About LTAI

Since 1985, Let’s Talk About It (LTAI) has been bringing adult reading discussion groups together with humanities scholars in Idaho’s public libraries to discuss literature. These book readings and discussions explore American values, history, culture, aging, classics, and much more. The presentation by, and interaction with, a program scholar is what sets these sessions apart from traditional book club discussions. For more information on how the program works, please visit the project summary page, or contact LeAnn Gelskey (info at bottom of this page).

LTAI 2023-24 Season Schedule (PDF – Prints on 8.5 x 14 paper). The season schedule may change so please contact your local library directly for the most up-to-date information about their program.

Below is an “at a glance” list of the libraries participating in LTAI in 2023-24. Please see the complete season schedule above for contact information, themes, book titles, and other details.

Armoral Tuttle Public Library – Biographies and Autobiographies

Athol Public Library – Living in the Modern Rural West

Bellevue Public Library – Growing Older, Growing Wiser

Burley Public Library – American Classics

Camas County Public Library – Starting the Conversations: Race & Racism in America

Challis Public Library – Living in the Modern Rural West

Filer Public Library – American Voices

Gooding Public Library – American Classics

Gypsy Jackson Memorial Library – Biographies & Autobiographies

Kimberly Public Library – Tough Paradise

Larsen-Sant Public Library – Connecting Generations

Latah County Library District – Tough Paradise

Prairie River Library District – Living in the Modern Rural West

Weiser Public Library – Form & Fluidity: Writing in the New Millenium

Valley of the Tetons Library – Prize Winners

Library Application

The application period for the 2023/2024 session has passed. Please check back next year for another chance to apply.

The application has been significantly streamlined and can now be completed and submitted online (link below). Additionally, libraries will not be required to select specific book titles or propose their program schedule as part of the application. These logistics will be worked out with libraries once/if they are selected to participate. A draft list of book titles can be found on our themes and books page and may assist libraries in deciding which theme(s) to request.

  • Deadline – The application must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, June 23.
  • Eligibility – Any public library or branch is welcome to apply. Limited to one application per library district. Multi-branch libraries should coordinate their application.
  • Selection Criteria – The ICfL will select up to 15 libraries to participate in the program. We will consider several factors when reviewing library applications, including whether and when the library last participated in LTAI, ensuring regional representation for the state, the strength of the library’s application, and the availability of the library’s preferred themes.
  • What happens next – The ICfL will review applications and determine which libraries to accept for the program in 2023. Libraries will receive notification about their application by June 30th. See the timeline below under “Planning Information” for an anticipated timeline of next steps.

Planning Information

The following information is provided to help libraries plan for and implement their LTAI programs:

  • Program Scope – We will select 15 public libraries to participate in the 2023/2024 session, and each library will be expected to host three LTAI discussions.
  • Anticipated Timeline:
    • June 1 – June 23 – Application is open.
    • June 30 – Anticipated date for library selection and notification
    • July to August – The ICfL will work with selected libraries to assign themes, book titles, schedules, and coordinate with scholars to sign up for discussion slots.
    • September – The ICfL will send promotional materials and books to libraries. Library match fees are due.
    • Early October – Libraries will promote the program locally and recruit participants.
    • Late October 2023 to March 2024 – Libraries will host three LTAI sessions.
    • April 2024 – All books must be returned. Reports and surveys must be submitted.

The ICfL has updated existing LTAI themes with new books and content developed by our amazing scholars. We have also added two new themes to the LTAI collection:

  • Form and Fluidity: Writing in the New Millennium
  • Starting the Conversation: Race & Racism in America

As libraries apply for the program and develop their plans for the upcoming year, we are encouraging them to review our New Books Added to the LTAI Collection List. We hope that these new additions will be as popular as some of the older favorites and add new perspectives and ideas to LTAI discussions.

Virtual Encore – Spring 2022: Author Discussion Series

Still hungry for more of that great LTAI content? Wondering how you’ll fill your time between the end of winter and the start of spring? Well we have cooked up something exciting to help curb your craving and keep you engaged during the mud season! Join us for three exciting lunch-and-learn sessions were you can fill your belly and your brain at the same time.

We have invited the authors of three of our newest titles to give a virtual talk about their book in the context of Idaho’s LTAI program/theme. These free online events will be hosted by the ICfL and open to all LTAI participants, librarians, scholars, and the general public throughout the state. Click the link below for dates, details, and registration information.

National Endowment for the Humanities logo
Idaho Humanities Council Logo

The Let’s Talk About It program is made possible by the Idaho Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services which administers the Library Services and Technology Act, and the program is administered by the Idaho Commission for Libraries.

LeAnn Gelskey

LeAnn Gelskey

Talking Book Service Program Supervisor
Email / 208-639-4148
Read my Blogs