Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge seized the U.S. container ship, SS Mayaguez. It goes on to say that the author places the conflict into the wider global and historical context of trade, domestic presidential politics, and lingering legacies and frustrations surrounding the Vietnam War. The work includes more than 50 pages of endnotes, making it an excellent research document.”

Indonesia: A Country Study. In this text, you will learn about the geography of Indonesia, as well as the population and communities within its social class and civil society. This text also covers government, politics, employment, income, and the global economy of Indonesia. If you are considering a summer trip to Indonesia or wish to learn about peoples, and government, this publication is for you.

The Asia- Pacific Century: Challenges and Opportunities. This resource presents an expert panel of contributing authors to present their views of China’s growing influence in the region as its economic stability symbolizes a power of strength. The text, illustrated with charts and graphs, highlights Asia’s expansion into global trade while also increasing its military capabilities that may have an impact on future negotiations, especially in the area of nuclear arms and nonproliferation. You will gain some insights about Korean unification and strategic partnerships with India and Russia as a method to strengthen its energy interdependence. One of the recurring themes highlighted in this book is the U.S. Air Force’s evolving role to build positive relationships in efforts to increase diplomacy within the Asia-Pacific region as an alternative approach to meet a geopolitical strategy.

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: This week’s blog contributor is Maureen Whelan, Senior Marketing Team Leader for GPO’s Publications and Information Sales program office in Washington, DC. Maureen oversees print and digital content dissemination strategy and manages third party free and paid content distribution through platforms and vendors, such as Apple iBookstore, Barnesandnoble.com, Google Play eBookstore, Ebscohost databases, Overdrive, ProQuest, and more.


A Nation Abounds with Women’s History & Achievements

March 14, 2019

The 2019 Women’s History Month theme is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.”  The theme honors “women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.” (citation: National Women’s History Museum/Women’s History Month)

Women have made significant contributions to history, culture, and society. Too often in the past their energy, dedication, and intellect in championing human rights, creating new innovations, and in public service, have gone unheralded. In recent years, women in record numbers are now serving in the U.S. Congress.

  • In 2019, 127 (106D, 21R) women hold seats in the United States Congress, comprising 23.7% of the 535 members.
  • 25 women (25%) serve in the U.S. Senate.
  • 102 women (23.4%) serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Four women (2D, 2R) also represent American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the United States House of Representatives. (citation: Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University)

In this historical tribute, Women in Congress, 1917-2017, also available for free digital download, you can read about female Congressional members who have been elected through the 114th Congress and their contributions to the Nation.

You can also read about how women have played a key role in our military and Government through these resources:

The Women’s Army Corps, 1945-1978

A Contemporary History of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps

Women on the Frontlines of Peace and Security

Mixed Gender Basic Training: The U.S. Army Experience, 1973-2004

Women in the Federal Government: Ambitions and Achievements

The Nation can be proud of its champions of women’s rights and their commitment to advancing participation within communities and societies to build peace and equality.

We invite you to check out our full resources collection about women.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

You can click on the links above in this blog article or through any of these methods:

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.


Publications to Celebrate Black History Month

February 5, 2019

February is Black History Month, a month to recognize and honor the achievements of African Americans in U.S. History. Of course, there are many famous African Americans we hear about all the time – civil rights activists, musicians, writers, politicians, and athletes – who overcame great feats and helped define the future of our country. But one group that often doesn’t receive as much attention is those African Americans who served in the military, especially when the United States Army was segregated. It might be hard for us to imagine today, but it wasn’t until 1940 that an African American served as a general officer in the United States Army. And it wasn’t until 1999 that President Bill Clinton pardoned Henry O. Flipper, the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, who was framed by white officers and wrongfully charged for embezzlement in 1881. The following books from the GPO Bookstore will teach you about the adversity African American soldiers overcame and the advancements they made for our military and country.

Did you know that initially African Americans were not allowed to fight in the Civil War? A couple years into the war, it became clear that the Union Army needed more soldiers. When this need was finally acknowledged, the Second Confiscation and Militia Act authorized President Lincoln “to employ as many persons of African descent as he may deem necessary”. In February 1863, Massachusetts Governor and abolitionist John A. Andrew began the first official recruitment effort for African American soldiers. However, racism continued to pervade the army. Even many of the Union officers believed black soldiers didn’t have the same skill level or weren’t as brave as white soldiers. Both black soldiers and their white officers faced a potentially dangerous fate, including slavery or on-the-spot execution, if captured by the confederates. Freedom by the Sword tells the story of the Colored Troops recruitment, organization, and service. The broad focus is on every theater of the Civil War and its concentration on what black soldiers contributed to Union victory. It examines the Colored Troops’ formation, training, and operations during the entire span of their service, and in every theater of the war in which they served. This book underscores the unique nature of their contributions both to Union victory and to their own ultimate liberation.

Black Soldier, White Army analyzes the operations of the all black 24th Infantry during the Korean War to determine how well the unit and its associated engineers and artillery performed. This book offers a valuable social history of black soldiers in the United States Army and looks at how the events of war intersected with the racial prejudices prevalent in that day.

