Celebrating Hispanic Americans

September 21, 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month was originally observed as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. It was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. Traditionally recognized from September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans.

The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 is “Todos Somos, Somos Uno: We Are All, We Are One.” This theme celebrates the diversity and unity of the Hispanic community in the United States.

There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. You can:

  • Learn about the history and culture of Hispanic Americans.
  • Attend Hispanic Heritage Month events in your community, such as festivals, art shows, and concerts.
  • Support Hispanic-owned businesses and restaurants.
  • Listen to music by Hispanic artists.
  • Talk to your friends and family about the importance of Hispanic Heritage Month.

In addition to celebrating Hispanic Americans in the ways mentioned above, you can also read about Hispanic Americans’ significant achievements in government. Hispanic Americans in Congress, 1822-2012 profiles Hispanic Americans who have served in the United States Congress. Former member profiles are introduced by contextual essays presenting major congressional and U.S. history events. It provides rarely-seen historical images and much more, such as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Conference chairmen and chairwomen.

Hispanic Americans have made significant contributions to the United States in all areas of society, including business, government, science, the arts, and sports. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate these contributions and to learn more about the Hispanic community.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

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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).


Celebrate Constitution Day

September 13, 2023

The United States celebrates Constitution Day on September 17th to commemorate when delegates came together in Philadelphia at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and signed the U.S. Constitution into law. It is the supreme law of the land and establishes the basic framework of the U.S. government.

There are many ways to celebrate Constitution Day. You can attend educational programs or read the pocket-size booklet containing the complete text of these two core documents of American democracy, the Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence, to stay connected with the principles that have made America a bastion of democracy throughout its history.

Here are some ideas for how to celebrate Constitution Day:

  • Attend an educational program about the Constitution.
  • Visit the National Archives and see the original Constitution.
  • Read the Constitution and discuss it with your family or friends.
  • Watch a documentary about the Constitution.
  • Participate in a community event that celebrates the Constitution.
  • Volunteer your time to help others learn about the Constitution.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Constitution Day is a great time to reflect on the importance of the United States Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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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: Government Book Talk Editor 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).


Historical Studies about the U.S. Military

July 27, 2023

Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Historical Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is an office within the OSD charged with collecting, preserving, and presenting the history of the OSD. It is responsible for publishing several important historical works and comprehensive studies on the defense community’s ongoing effort to keep America’s military the most powerful and competent force in the world.

Duties and responsibilities of the OSD include:

  • Represent the OSD to other historical organizations.
  • Provide historical advice and assistance to OSD officials and the public.
  • Conduct historical research and publish historical studies and reports.

The Historical Office is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the OSD or the Department of Defense. Its publications, programs, and initiatives provide a wealth of information about the history of the nation’s defense establishment.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) online bookstore offers several interesting and educational publications in print from the OSD. Consider the following DoD-authored titles that cover major subjects spanning decades.

Caspar Weinberger and the U.S. Military Buildup, 1981-1985. In this tenth volume of the Secretaries of Defense Historical Series, historian Edward C. Keefer details Caspar Weinberger’s role in orchestrating the largest peacetime military buildup in U.S. history and the consequential military engagements of the Cold War’s last decade. President Reagan’s choice of Weinberger as Secretary of Defense was paradoxical, given his reputation as “Cap the Knife,” a ruthless budget cutter for Governor Reagan in California and for President Nixon in Washington. Reagan hoped that Weinberger would lead a cost-effective military expansion by trimming fat and increasing efficiency. Instead, he sheathed his budget knife and prioritized the buildup. The military services enjoyed record budgets, the U.S. defense industry posted record profits, and even the average service member saw increased pay and expanded training. Efficiency and fiscal moderation, however, took a back seat.

Reform And Experimentation After The Cold-War 1989-2001 captures the history of acquisition during a fertile period for initiatives aimed at enabling the Defense Department to become better at supporting the development and production of new weapon systems. During a time of restrained budgets and optimism for a future free of superpower conflict, defense leaders implemented reforms and experimented with new methods designed to sidestep the hurdles that often led to unacceptable cost increases and schedule delays. The increasing consolidation of responsibility for acquisition oversight and policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, plus pressure from Congress and elsewhere to fully implement the Packard Commission and Goldwater-Nichols reforms of the mid-1980s, gave defense leaders the motivation and influence to carry out several waves of reform over the 12 years of this wide-ranging study.

Forging a Total Force: The Evolution of the Guard and Reserve traces the history of the National Guard and Reserves from the Revolutionary War-era militias to today’s function as an integral part of the nation’s total force. In the beginning, the philosophy of a citizen-solider, capable of taking the field with little or no training, predominated. Modern combat made it clear that a more professional force was necessary; however, policy changes didn’t keep up with that changing necessity. It wasn’t until the defense buildup of the 1980s that a combat-ready reserve became fact. This book focuses on 1990 to 2011, with particular emphasis on the decade after 9/11.

