Welcome to the Idaho Center for the Book

About the ICB

The Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, Washington, D. C., upon recommendation of the Idaho State Library, in Boise, Idaho, designated the Hemingway Western Studies Center at Boise State University as the Idaho Center for the Book in November, 1993.

The Idaho Center for the Book was established to encourage and promote an interest in reading, writing, making, disseminating, and collecting books. The ICB also seeks to preserve and publicize the bibliophilic heritage of the Gem State.

ICB publishes a semi-annual newsletter, as well as books and videos relating to Idaho and book history, Book Arts, and related book topics. It sponsors (often with the assistance of the Idaho Commission on the Arts) "Booker's Dozen", a biennial statewide travelling exhibition of fourteen artists and eccentric books by Idahoans. Since 1994, the Center has presented exhibitions here and abroad of books by autistic, self-taught Idaho artist/bookmaker, James Castle. In 1996, the ICB and the Idaho Council of Teachers of English jointly produced a tetratetraflexagon literary map of the state. As well, the Center coordinates with and supports the efforts of a variety of state and national organizations who share Center interests and goals.

The QWERTY Project

Silver Lining

Ten Idaho bookworks inspired by the history of and artifacts related to the Pass silver mine near Hailey/Ketchum, Idaho, in a conceptual virtual (i.e. bind-it-yourself!) catalogue. "Silver Lining" debuts at the Missoula Art Museum November 15, 2006 (through January 12, 2007).

Newsletter

Traveling Exhibitions

Center Exhibitions -
A Potpourri of Past Displays (and Virtual Tour)

Publications

Other State Centers

Last Updated 2/19/09