Pathbreakers details how previous African American military officers made successful careers for themselves in the United States Marine Corps (USMC). This book contains a collection of interviews conducted with several African American Marine officers. The discussions and comments are presented in chronological order, offering a historical account with a uniquely personal perspective.

Finally, Nothing But Praise provides a history of the 1321st regiment, an African American regiment which served in Europe during World War II.

This Black History Month, take a moment to recognize the outstanding achievements of African Americans who have served in the United States military. Then share the knowledge!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy 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, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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 Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.


MLK Jr. His Truth Is Marching On…Historical Memorial Tribute

January 18, 2019

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His truth is marching on! The legacy of one man whose dream of racial equality is as relevant and important today as the day he gave his historic “I Have a Dream” speech.  During the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., an American civil rights legend, called for civil and economic rights and an end to racism in the United States.

Dr. King’s started out as a charismatic southern Baptist minister and later became one of the great civil rights and freedom leaders in American history. His resolute march to freedom became a defining moment in history. You can live alongside Dr. King’s journey in His Truth Is Marching On: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream of Freedom.

His Truth Is Marching On, which is available from the US Government Bookstore, offers a glimpse of key moments in the civil rights movement and how Martin Luther King Jr. overcame all obstacles in his quest for equality.

The booklet includes a pictorial history ranging from photographs, maps, and illustrations of the King family, famous civil rights leaders and of Dr. King’s journey. Learn about his struggle and how he lived in order to bring hope and freedom to all with this historical memoir.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy 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, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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 Publication and Information Sales program office.


National Hispanic Heritage Month

October 11, 2018

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually September 15 – October 15. During this important event, the U.S. Government Bookstore invites you to enjoy the many publications available online for and about Hispanic Americans.

There is a great variety of publications to select ranging from materials for the naturalization test to parenting guides such as child safety tips, fun booklets for kids to learn about America’s great national parks and outdoor life, improving on your family’s health, to a manual for managing a responsible business enterprise in emerging market economies and more.

Here are just a few titles in English and Spanish to consider:

Amazing Me: It’s Busy Being 3

In this story, an amazing kangaroo named Joey shows all of the amazing things he can do now that he is 3 years old. These amazing things are called developmental milestones. First steps, first words, and using the potty for the first time are all developmental milestones. Other developmental milestones, like the ones in this book, may not be as easy to see, but they are just as important for your child’s development. This book will show you what to look for as your child grows and develops. Click here for Spanish version.

Preparing for the Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide

This pocket study guide will help you prepare for the naturalization test. If you were not born in the United States, naturalization is the way that you can voluntarily become a U.S. citizen. To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. This Pocket Study Guide provides you with the civics test questions and answers, and the reading and writing vocabulary to help you study. Click here for Spanish version.

A Do-It-Yourself Guide to Sealing and Insulating With Energy Star: Sealing Air Leaks and Adding Attic Insulation

Sealing and Insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient—and you can do it yourself.

Use This Guide To:

  •  Learn how to find and seal hidden attic and basement air leaks
  •  Determine if your attic insulation is adequate, and learn how to add more
  •  Make sure your improvements are done safely
  •  Reduce energy bills and help protect the environment

Glossary of terms is included in this illustrated do-it-yourself guide. Click here for Spanish version.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy 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, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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 Publication and Information Sales program office.


New Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress eBook

August 16, 2018

Like similar volumes such as “Women in Congress” and “Hispanic Americans in Congress”, “Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress 1900-2017” continues the successful historical analysis on minority groups in the legislative branch of the Federal government.  As stated in the title, Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have been members of Congress dating back to the 1900s. This diversity has had a positive effect on the lawmaking system in the United States.

It took many years for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans to gain any real power in Congress, and World War II was a turning point for many people.  The U.S. held hundreds of Japanese in internment camps following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and resentment between the two sides festered as the war raged on.  This had consequences for Asian and Pacific Islanders in the Philippines and Guam, who originally were protected by the U.S., but eventually experienced the negative effects of the war.  Still, some saw this as a chance to prove they belonged in the United States just as much as anyone.  One of the biggest achievements for Asian and Pacific Islanders was Hawaii, which became an official U.S. State in 1959.

There are many notable Asian and Pacific Islander Americans mentioned throughout this book; Patsy Takemoto Mink, who became the first woman of color elected to Congress in 1964, and Dalip Saund the first Asian and Pacific Islander American elected to Congress with full voting rights in 1956.  The book gives a comprehensive overview on the history of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress that have helped shape the country over the last century.  This is especially important because this is one of the strong points in the U.S. legislative system, because American citizens value that their voices are being heard.  Promoting people of all backgrounds to be a part of the law making process allows the people to feel represented.

Overall this book is extremely informative, and it was enjoyable to learn all about how Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have become such key players in the U.S. Congress.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy 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, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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 Nicholas LaPorte is an intern in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales office.


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