U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual

October 18, 2024

The United States Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual is a comprehensive document that provides federal judges with recommendations on appropriate sentences for individuals convicted of federal crimes. It’s a tool designed to promote consistency and fairness in sentencing across the country. The U.S. Sentencing Commission Guidelines Manual 2024 is now available for pre-order from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

The Guidelines cover the following offenses:

  • Offenses Against the Person
  • Basic Economic Offenses
  • Offenses Involving Public Officials and Violations of Federal Election Campaign Laws
  • Offenses Involving Drugs and Narco-Terrorism
  • Offenses Involving Criminal Enterprises and Racketeering
  • Offenses Involving Commercial Sex Acts, Sexual Exploitation of Minors, and Obscenity
  • Offenses Involving Individual Rights
  • Offenses Involving the Administration of Justice
  • Offenses Involving Public Safety
  • Offenses Involving Immigration, Naturalization, and Passports
  • Offenses Involving National Defense and Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • Espionage and Related Offenses
  • Offenses Involving Food, Drugs, Agricultural Products, Consumer Products, and Odometer Laws
  • Offenses Involving Prisons and Correctional Facilities
  • Offenses Involving the Environment
  • Antitrust Offenses
  • Offenses Involving Taxation

It uses a points system to calculate the recommended sentence for a particular offense. The points are assigned for factors such as the severity of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and the presence of aggravating or mitigating factors.

Understanding the Sentencing Guidelines Manual can be crucial in preparing for and mitigating the impact of a crime involving you, your associates, or your loved ones. It’s important to be informed and prepared for any potential situation.

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: 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).


Earth Science Week: Celebrate Our Planet

October 15, 2024

Earth Science Week, celebrated October 13-19, is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and engaging learners of all ages about the Earth sciences. It aims to promote environmental protection and raise awareness about the challenges facing our planet.

An accessible and fascinating resource relevant to Earth Science Week is The Sun, the Earth, and Near-Earth Space: A Guide to the Sun-Earth System, a paperback publication from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) available from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Online Bookstore.

This colorful book provides concise explanations and descriptions that are easily read and readily understood of what is now known about the chain of events and processes that connect the Sun to the Earth, with special emphasis on space weather. The book’s insights can significantly enhance our understanding of the Earth-Sun relationship. Space weather refers to the environmental conditions in space as influenced by solar activity. The book also covers the sun’s impact on climate. Limited quantities of this popular publication are now available for a 50% discount.

Here are some ways to get involved in Earth Science Week:

  • Host an event. You can host an event at your school, library, or community center. You can also host an event online.
  • You can volunteer at an Earth Science Week event, local park, or museum.
  • Educate others. You can educate others about Earth science by talking to your friends and family or writing a blog post or article.

Take time to learn about Earth Science Week and celebrate our amazing planet!

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 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).


Citizenship Day: Celebrating the American Dream

September 13, 2024

September 17th is Citizenship Day, a special occasion that honors the individuals who have become naturalized citizens of the United States. It’s a day to celebrate the diverse cultures and experiences that contribute to the rich tapestry of American society. In honor of Citizenship Day, here are two popular publications from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the Naturalization Test will help you study for the civics and English portions of the naturalization test. The test has 100 civics (history and government) questions, such as “What is the supreme law of the land in America?”

Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test will help you learn about U.S. history and government while preparing for the naturalization test. They can also be used in the classroom as an instructional tool for citizenship preparation.

How can you celebrate Citizenship Day?

  • Learn about the history: Take some time to learn about the history of immigration in the United States and the significance of becoming a naturalized citizen.
  • Attend a local event: Many communities host events and ceremonies to commemorate Citizenship Day. Check your local listings to see if any activities are happening near you.
  • Connect with fellow citizens: Reach out to friends, family, or neighbors who have recently become naturalized citizens to share in their joy and celebrate their achievements.

Citizenship Day is a reminder of the American Dream and the opportunities that await those willing to work hard and embrace the values of this great nation.

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).


Honoring Hispanic Heritage

September 10, 2024

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. During this important event, the U.S. Government Bookstore invites you to enjoy our online publications for and about Hispanic Americans. Below are a few of our best-selling publications that are also available in Spanish language.

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 how you can voluntarily become a U.S. citizen. To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. This guide provides you with the civics test questions and answers and the reading and writing vocabulary to help you study. Click here for the Spanish version.

Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test. These flashcards help you study for the U.S. Naturalization test. There’s no better way to learn about the basics of preparing for the U.S. Naturalization test than the 100 questions and answers deck of flashcards produced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Whether you are an immigrant reviewing facts for the naturalization test or any American citizen who may want a refresher about American government and history, this flashcard set is one of the easiest educational tools for you to use. Click here for the Spanish version.

