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Wander the Wild: Parks and Nature in Nonfiction

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Every July, we celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a time to recognize the importance of public parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in enriching our lives. Originally established in 1985 by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this observance encourages us to explore the natural world, appreciate its beauty, and support the spaces that allow us to connect with nature and each other.

From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, the United States is home to over 400 national park sites that protect breathtaking landscapes and preserve the stories of our shared heritage. Nonfiction books about these parks – and the people who explore, protect, and find inspiration in them – offer readers a chance to wander through wild terrain without leaving home.

Whether you’re planning your next hiking trip or simply want to immerse yourself in stories of adventure, conservation, and awe-inspiring places, the Germantown Community Library has a collection of nonfiction titles to help you celebrate the beauty and power of the great outdoors.

Adventures in the Wild: Memoirs and Outdoor Journeys

Hiking memoirs and travel narratives let readers experience the thrill, challenge, and transformation that come with exploring nature. These personal stories range from solo treks through remote trails to family adventures in the wilderness.

Suggested Reading:

  • A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson
  • Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild, by James Campbell
  • A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
  • Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed

America’s National Parks: History, Beauty, and Preservation

These books celebrate the iconic landscapes of the National Park Service while diving into their cultural history, preservation efforts, and enduring impact on American life.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, by Douglas Brinkley
  • The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, by Dayton Duncan, Ken Burns, et al.
  • Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite, by Dean King

Nature’s Power and Wonder: Essays and Observations

These nonfiction works capture the spirit of the wild through lyrical prose and thoughtful observation, reminding us of the beauty and mystery that exist just beyond the beaten path.

Suggested Reading:

  • Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness, by Edward Abbey
  • Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard
  • All the Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West, by David Gessner

How to Make the Most of National Park and Recreation Month

Whether you’re planning a day trip to a nearby state park or dreaming of your next big hiking adventure, here are some ways to bring the outdoors into your everyday life:

  • Visit a Local Park: You don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature – explore local parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in your community. Germantown has a great variety of parks!
  • Start a Nature Journal: Keep track of your walks, hikes, and moments of outdoor wonder.
  • Use Library Resources: Check out guidebooks, maps, and memoirs to plan your next adventure or learn more about a park you’ve always wanted to visit. And don’t forget, the library has Wisconsin State Park Adventure Passes that you can check out to visit state parks for free! These passes are available first come, first serve.
  • Travel Through Reading: Let books take you to the mountains, deserts, forests, and coasts of America’s most treasured landscapes.

Exploring the Outdoors Through Books

You don’t need hiking boots to experience the magic of national parks and outdoor adventures – just a library card. Visit the Germantown Community Library this July to discover nonfiction books that celebrate the beauty, history, and wild freedom of nature. Whether you’re an avid explorer or an armchair adventurer, we’ve got something for every nature lover.

Erin L., staff writer

PURRfect Reads:Nonfiction and Fiction for Cat Lovers and Animal Advocates

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June is Adopt a Cat Month—a perfect time to learn more about our feline friends, support animal welfare efforts, or even consider welcoming a new cat into your home. Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover, thinking about adoption, or simply fascinated by the mysterious and endearing nature of cats, books offer a window into the world of cat behavior and care, as well as personal accounts and stories.

At the Germantown Community Library, you can find nonfiction titles that explore what makes cats so unique—from their curious personalities to the ways they change our lives. These books include expert advice on cat care, heartwarming rescue stories, and thoughtful reflections on the powerful relationships we form with animals.

Understanding Cats: Behavior and Communication
Cats may seem aloof, but they communicate in subtle and fascinating ways. These books help decode feline behavior and offer practical tips for building a stronger connection with your cat.

Suggested Reading:

  • Decoding Your Cat by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
  • Cat Sense by John Bradshaw
  • Cats Behaving Badly: Why Cats Do the Naughty Things They Do by Celia Haddon
  • Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett
  • The Cat Behavior Answer Book by Arden Moore
  • The Cat Whisperer by Mieshelle Nagelschneider

Pet Care and Living with Cats
Whether you’re a first-time adopter or a seasoned cat owner, these guides cover everything from health and nutrition to enriching your home environment and understanding your cat’s emotional needs.

Suggested Reading:

  • Caring for Your Aging Cat by Janice Borzendowski
  • Essential Cat: The Ultimate Owner’s Guide to Caring for Your Cat by Caroline Davis
  • Complete Cat Care Manual by Andrew Edney and Bruce Fogle
  • Comprehensive Health Care for Cats by James E. McKay
  • Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn and Susan Hubble Pitcairn

Rescue Stories and Feline Memoirs
There’s no shortage of heartwarming—and often humorous—stories about cats who’ve found their forever homes. These memoirs and rescue tales celebrate the resilience of animals and the people who care for them.

Suggested Reading:

  • A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen
  • Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Cooper
  • Making Rounds with Oscar by David Dosa
  • Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron
  • Nala’s World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride around the Globe by Dean Nicholson

Ways to Embrace Cats This Month

  • Check out a cat-themed book—fiction, nonfiction, or a children’s favorite—and discover the many roles cats play in stories
  • Attend (or host) a cat-themed storytime, book club, or craft event
  • Share stories of your own beloved cats and encourage responsible pet ownership
  • Consider adopting a cat from a local shelter or rescue group
  • Donate supplies to an animal shelter or foster home
  • Volunteer your time at a local animal organization

Fiction Featuring Cats is Having a Moment

Fiction featuring cats has been around for a long time, but recently there has been a surge of interest, especially in Japan. Many of these titles have been translated into English. Some of our staff favorites are:

  • The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
  • The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa
  • We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
  • I Am a Cat by Sōseki Natsume

If you enjoy reading series, these mysteries by American authors will keep you busy for a long time:

  • The Cat Who… mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun
  • Mrs. Murphy series by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown

Find Your Next Feline Read at the Library
Whether you’re looking for expert advice, touching true stories, or simply want to better understand the cats in your life, the Germantown Community Library has you covered this Adopt a Cat Month. Stop by to check out a few PAWS-ITIVELY great nonfiction reads!

