Idaho Commission for Libraries

Program resources

Find information on themes and books lists and publicity materials. See a sample program agenda. Find out about the role and responsibilities of the program scholar, and get tips for discussion leaders.

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.

Sponsors

The following organizations sponsor Let's Talk About It:

The Idaho Humanities Council (IHC) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the humanities in Idaho. It accomplishes this by supporting educational programs for the general public and various target audiences. The Council plans and conducts projects on its own and in collaboration. Visit their website at www.idahohumanities.org .

The Idaho Commission for Libraries (ICFL) is an agency of state government whose mission is to assist libraries to build the capacity to better serve their clientele. The Commission's Vision is that all people in Idaho have easy and timely access to the information they want for education, work, and entertainment. Visit their web site at libraries.idaho.gov.

Additional funding for 2007 Let's Talk About It programs has been generously provided by U. S. Bankcorp. Visit their website at www.usbank.com .

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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 23 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.

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Staff

To contact State Commission staff:

Telephone: (208) 334-2150 [Boise area]
(800) 458-3271 [Toll free in Idaho]

Peggy McClendon, project director

Sandy Hetzel, book distribution coordinator 

For local library coordinators and program scholars see the statewide program schedule.