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate:

  • Support Hispanic businesses.
  • Eat at Hispanic restaurants.
  • Join a Hispanic or Latino community group.
  • Volunteer at a local organization that serves Hispanic communities.
  • Attend a local government meeting to advocate for Hispanic issues.

Let’s celebrate the vibrant traditions, history, and achievements of the Hispanic community!

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).


Celebrating National Aviation Week

August 16, 2024

National Aviation Week, celebrated August 19-25, is a yearly observance to celebrate the history and development of aviation. American innovation came to flight in December 1903, when Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully flew a powered aircraft four times, with the longest flight that day being 852 feet!

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore offers the following popular aviation publications.

The FAA Safety Briefing magazine provides updates on major Federal Aviation Administration rule changes and proposed changes and refresher information on flight rules, maintenance airworthiness, avionics, accident analysis, and other topics. It is a must-have for pilots, air traffic controllers, airplane maintenance personnel, and anyone involved in ensuring safe flying.

Naval Aviation News is the flagship publication of naval aviation. It is a military magazine that presents articles of interest on all phases of United States Navy and Marine Corps air activity.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Aviation Week:

  • Learn about aviation history: Discover the fascinating stories of the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and other aviation pioneers.
  • Explore local aviation museums: Visit museums and exhibits that showcase the evolution of flight and the technology behind it.
  • Attend aviation events: Participate in air shows, fly-ins, and other events that celebrate the joy of flying.
  • Support aviation education: Encourage young people to explore careers in aviation and aerospace.

Let’s take this opportunity to appreciate aviation’s incredible achievements and the positive impact it has had on our lives.

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).


Celebrating Indigenous Peoples

August 7, 2024

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated annually on August 9th. It is a day dedicated to honoring indigenous communities’ rich cultures, traditions, and contributions worldwide.

Indigenous peoples have been stewards of our planet for millennia, possessing profound knowledge of nature and sustainable living. Their unique perspectives and practices are invaluable in addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

The Smithsonian Institution’s Handbook of North American Indians series, available from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore, is a multi-volume hardcover reference set intended to provide an encyclopedic summary of what is known about the prehistory, history, and cultures of the Indigenous peoples of North America north of the urban civilizations of central Mexico.

How can you support indigenous peoples?

  • Learn about indigenous cultures in your region.
  • Support indigenous-owned businesses.
  • Advocate for policies that protect indigenous rights.
  • Amplify indigenous voices.

What does International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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 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).


Celebrate Paperback Book Day

July 30, 2024

Paperback Book Day is July 30th. Did you know before paperbacks, books were primarily hardcovers, expensive, and often inaccessible to many? The introduction of paperbacks revolutionized reading, making books more affordable and portable.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Online Bookstore is a treasure trove for unique paperbacks you won’t find anywhere else!

Why you should celebrate Paperback Book Day with a government publication:

  • Unbeatable Content: Dive into fascinating topics like history, science, law, and current affairs, all directly from the source.
  • Reliable Information: Get the facts straight from federal agencies, ensuring the highest quality and accuracy.
  • Wide Variety: Browse thousands of titles on almost any subject imaginable, with many available in paperback format.

Here are a few bestselling paperbacks available from the GPO Online Bookstore:

Black Americans in Congress, 1870–2022, provides the most comprehensive history available on the 175 Black lawmakers who have served on Capitol Hill—from Senator Hiram R. Revels of Mississippi and Representative Joseph H. Rainey of South Carolina in 1870 to the first-term Members of the 117th Congress (2021–2023). It includes illustrations, portraits, and rare historical photographs—of each Black American who has served in Congress, references to manuscript collections for former Black Members, and more.

Emergency Response Guidebook 2024 provides first responders with a manual for use during the initial phase of a transportation incident involving hazardous materials/dangerous goods. First responders must be trained in the use of this guidebookAnyone can benefit from knowing how to respond during an emergency. With natural disasters becoming increasingly prevalent and other emergencies happening in our communities, this guidebook could be an ideal reference to keep handy – just in case.

Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents & Survivors, 2023. Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of benefits and services. This bestselling booklet, published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), briefly overviews the most sought-after information, focusing on veterans’ benefits and services. Additional information can be found on the VA website at www.va.gov.

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 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).


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).


Career Service Award: Honor your employees’ dedication

June 25, 2024

The Career Service Award is a certificate program offered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).  These certificates acknowledge an employee’s accomplishments at various points in their federal career. They are not awards for specific achievements but a way to celebrate reaching benchmarks of 5 to 50 years of service with the U.S. Federal government.

