Best Selling Federal Books

February 1, 2024

The U.S. Government Bookstore highlights our best-selling Federal publications chosen by our customers over the past year. February’s best-seller feature, Civics Flash Cards for the Naturalization Test, asks important questions about U.S. history, such as the supreme law of the land in America. This question and others are part of the updated civics flash cards to help individuals 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 the American government and history, this flashcard set is one of the easiest educational tools for you to use.

To recap, the definition of “best-selling” can vary but generally refers to publications with exceptionally high sales figures. Here are a few notable topics that cover some of our most popular publications that deeply resonate with readers, securing their place as best-sellers.

  • Civics and Citizenship: Preparing to become a United States citizen and learning about the American system of government is extremely popular with our customers each year.
  • NASA Publications: From stunning space exploration imagery to scientific reports and educational materials, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) publications capture the public’s imagination and inform them about the universe and our place in it.
  • Tax Guides: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes annual tax guides covering individual and business income taxes. While primarily instructional, these guides are in high demand during tax season, making them consistent best-sellers.

We will continue highlighting some of our customers’ favorite government publications in the upcoming months—stay tuned!

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 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).


Radio Broadcasting – A reliable form of communication

January 24, 2024

In recent years, radio broadcasting has faced competition from other forms of media, such as streaming services, television, and the Internet. However, radio broadcasting remains a popular way to get news and entertainment, and it will likely continue to be a popular medium for many years. Government Book Talk features our best-selling radio spectrum poster for radio broadcasting enthusiasts.

United States Frequency Allocations: The Radio Spectrum Poster uses color codes to show parts of the radio spectrum allocated to each type of radio service, including amateur (ham) radio, commercial radio, television broadcasting, radio navigation, mobile, satellite, and more.

Also available is the Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, specifically designed to cover the regulation of non-government interstate and foreign telecommunications.

Here are some additional facts about radio broadcasting:

  • The first radio broadcast was made in 1906 by Reginald Fessenden.
  • The most popular radio station in the world is BBC Radio 1.
  • The first commercial radio station was KDKA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which began broadcasting in 1920.
  • Satellite radio was launched in the United States in 1995.

Whether an enthusiast or not, we can all appreciate listening to radio broadcasting because it can reach a broad audience without requiring a high-speed internet connection.

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).


Celebrating MLK Day

January 12, 2024

Celebrated on the third Monday of January each year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader.

King became a Baptist minister and emerged as the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Through his nonviolent activism, including boycotts, marches, and powerful speeches, King challenged racial segregation and discrimination in the United States.

His Truth Is Marching On: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Dream of Freedom, available from the US Government Bookstore, offers a glimpse of key moments in the civil rights movement and how Martin Luther King Jr. overcame obstacles in his quest for equality. This historical memoir includes a pictorial history through photographs, maps, and illustrations of the King family, famous civil rights leaders, and Dr. King’s legacy. Learn about his struggle and how he lived to bring hope and freedom to all.

Some of his most notable achievements include:

  • Leading the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955-56, which successfully challenged racial segregation on public transportation.
  • Delivering the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.
  • Playing a key role in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

King’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for justice, equality, and freedom. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just a day to celebrate King’s accomplishments but also a day to reflect on his message of hope, love, and nonviolence and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Here are some ways you can observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

  • Participate in a march or rally for racial justice.
  • Volunteer your time to a civil rights organization.
  • Educate yourself about the history of the civil rights movement.

By keeping Dr. King Jr.’s dream alive, we can work towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race or background.

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).


Best Selling Federal Government Books

January 1, 2024

It’s a new year, and now is a great time to reflect on the accomplishments made during the previous year. For the U.S. Government Bookstore, this means highlighting our best-selling Federal publications chosen by our customers over the past year. We will highlight some of our customers’ favorite government publications in this blog for the next several months.

The definition of “best-selling” can vary but generally refers to publications with exceptionally high sales figures. Here are a few notable topics that cover some of our most popular publications that deeply resonate with readers, securing their place as best-sellers.

  • Civics and Citizenship: Preparing to become a United States citizen and learning about the American system of government is extremely popular with our customers each year.
  • NASA Publications: From stunning space exploration imagery to scientific reports and educational materials, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) publications capture the public’s imagination and inform them about the universe and our place in it.
  • Tax Guides: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publishes annual tax guides covering individual and business income taxes. While primarily instructional, these guides are in high demand during tax season, making them consistent best-sellers.

Without further ado, this month’s best-seller feature, Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons, helps immigrants study for the civics and English portions of the naturalization test. There are 100 civics history and government questions on the test. For example, “What is the supreme law of the land in America?” This question and others are part of the updated civics flash cards for the U.S. Naturalization test. It can also be used in a classroom setting or as a fun family game civics refresher to check how much you know about the nation in which you live, the freedoms you enjoy, and the responsibilities that come from citizenship.

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).


