Federal Documents for Civic Engagement Month

This September, the South Carolina State Library is proud to highlight the important role of the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) and our partnership through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). As an FDLP member library, we help ensure that government information is free, accessible, and open to all members of the public.

Pocket US ConstitutionGPO has published and preserved essential government documents since 1861. Through print and digital access, it supports transparency, civic learning, and public awareness. This month’s featured display showcases selected titles from the GPO collection that reflect the impact of government printing on American democracy and the power of informed citizenship.

Constitution Day is Wednesday, September 17. Stop by the State Library to pick up a free pocket Constitution while supplies last.

Explore GPO’s Free Resources:

  • Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government – A learning tool for students, parents, and educators.
  • GovInfo.gov – A portal for official digital publications from all three branches of government.
  • DiscoverGov – Provides a unified interface for searching across multiple U.S. Federal Government databases, including GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP) and GovInfo.
     

Federal Documents

Cover of Lincoln and His Printers: GPO in the Civil War

Lincoln and His Printers: GPO in the Civil War

United States Government Publishing Office

History of the Government Printing Office, which opened its doors on March 4, 1861, the same day Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated. 

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Cover of Celebrating 150 Years, 1861-2011

Celebrating 150 Years, 1861-2011

United States Government Publishing Office

Covers GPO's chief accomplishments for FY 2010, including: FDsys, GPO's digital repository for Federal documents; presentation of Federal Register 2.0; premiere of its Government Book Talk blog; creation of such secure credentials as passports and travelers' cards; print procurement for the 2010 Census; and its redesigned bookstore. Features remarks by Public Printer Robert C. Tapella at GPO's sesquicentennial celebration. 

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Cover of 100 GPO Years, 1861-1961: A History of United States Public Printing

100 GPO Years, 1861-1961: A History of United States Public Printing

United States Government Publishing Office

From GPO's Bookstore website: As part of the celebration of the U.S. Government Printing Office's 150th anniversary on March 4, 2011, GPO has published a facsimile edition of 100 GPO Years, originally issued in 1961 on its 100th anniversary. 100 GPO Years takes a chronological approach to GPO history, beginning with a history of public printing in America prior to 1860 and describing events year by year from 1861 to 1961. A section of rare photographs illustrates the progress of "the big shop" from handset type to computer typesetting. This reprint edition includes an index, a new foreword, and a new Colophon about both the original and new digital type fonts.

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Cover of Fulfilling Madison's Vision: The Federal Depository Library Program

Fulfilling Madison's Vision: The Federal Depository Library Program

Depository Library Council

A comprehensive overview of the Federal Depository Library Program, detailing its mission to provide public access to government information and fulfill James Madison’s vision of an informed citizenry.

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Cover of Keeping America Informed, the U.S. Government Publishing Office: A Legacy of Service to the Nation, 1861-2016

Keeping America Informed, the U.S. Government Publishing Office: A Legacy of Service to the Nation, 1861-2016

United States Government Publishing Office

Since 1861, U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), formerly known as the U.S. Government Printing Office, has produced the documents of democracy crucial to an informed citizenry. Keeping America Informed: the U.S. Government Publishing Office 1861-2016, is a freshly updated version of the 150-year Anniversary Book about this unique organization.

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Cover of Picturing the Big Shop: Photos of the U.S. Government Publishing Office, 1900-1980

Picturing the Big Shop: Photos of the U.S. Government Publishing Office, 1900-1980

United States Government Publishing Office

A richly illustrated history of the U.S. Government Publishing Office from 1900 to 1980, featuring photographs documenting its buildings, printing, binding, administration, and the life of the GPO.

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Cover of A Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records: Thirteenth Report

A Citizen's Guide on Using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to Request Government Records: Thirteenth Report

United States Government Publishing Office

This thirteenth report provides a citizen's guide to using the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974 to request government records.

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Cover of An Explanation of the Superintendent of Documents Classification System

An Explanation of the Superintendent of Documents Classification System

Depository Administration Branch

Revised explanation of the Superintendent of Documents classification system, providing an overview of the classification scheme used by the U.S. Government Publishing Office for organizing government publications.

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Cover of Legal Requirements & Program Regulations of the Federal Depository Library Program

Legal Requirements & Program Regulations of the Federal Depository Library Program

United States Government Publishing Office

: Legal requirements and program regulations for the Federal Depository Library Program, superseding earlier editions, providing guidance on standards and laws governing depository libraries in the United States.

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Cover of Users of Academic and Public GPO Depository Libraries

Users of Academic and Public GPO Depository Libraries

United States Government Publishing Office

A comprehensive study on the usage patterns of academic and public Government Publishing Office depository libraries in the United States, providing insights into library user behavior and government publication utilization.

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Upcoming Event

South Carolina Press Association logo over some blurred government documents.

Freedom of Information Act Roundtable with the SC Press Association

September 9, 2025, 1:00 PM

Join leaders of the South Carolina Press Association for an in-depth conversation about how the Freedom of Information Act affects the news you hear every day. The panelists of veteran journalists will discuss how FOIA helps them keep the public informed and how you can do the same.  Q&A session to follow!

This Week