December 7, 1993

Press Contact: Helen Dalrymple (202) 707-1940

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New Idaho Center for the Book Established

The Library of Congress has approved an application from the Hemingway Western Studies Center at Boise State University to become the home of a new Idaho Center for the Book. "We are delighted to welcome Idaho to our growing network of affiliated state centers," said John Y. Cole, director of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

The purpose of the Idaho center is "to encourage and promote an interest in reading, writing, making, disseminating, and collecting books, as well as preserving and publicizing Idaho's bibliographic heritage." According to BSU Professor of English Tom Trusky, who will serve as coordinator, the center seeks "the involvement of individuals, groups, corporations, and foundations who have a special interest in book making, literacy, and the intellectual and artistic heritage of Idaho as expressed in books."

The Center's initial projects will include the creation of a literary heritage map, "Idaho by the Book"; traveling book exhibitions; and the establishment of a rental library of films and videos on the book arts. ALso available will be information about books made into feature films in Idaho.

An interim 16-member advisory board includes writers, artists, publishers, booksellers, librarians, archivists, educators, and members of the Idaho Humanities Council and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. The state librarian, Charles Bolles, will be an ex-officio board member.

Idaho is the 27th state center for the book to become affiliated with the Library of Congress. State centers participate in the LC Center for the Book's educational outreach program, but they plan and fund their own projects. When its application is approved, a state center is granted affiliate status for three years. Renewals are for three-year periods. For additional information, write the Center for the Book, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540.

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PR 93-161
12/6/93
ISSN 0731-3527