Gift ideas from the Federal Government

December 12, 2023

The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re still searching for that special gift, let the Federal government help. From national parks to American history and more, the Federal government offers stunning prints and wall posters that make great stocking stuffers for your loved ones, colleagues, or friends. Whether shopping for someone who appreciates the outdoors or looking for something educational to display in a child’s room, there is a poster for everyone on your Christmas list.

Tips for choosing a poster:

  • Consider the recipient’s interests. What are they passionate about? What kind of art do they like?
  • Choose a high-quality poster. The poster should be made from thick, durable paper and have high-quality printing.
  • Think about the size of the poster. The poster should be large enough to make a statement but not so large that it overwhelms the space.
  • Frame the poster. A framed poster looks more polished and professional.

Below are a few ideas for outdoor lovers available from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) U.S. Bookstore.

Atlantic Barrier Islands (Poster) is a National Park Service commissioned poster by famed nature artist Charley Harper. This poster is printed on heavy paper with the print quality of a lithograph.

Yosemite National Park (Poster). Looking down Yosemite Valley from west to east, an alpine panorama depicts Yosemite National Park’s wondrous rock forms, hanging valleys, waterfalls, lakes, and streams, with El Capitan and Half Dome forming the central spectacle with Bridalveil and Yosemite Falls.

A Photographer’s Path: Images of National Parks Near the Nation’s Capital is a stunning coffee table book with colorful photographic images of nature and history in Greater Washington DC.

We also offer American history posters for the history buff and much more here.

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).


Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home

December 8, 2023

Protecting your family from lead in your home is crucial for their health and well-being. If your house was built fifty-plus years ago, lead-based paint could be hidden under refreshed coats of recent vintage or more up-to-date colors. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause severe harm to children, particularly those under the age of six. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that lead exposure can cause various issues, such as cognitive impairment and learning difficulties. It can also damage the nervous system and kidneys.

The EPA provides comprehensive guidance on protecting your family from lead hazards in your home. Here’s how to identify potential lead sources:

  • Lead-based paint: Homes built before 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint.
  • Lead pipes: If your home was built before 1986, it may have lead pipes, which can contaminate your drinking water.
  • Lead-contaminated soil: Lead from deteriorating paint or other sources can contaminate soil around your home.
  • Lead-containing products: Avoid using products that contain lead, such as certain cosmetics, toys, and traditional medicines.

Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home from the EPA provides important information on protecting your family from lead. This easy-to-read booklet highlights the dangers of lead from paint, dust, and soil in and around your home, which can be dangerous if not managed properly. For example, children who seem healthy may have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. The EPA suggests testing children for lead levels even though they may appear healthy. Also, disturbing surfaces with lead-based paint or removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. (The Spanish version is available here).

Preventing lead exposure is essential for protecting your family’s health and well-being. Taking proactive measures and seeking professional guidance when needed can create a safe and healthy home environment for your loved ones.

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).


Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November 28, 2023

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a special event celebrated each year to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and to show support for people affected by these diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and other mental functions. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults.

This year’s theme focuses on the following:

  • Early detection and diagnosis: Early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is important so that people can start treatment and support services as soon as possible.
  • Reducing dementia risk: There are things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying socially active.
  • Preventing avoidable hospitalizations: People with Alzheimer’s disease are more likely to be hospitalized than people without the disease. Some things can be done to prevent avoidable hospitalizations, such as supporting caregivers and managing chronic health conditions.
  • Supporting caregivers: Caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients play a vital role. Resources and support, such as respite care and support groups, are available to help caregivers.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Aging offers helpful eBooks on Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease is an easy-to-read ePub about Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms, and treatments, when it is wise to see a doctor, research studies, where caregivers can get help, and more.

Understanding Memory Loss outlines the difference between mild forgetfulness and more serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the causes of memory problems, how they can be treated, and how to get help for serious memory loss. Includes vignettes and resource lists.

Here are some ways to get involved and support Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month:

  • Donate to Alzheimer’s research or support organizations.
  • Volunteer your time by volunteering at a local Alzheimer’s Association chapter or volunteer to help a caregiver in your community.
  • Educate yourself and others about Alzheimer’s disease to support people living with the disease and their caregivers.

By getting involved, you can help make a difference in fighting Alzheimer’s Disease.

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).


A Key Information Resource: The Code of Federal Regulations

November 15, 2023

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is a valuable resource for anyone who needs to understand or comply with federal regulations. It is used by businesses, lawyers, government officials, and the public.

The CFR is an annual codification of the general and permanent rules published by executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. CFRs present official and complete text of agency regulations in one organized publication that provides a comprehensive and convenient reference for anyone needing to know the text of the general and permanent Federal laws.

The CFR is divided into 50 titles representing broad areas subject to Federal regulation, such as Domestic Security, Agriculture, Banking and Finance, Aerospace, and more. Public administrators make sure this critical information is always up to date.

