Idaho Commission for Libraries

The 2009 National Book Festival was held on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Marj Hooper and Pam Bradshaw from the Idaho Commission for Libraries represented Idaho in the Pavilion of the States, promoting reading, sharing information about Idaho literacy and library programs, and answering questions about Idaho writers and libraries.

The Idaho Commission for Libraries is pleased to announce the receipt yesterday of a $15,000 grant from the Fred Meyer Fund for the “Books for Summer Readers” project. One hundred eighteen Idaho public libraries applied by the May deadline to receive free paperback books to distribute to their summer readers. Approximately 6,200 children will receive books.

Theme information

This theme was adapted from several theme created for Let's Talk About It programs, including: "Women's Autobiography," developed by the American Library Association;

Books in this series include:

Maya Angelou I Know Why a Caged Bird Sings
Isadora Duncan My Life

The Talking Book Service has more than audio 68,000 book and 70 magazine titles to select from. The collection contains fiction and non-fiction topics ranging from astronomy to westerns. Reading levels vary from very easy to adult. Books are available in many languages in addition to English.

In the 21st century, we are challenged by momentous environmental issues. Serious interest in not only in the natural environment, but also in our proper relationship to it, has long antedated our present anxiety over greenhouse gas emissions, the hole in the ozone layer, and global warming. We may find ourselves dismayed as much as we are enlightened by what we read here.

Food is one of human beings’ favorite obsessions. Most people spend a great deal of time physically and mentally preoccupied with food: we organize and prepare meals, we daydream about what’s for lunch or dinner; we eat. Beyond simply an enjoyable, necessary human pastime, though, eating has important implications for how we think of ourselves, and how we relate to the larger culture.

Twin Falls Public Library has an excellent selection of reader's advisory brochures. The fabulous librarians have created fun ways to find out about books that are similar to your favorite. Loved The DaVinci Code or that latest mystery - check out a brochure with ideas for other books to try. They have created an eclectic and diverse selection.

The contemporary western writers featured in this theme have a variety of perspectives on rural life in the modern West. Ranging in location across the northern rural West from Washington, to various regions of Idaho (the largest cluster), to Montana, their books present a realistic portrait of the West, admitting to difficulties and divisions and misery, both personal and familial.

"Western Experience" examines life in the West from various viewpoints, looks at myths and stereotypes of the West, and explores how various groups have adapted to unique physical and cultural environments in the West.

Books for this series include:

"Working" looks at how the jobs we perform shape our identities. Whether in the quest for the "American Dream" or just making ends meet, work also may provide a more intangible reward--self esteem.