Career Service Award Certificates recognize and honor an employee’s length of service and achievement. They are printed on high-quality, off-white heavy paper stock. Each certificate comes in one of two sizes: 8 X 10 inches to fit standard certificate folders or 8.5 X 11 inches for frames. Each certificate is embossed with a beautiful metallic version of the Great Seal of the United States in bronze, silver, or gold.

Here are the key values for these award certificates:

  • Symbolic Value: They represent a significant milestone in a federal employee’s career. The certificate commemorates years in service of outstanding accomplishments.
  • Intrinsic Value: For many employees, the recognition and appreciation signified by the certificate hold a lot of weight. It can boost morale and serve as a source of personal pride.

Honoring your employees’ dedication with these elegant award certificates will be a memory to cherish from a career in public service.

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 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).


Marine Fishery Resources

June 18, 2024

Fishing is a great recreational activity and a popular summer pastime for people of all ages. If you are planning a fishing trip this summer, there are many different places to fish, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and the ocean. Fortunately, the Federal government provides essential information about commercial and recreational fisheries. Below are excellent resources from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that you may find helpful.

The Fishery Bulletin is the oldest and most prestigious marine fishery science journal in the United States. It publishes original research within the broad discipline of fishery science. Research fields include ecology, oceanography, ocean pollution, physiology, behavior, and taxonomy of fishes and other marine organisms, gear technology, and much more related to commercial and recreational fishing practices, marine fisheries, and marine mammal science.

Marine Fisheries Review publishes review articles, original research reports, and news articles on fisheries science, engineering, economics, commercial and recreational fisheries, marine mammal studies, aquaculture, and U.S. and foreign fisheries developments. However, the emphasis is on in-depth review articles and practical or applied aspects of marine fisheries rather than pure research.

Here are some important tips to consider for your next summer fishing trip:

  • Consider the type of fish you want to catch and choose a spot known for that species.
  • Learn about the regulations: There are regulations in place to help protect fish populations. Be sure to research the regulations for the body of water you will be fishing in before you go. You may need to purchase a fishing license.
  • Get the right gear: You need a fishing rod, reel, line, hooks, sinkers, and bait or lures. You may also consider getting a tackle box to store your gear.
  • Be patient: Fishing can relax, but catching fish takes time. Be patient and enjoy the outdoors.

Hope this helps with your next fishing excursion!

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: 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).


Our Flag

June 7, 2024

Flag Day is a holiday celebrated in the U.S. on June 14th. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day. On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress.

Did you know the first flag that flew over our nation before it became free of the British Empire, where our state stars are, was a United Kingdom emblem? Our Flag can help you better understand how far we’ve come as a nation. It briefly describes the history of the American flag and sets forth the practices and observances appropriate to its display. The publication also features a Flag of States and Territories section.

Ideas for a joyful Flag Day celebration:

  • Display your flag proudly! Make sure it’s in good condition and flying correctly according to the U.S. Flag Code.
  • Learn more about the history of the American flag. There are many great resources online or at your local Federal Deposit Library Program (FDLP).
  • Play patriotic music and sing along!
  • Attend a local Flag Day parade or ceremony.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Flag Day is a great time to reflect on the meaning of the American flag and what it represents.

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 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).


Naval History & Heritage Command Publications

May 29, 2024

The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), formerly the Naval Historical Center, is an Echelon II command of the United States Navy responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage. The NHHC publishes various materials related to U.S. naval history and is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about U.S. naval history.

Here are a few popular NHHC publications available from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore:

War in the Shallows: U.S. Navy and Riverine Warfare in Vietnam, 1965-1968 explores the operations of the Navy’s three inshore task forces from 1965 to 1968. America’s naval forces developed the most extensive maritime blockade in modern naval history and fought pitched battles against Viet Cong units in the Mekong Delta and elsewhere.

Battle Behind Bars: Navy and Marine POWs in the Vietnam War (PDF ePub). War in the jungles and an insufferable prisoner-of-war situation inflicted special hardships on the Vietnam-era POWs. This (ePub) describes their experiences—the similarities and the differences—and how the POWs coped with untreated wounds and other malaises, systematic torture, and boredom. The creative strategies they devised to stay fit, track time, resist the enemy, and communicate with one another.

End of the Saga: The Maritime Evacuation of South Vietnam and Cambodia (ePub) explores in detail and with photographs and illustrations the April 1975 withdrawal of the American Navy and Marine Corps from Cambodia and South Vietnam (with refugees) and the aftermath in Southeast Asia.  This withdrawal showed the courage and skill of the American forces, who had to carry out large-scale and complicated evacuations despite criticism of the military by many Americans back home who had lost confidence in the military and government during the protracted conflict.

Whether you are a student, a scholar, or simply a history buff, the NHHC has something to offer you.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the U.S. 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).