February is African American history month

Posted 9 February, 2010 by Librarian

President Obama has proclaimed February as National African American History Month.

"As we mark National African American History Month, we should take note of this special moment in our Nation's history and the actors who worked so diligently to deliver us to this place," the President remarked. "One such organization is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People -- the NAACP -- which this year will witness 100 years of service to the Nation on February 12. Because of their work, including the contributions of those luminaries on the front lines and great advocates behind the scenes, we as a Nation were able to take the dramatic steps we have in recent history."

Learn more:

• Free at last - the US civil rights movement
• Census facts for features

Australian author Alice Pung featured in webchat Saturday

Posted 3 February, 2010 by Librarian

A recent participant in the International Writing Program fall residency at the University of Iowa, Australian author Alice Pung will participate in an on-line chat about her life, her work, and her experience at the IWP residency beginning on Saturday, 6 February,  at 7AM Canberra time (Australia Eastern Daylight Saving Time).

Born in Melbourne to Cambodian parents, Alice Pung writes fiction, non-fiction and plays.

Readers are welcome to submit questions to Ms. Pung before or during the discussion.

Immediately following the live discussion, a full transcript of Ms. Pung’s responses will be available on the Virtual Writing University website.

President Obama to visit Australia in March

Posted 2 February, 2010 by Press Office

The White House announced today that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Australia in March. The specific dates for the trip were not announced. The President will also visit Guam and Indonesia.

The White House said this trip is an important part of the president's continued effort to broaden and strengthen the partnerships that are necessary to advance our security and prosperity.

This year also marks the 70th anniversary of U.S.-Australia relations. "The president looks forward to commemorating that milestone and consulting with Prime Minister Rudd on ways that we can build on the strong relationship between our two countries and discuss issues such as global economic recovery, clean energy and climate change, nonproliferation and Afghanistan," the White House said.

2010 Statistical Abstract of the U.S. released

Posted 29 January, 2010 by Librarian

The Statistical Abstract, also known as “Uncle Sam’s Almanac,” has been published since 1878 — before automobiles, airplanes and motion pictures had even been invented. Contained in the 129th edition are more than 1,400 tables of social, political and economic facts which collectively describe the state of our nation and the world.

Did you know that in 2007, the nation’s 16,604 libraries collectively had an average of 12.5 public-use computers connected to the Internet per library?

Every edition of the Statistical Abstract, dating from 1878, is available in PDF or zip files on the Census Bureau’s Web site.

President considers the State of the Union

Posted 28 January, 2010 by Librarian

"I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I could do it alone," President Obama said today in his first State of the Union speech to the U.S. Congress. "Democracy in a nation of 300 million people can be noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That's just how it is.

"We have finished a difficult year.  We have come through a difficult decade.  But a new year has come.  A new decade stretches before us.  We don't quit.  I don't quit.  Let's seize this moment -- to start anew, to carry the dream forward, and to strengthen our union once more."

Learn more:

• Putting Washington at the service of the middle class
• Historical info about the State of the Union address

Ambassador Bleich takes his Oath of Office

Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich was formally sworn in by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts in a ceremony on December 20 at the White House. The event was attended by the Ambassador’s family, government officials and Elizabeth Ward, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Washington. Ambassador Bleich and Justice Roberts worked together as clerks for the former Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Remarks »

Copenhagen in Canberra

Coinciding with the first day of the Copenhagen conference, Ambassador Bleich visits the new exhibition at the National Museum of Australia titled Water H₂O = Life from the American Museum of National History in New York City.

Baseball a hit with Aussie under 10s

In the newly named 2010 home for the Canberra club in the Australian Baseball League, Ambassador Bleich presented the 6th Ambassador's cup to the Rebels Baseball Club which recruited the most under 10 players for the 2009 season.

Ambassador Bleich’s video greeting

Jeffrey L. Bleich presented his credentials to Governor General Quentin Bryce on November 26, 2009, as the 24th American ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia.

H1N1 Flu Virus Outbreaks Mobilize International Public Health Effort

Outbreaks of a new strain of influenza virus that began in north-central Mexico 22 March 2009 and have spread to the United States, and other countries, so far have prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the event a public health emergency of international concern.

Travelers information on H1N1 Influenza:

• For the latest information on U.S. State Department Travel alerts
• For information on traveling to Australia (Australian Government Website)

ESTA Requirements Now in Effect

All nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Australia, are required to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States. This requirement commenced January 12, 2009. Authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free Internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

There is no charge to complete the ESTA application. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications. These websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government.

VWP visitors should apply now for the travel authorization.

For more information, start by reading our page on the Visa Waiver Program.

U.S. – Australia Student Work and Travel Pilot Program

The Student Work and Travel Pilot Program allows Australian citizens to combine work and travel in the United States for up to 12 months. For more information, visit our page on the Student Work and Travel Pilot Program.

Please see our nonimmigrant visa page for general information on the U.S. visa application process, including how to apply for a U.S. visa in Australia.