Pentagon 9/11 is the most comprehensive account of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and the aftermath, including unprecedented details of the impact on the Pentagon building and personnel and the scope of the rescue, recovery, and caregiving effort. Evocative narratives are based on firsthand accounts of survival, tragedy, and heroism drawn from hundreds of interviews, with 32 pages of previously unpublished photographs, diagrams, and illustrations.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

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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 Park and Recreation Month

July 18, 2023

Park and Recreation Month is held annually in July to promote the importance of parks and recreation in our communities. And with summer’s longer days, there is no better time to take a stroll, picnic, or pursue other outdoor leisure activities. If you are into astronomy or a star-watching enthusiast, the U.S. Government Bookstore offers publications to help with outdoor recreation activities, such as stargazing.

Before setting out on a night-time adventure under the stars, pick up the Astronomical Almanac, where you can study a wide variety of technical and general astronomical information. It is a worldwide resource for fundamental astronomical data and contains data supplied by many scientists from around the world. The Astronomical Almanac is also an excellent resource for commercial pilots, sailors, and the military to strengthen safer travel and further assist in navigation by both air and sea.

One of life’s great experiences is to find yourself with loved ones in a campground tent, looking up at celestial wonders in a deep blue night sky. Take a trip to outer space by browsing our collection of resources produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), highlighting Earth’s beauty from space through photographic images covering Earth’s wonders.

There are many ways to celebrate Park and Recreation Month in your community:

  • Visit your local park or recreation center
  • Participate in a park and recreation program
  • Volunteer your time to help maintain a park or recreation facility
  • Attend a Park and Recreation Month event
  • Spread the word about the importance of parks and recreation on social media

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Park and Recreation Month is a great opportunity to appreciate the many benefits that parks and recreation provide to our communities.

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).


Celebrating the Importance of Rivers

June 28, 2023

June is National Rivers Month, a time to celebrate the importance of rivers to our planet. Rivers are our planet’s lifeblood, providing essential services, including water, food, recreation, and transportation. Rivers also play a vital role in the global climate system by moderating temperatures and storing carbon dioxide.

If you use rivers for transportation, the navigational river charts produced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), available from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore, are essential safety resources for the professional and recreational maritime community.

Managing the many major rivers that are the carriers of commerce depending upon the conditions of the mighty Mississippi to the rivers across the Great Plains to those that crisscross the southern U.S from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Georgia is a rigorous and critical responsibility.

Whether you are a captain of a huge barge traversing mighty and unpredictable waterways, a weekender with a dinghy, an elegant river yacht, or managing a holiday river cruiser, USACE navigational river charts will advise you of the best channels to run and the latest clearing of the rivers. You can obtain a chart most relevant to where you travel on America’s rivers by visiting the GPO online bookstore. Each chart features a specific section of a river or the joining of two rivers.

Rivers are essential to our planet and our way of life. Let’s help protect this important resource by conserving water whenever possible and disposing of waste properly.

Happy National Rivers 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.

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).


National Safety Month: A Time to Celebrate Safety

June 14, 2023

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

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

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

The following are tips for staying safe in the workplace:

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

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

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

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

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

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

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

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

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

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

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

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


Honoring Our Troops

May 25, 2023

May is National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM). This national observance allows us to show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the courageous men and women who have served or are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Designated by Congress, NMAM encourages Americans to publicly show their appreciation for the sacrifices—and accomplishments—made by our military personnel. During this important month, Americans have the opportunity to come together to thank our military for their patriotic service in support of our country.

In case you can’t make it to one of several national events planned throughout the month, here are some other ways you can show your appreciation for our military members during NMAM:

  • Write a thank-you letter to a military member.
  • Visit your local VA hospital.
  • Donate to a military charity.
  • Wear red, white, and blue.
  • Wave an American flag.
  • Attend a military appreciation event.
  • Simply say “thank you” to a military member you see.

In observance of NMAM and the other important events around the country honoring our military this month, Government Book Talk is highlighting a few of our bestselling military publications.

The Armed Forces Officer. “In 1950, the great Soldier-Statesman George C. Marshall, then serving as the Secretary of Defense, signed a cover page for a new book titled The Armed Forces Officer. That original version of this book was written by none other than S.L.A. Marshall, who later explained that Secretary Marshall had ‘inspired the undertaking due to his personal conviction that American military officers, of whatever service, should share common ground ethically and morally.’ Written at the dawn of the nuclear age and the emergence of the Cold War, it addressed an officer corps tasked with developing a strategy of nuclear deterrence, facing unprecedented deployments, and adapting to the creation of the Department of Defense and other new organizations necessary to manage the threats of a new global order. Our tactics, techniques, and practices may change over time, but our bedrock principles remain the same. This new edition of The Armed Forces Officer articulates the ethical and moral underpinnings at the core of our profession. The special trust and confidence placed in us by the Nation we protect is built upon this foundation.” —Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. General, U.S. Marine Corps Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As one of the premier military magazines/military journals, Military Review provides a forum for original thought and debate on the art and science of land warfare and other issues of current interest to the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense.

