GPO's bookstore

The Government Printing Office is known for printing the dry matter of the U.S. bureaucracy, such as the Federal Register and the Statistical Abstract. But this summer, the GPO Bookstore, located a few blocks north of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, did a makeover designed to attract book lovers of all stripes. Now bedecked with new carpet, plush reading chairs and even a gourmet coffee machine, it invites you to browse, read and relax.

Here are some of the offerings that might appeal to science and technology aficionados.

"A History of Innovation: U.S. Army Adaptation in War and Peace"
Edited by Jon T. Hoffman
The book contains stories of soldiers and Army civilians who have demonstrated that determination and a good idea often carry the day in peace and war.

"Spinoff 2009: Innovative Partnerships Program"
By NASA
The publication highlights recent significant research and development activities across NASA and the successful transfer of NASA technologies to the marketplace.

"Cosmos and Culture: Cultural Evolution in a Cosmic Context"
Edited by Steven J. Dick and Mark L. Lupisella
Authors with diverse backgrounds in science, history, anthropology and other fields consider culture in the context of the cosmos.

"Guide to the Freedom of Information Act: 2009 Edition"
By the Justice Department's Office of Information Policy
This is an overview of FOIA's procedural requirements, exemptions and litigation considerations.

"Squeaks Discovers Type: How Print Has Expanded Our Universe"
By James T. Cameron and Nick Crawford, GPO Comics
Squeaks, a video game space mouse, helps elementary school student Jake learn about the history of printing.