Idaho Commission for Libraries

Program resources:

The Idaho Commission for Libraries loans multiple copies of books and schedules speakers for the Let's Talk About It programs. Speaker honoraria and travel expenses are covered by the grant. The LTAI website provides information on themes and books used for programs. PR materials are also available to download from the website.

Project Goals:

Let's Talk About It brings together humanities scholars and adult readers in public libraries to read and discuss fine literature which explores American values, history and culture.

Let's Talk About It programs are held mainly in rural communities where adults have fewer resources and opportunities for adult education. Program participants expand their reading interests, meet new people and explore important cultural issues in the context of their own lives and the lives of others.

Program speakers are educators or experts in various humanities fields. They enjoy meeting avid readers in Idaho's rural communities and gain perspective on literature that enriches their teaching and research.

History of Let's Talk About It

Idaho Let's Talk About It began in 1985 with six pilot program series in southwestern Idaho. During the past 25 years, programs have been held in over 80 communities across the state, from Bonners Ferry in the tip of the northern panhandle to Montpelier in the southeastern corner of the state. Annually, fifteen libraries are selected to participate. The project is modeled after the national Let's Talk About It project developed by the American Library Association

Program model: Participating libraries host a series of five programs, each featuring a book related to the series theme and which participants have read prior to the program. At each program, a guest speaker presents information on the book and author as it relates to the theme. Following the presentation, participants engage in discussion.

Sponsors:

The Let's Talk About It project is made possible through funding from the Idaho Humantities Council, with generous support from US Bankcorp. On behalf of participating libraries, we would like to thank our sponsors.