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State Blue Books
| State Blue Books |
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This page is a list of State Blue Books.
The term "state blue book" typically refers to a state-sponsored or state-level government almanac. However, in some instances the term refers to the state's legislative manual (a common predecessor to many present-day blue books), or even a simple directory/roster of government services and officials. Generally, state blue books are published biennially and by the secretary of state, but there are numerous exceptions. For instance, the New York Blue Book is actually known as the "Redbook" for its historical cover color and is published by the state's General Assembly annually under law. Moreover, a number of states do not have an official blue book, and several have discontinued publication. Common topics covered by blue books include state facts, branches of the state's government, local governments, national representation, and elections.
Information on this page was last updated in August of 2018 with links to current and historical blue books where either the blue book or an order form for the blue book is available online.
Blue books by state
Please email us if you are aware of any updates or links we might add to this table.
Blue book history
There is debate over the source of the term "blue book." Many have placed its origin in England and for the uses of single-colored (often blue) book covers. The 2005-2006 Tennessee Blue Book states, "The term Blue Book dates from the 15th century when the English Parliament began keeping its records in large volumes covered with blue velvet. Since that time the name Blue Book has been used to describe many forms of government manuals." Yet that theory is not completely accepted; the 2011-2012 Idaho Blue Book states, "The Blue Book received its name not from the color of its cover but rather by definition of content. Bartlett's Dictionary of Americanisms defines the term Blue Book as 'a printed book containing the names of all persons holding office under the Government of the United States. It answers the Red Book of England.'"[1][2]
See also
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Footnotes