Here are some examples of how the CFR can be used:

  • A business owner can use the CFR to learn about the regulations that apply to their industry.
  • A lawyer can use the CFR to research the law for a client.
  • A government official can use the CFR to understand the agency’s policies and procedures.
  • A member of the public can use the CFR to learn about their rights and responsibilities under federal law.

The CFR is an essential resource for anyone who needs to understand or comply with federal regulations.

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).


Veterans Day

November 8, 2023

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11 to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was founded to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law that struck out the word “Armistice” and replaced it with “Veterans.” Therefore, November 11 became a day to honor all veterans who have served the country.

The Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore makes available Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors from the Veterans Health Administration. Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of benefits and services provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This comprehensive resource provides a complete summary of all the Federal benefits available to veterans and their families. It’s must-have, up-to-date information on the benefits and rights veterans deserve for serving our country.

Here are some ways to honor veterans:

  • Attend a Veterans Day parade or ceremony.
  • Visit a veterans hospital or nursing home and spend time with veterans.
  • Donate to a veterans organization.
  • Write a letter of thanks to a veteran.
  • Learn about the history of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by veterans.
  • Talk to veterans about their service.

Even small gestures can make a big difference to veterans. By taking the time to honor them, we show our appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

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).


First Responders Day

October 25, 2023

National First Responders Day is celebrated on October 28 each year. It is a day to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. First responders include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and dispatchers.

First responders are often the first people on the scene of an emergency, working tirelessly to help those in need; they play a critical role in saving lives and property. They respond to a wide range of emergencies, including car accidents, fires, natural disasters, and domestic crises.

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) available from the Government Publishing Office Bookstore is a guide for transporters, firefighters, police, and other emergency services personnel who may be the first to arrive at the scene of a transportation incident involving a hazardous material, such as an oil or chemical spill.

Here are some ways to celebrate First Responders Day:

  • Thank a first responder in person or send them a card or email.
  • Donate to a first responder charity or organization.
  • Attend a First Responder Day event in your community.
  • Learn more about first responders’ work and the challenges they face.
  • Talk to your children about the importance of first responders and how to be prepared in an emergency.

For National First Responders Day, let’s honor the bravery of our Nation’s heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans.

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 Arts and Humanities

October 19, 2023

National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) is celebrated each October in the United States. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the importance of the arts and humanities in our lives and communities. The arts and humanities encompass various disciplines, including music, dance, theater, literature, history, philosophy, and languages. They help us to understand ourselves and the world around us, to express ourselves creatively, and to connect with others.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers Humanities, published by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), a quarterly magazine that vividly describes NEH-sponsored research in the humanities, NEH programs and projects, and issues related to the humanities in the United States. It also provides recent NEH grants, deadlines, and helpful information for applicants seeking funds.

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate NAHM:

  • Attend a free arts or humanities event in your community.
  • Visit a museum or art gallery.
  • See a play or musical.
  • Take a dance class or music lesson.
  • Read a book by an author from your community.
  • Learn about the history and culture of your community.
  • Support local arts and humanities organizations.

NAHM is a time to celebrate the power of the arts and humanities to inspire, educate, and entertain us. It is a time to show our support for the artists and scholars who create and preserve our culture. And it is a time to learn more about how the arts and humanities can enrich our lives.

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).


Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!

October 11, 2023

The United States Navy celebrates its birthday on October 13th each year. This date commemorates the day in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of two armed vessels to attack British ships during the American Revolution. This marked the beginning of the Continental Navy, which later became the United States Navy. In celebration of the many responsibilities of the U.S. Navy, we’re highlighting resources focusing on its role in scientific endeavors supporting military and civil water navigation safety.

The Astronomical and Nautical Almanac are jointly published by the United States Naval Observatory and Her Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office in the United Kingdom.

The Astronomical Almanac is a comprehensive publication that contains data on a wide range of astronomical phenomena, including the positions of planets, moons, stars, and other celestial objects; the times of eclipses and other events; and information on the Earth’s rotation and motion. It is used by astronomers, navigators, and other scientists for a variety of purposes, such as planning observations, calculating trajectories, and understanding the dynamics of the solar system.

The Nautical Almanac is a subset of the Astronomical Almanac that contains the data needed for celestial navigation. It was first as part of the American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac and then to provide the US Navy with a convenient form of astronomical data for celestial navigation. This includes the positions of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets at specific times and dates. This book remains the standard resource for marine celestial navigation for the U.S. Navy and is still used today as a backup to GPS and other electronic navigation systems. Safety on the water is essential whether navigating on a “Dingey” or a massive Naval Carrier.

Here are some ways to celebrate the Navy Birthday:

  • Attend a Navy Birthday celebration at a local Navy base or community center.
  • Fly the Navy flag or wear a Navy shirt.
  • Learn more about the Navy’s history and heritage.
  • Read a book or watch a movie about the Navy.
  • Donate to a Navy-related charity.
  • Thank a Sailor for their service.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, take some time to honor the United States Navy on its birthday.

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).