Army History is published by the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH). It is a professional military magazine devoted to informing the military history community about new work on the Army’s history. Issues include illustrated articles, commentaries, book reviews, and news about Army history and the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Naval Aviation News is the flagship publication of naval aviation. It covers all aspects of naval air operations. Featured articles review the latest technological advances in aircraft and weapon systems and the influence of U.S. naval air power in global events. Issues include historical profiles of aircraft, aviation ships, important aviators, and organizations that affected the Navy’s control of the air.

Joint Force Quarterly promotes an understanding of the integrated employment of land, sea, air, space, and special operations forces. This journal focuses on joint doctrine, integrated operations, coalition warfare, contingency planning, military operations conducted across the spectrum of conflict, and joint force development.

Army AL&T Magazine is a quarterly professional journal published by the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology or AL&T. This official military magazine reports on Army research, development, and acquisition and includes articles relative to state-of-the-art technology, capabilities, processes, procedures, techniques, and management philosophy, focusing heavily on lessons learned and best business practices.

A small act of kindness can make a big difference. Thank you for your support of our military members!

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).


Older Americans Month

May 10, 2023

“Older Americans should be able to live, work, and participate in their communities with dignity,” President Biden said in his Proclamation on Older Americans Month 2023. Celebrated annually in May, Older Americans Month is a great time to ensure our seniors have affordable and quality healthcare to live life to the fullest possible, which means now is also an excellent time for providers with private patients to check their inventory of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) forms to be sure their patients receive affordable healthcare.

The Health Insurance Claims Forms (CMS-1500) is the standard claim form used by all non-institutional medical providers or suppliers to bill Medicare carriers and durable medical equipment regional carriers (DMERCs) when a provider qualifies for a waiver from the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA) requirement for electronic submission of claims. It is also used for billing of some Medicaid State Agencies.

The Administration for Community Living theme for Older Americans Month 2023 is Aging Unbound. Let’s join them in honoring our seniors in promoting “flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included” in our communities.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Help for Preparing Tax Returns    

April 17, 2023

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Filing Deadline Is April 18. Purchase Your Federal Income Tax For Individuals, IRS Publication 17from the IRS now. 

Preparing taxes can be a daunting task if it is your first time. To help you through the process, the IRS has released its official Tax Guide 2022, which is now available through the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore.

Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals, IRS Publication 17, begins with the rules for filing a tax return.  It explains who must file a return, which tax form to use when the return is due, how to e-file your return, and other general information.  It will help you identify which filing status you qualify for, whether you claim any dependents, and whether the income you are receiving is taxable.

The publication goes on to explain the standard deduction, the kinds of expenses you can deduct, and the various kinds of credits you may use to reduce your tax.  Additionally, it provides information on what important tax changes took effect in 2022.

Whether a first-time preparer, or highly experienced, each year, the IRS makes some degree of revisions to the income tax code. So, even if you’ve routinely and successfully completed your yearly income tax forms it’s a good idea to use this resource to be sure no surprises pop up.

There’s nothing better for peace of mind than being informed about how to prepare for your federal tax responsibilities.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Safe Travels

March 30, 2023

As COVID-19 restrictions have drastically relaxed since being officially declared a global pandemic three years ago, more and more Americans may decide to travel abroad.

However, if you plan to travel overseas, besides receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your destination could require traditional immunization before your arrival. You’ll need to obtain and fill out the International Certificate of Vaccination from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, also known as the “Yellow Card,” is designed to support infectious disease control world-wide. And with global travel expanding as some nations have eased restrictions, the health and safety of Americans is now important than ever.

Prior to booking your trip, you must visit a healthcare provider and receive required vaccinations that will vary depending on your destination. The attending doctor must list vaccinations given on the form per the instructions, then sign and date in order for the Certificate of Vaccination to be valid. Every traveler must keep the “Yellow Card” on their person while traveling as it serves as a medical passport and proof of vaccination.

Medical providers, state health agencies, travel agents, as well as churches and community services, may want to obtain these handy and universally accepted immunization forms that are needed to go outside the country.

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 Publication and Information Sales program 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).


Preparing for American Citizenship

March 16, 2023

If you are a new immigrant seeking to become an American citizen, an important responsibility in becoming an American citizen is to prepare for the naturalization test. The U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes great care to provide study resources designed to be as easy and accessible as possible during the transition to U.S. citizenship.

The USCIS recently released its new reading Vocabulary Flash Cards to assist immigrants with studying for the English reading portion of the naturalization test. With a primary focus on U.S. civics and history topics, these new flashcards can be used as an instructional tool for citizenship preparation, in a classroom setting for teaching, or as a resource for self-study. To help with learning, there is space on the back of each flashcard where immigrant students can practice writing the words in English or their language.

Another great resource is Preparing for The Naturalization Test: A Pocket Study Guide.   To become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must pass the naturalization test. This guide will help you prepare for the naturalization test. It provides civics test questions, answers, and the reading and writing vocabulary to help you study.

These essential resources from the USCIS will help immigrants learn about U.S. history and government.

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.

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).


National Nutrition Month

March 8, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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