Erin L., staff writer

Make the Germantown Community Library Your Third Space

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We all have a first and second space—home and work (or school). But what about a third space?

Your “third space” is the place you go to feel connected, grounded, and yourself. It’s where you can recharge, pursue your interests, connect with others (or not), and just be. Third spaces are vital to our well-being because they give us a sense of community without the pressure of work or responsibilities. They’re the spaces where conversations happen, ideas grow, and belonging takes root. They’re good for our mental health, our social lives, and even our sense of identity.

Coffee shops, gyms, and parks are all great third spaces—but don’t overlook one of the most versatile and welcoming options out there: your public library.

At the Germantown Community Library, we want to be your third space.

Here, you’ll find cozy reading nooks, a variety of tables for working, and study rooms perfect for a little quiet focus. You can browse for your next great read, use public computers, access free Wi-Fi, attend a program, or simply sit and enjoy a peaceful moment. The library is yours to use however you need—whether you’re here to focus, unwind, explore, or connect. Plus, you’ll find people here who love books just as much as you do—and who are always happy to talk about them.

And the best part? You don’t have to be anything other than yourself to belong here.

That goes for your children, too! The library is a wonderful third space for kids, offering a wide range of programs and spaces where they can explore, learn, and have fun. From storytime for young children to creative activities and reading challenges for older kids, there’s always something happening to engage their minds and imaginations. By making the library a part of their routine, you’re helping them discover their own place here—a space where they can grow, relax, and feel a sense of belonging.

Looking to connect with others? Join a book group and share your love of reading. Curious about what’s happening? Check out our upcoming events for everything from craft nights to author talks. Need tech help or research tools? Explore our resources for everything from printing and scanning to online learning and databases.
So the next time you’re looking for a place that feels welcoming, calming, and just for you, come to the library. This space is yours to enjoy—we love it here, and we think you will, too.

Erin L., Staff Writer

Get Outside: Nature and the Environment

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April is a time of renewal: flowers bloom, trees bud, and the world begins to wake up from winter. It’s also the perfect time to reconnect with the natural world around us. That’s why April is recognized as both National Garden Month and Earth Month. These celebrations remind us not only to enjoy the beauty of nature, but also to care for it.

Whether you’re planting a vegetable garden, learning about the natural world, or exploring the impact of climate change, nonfiction books can help deepen your understanding of the environment and inspire action. At Germantown Community Library, we have a wide selection of titles that explore everything from hands-on gardening tips to big-picture environmental issues. Prefer to read fiction about gardening? Jump to the end of the post for some of our favorite fiction titles!

Gardening: Growing Green at Home

Gardening offers countless benefits – from fresh produce to reduced stress to a greater appreciation of nature. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner looking to try your first container of herbs, gardening books can offer advice, inspiration, and practical techniques.

Suggested Reading:

  • Edible Spots and Pots: Small-Space Gardens for Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Containers, Raised Beds, and More by Stacey Hirvela
  • Groundbreaking Food Gardens: 73 Plans That Will Change the Way You Grow Your Garden by Niki Jabbour
  • A Way to Garden by Margaret Roach
  • The Regenerative Garden: 80 Practical Projects for Creating a Self-Sustaining Garden Ecosystem by Stephanie Rose
  • The Gardener’s Palette: Creating Colour Harmony in the Garden by Jo Thompson

Nature and Conservation: Understanding the Natural World

Learning more about the environment is the first step toward protecting it. Books about conservation and ecology can open our eyes to the beauty, complexity, and fragility of the world around us – and what we can do to preserve it.

Suggested Reading:

  • A Life on Our Planet by David Attenborough
  • The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America by Douglas Brinkley
  • The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan
  • Under a White Sky by Elizabeth Kolbert
  • The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees by Douglas W. Tallamy

Climate and Environmental Impact: Facing Global Challenges

As climate change continues to affect communities worldwide, nonfiction books can help us better understand the science, policies, and human stories behind this critical issue. These books challenge us to think deeply and boldly.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Future We Choose: The Stubborn Optimist’s Guide to the Climate Crisis by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac
  • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need by Bill Gates
  • Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have by Tatiana Schlossbert
  • Nowhere Left to Go: How Climate Change is Driving Species to the Ends of the Earth by Benjamin von Brackel
  • The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells

Ideas for Getting Outside and Getting Involved

  • Start a garden, even a small one in pots or containers
  • Join a community cleanup or tree-planting event
  • Try a “no waste” day to reduce plastic and food waste
  • Visit a local park, trail, or conservation area to reconnect with nature
  • Keep a nature journal to observe seasonal changes

Visit the Library to GROW Your Knowledge

Whether you’re digging into the creative possibilities of gardening, learning about the science of climate change, or finding new ways to live sustainably, Germantown Community Library has a wealth of nonfiction resources to inspire you. Use these ideas to cultivate your own green space, apply eco-friendly practices, and create positive changes in your life and community.

Fiction Lovers, There’s Plenty for You at the Library, Too!

Here are some of our favorite fiction titles about gardens:

  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (You’ll find this in the children’s books, but trust us, it’s worth reading again as an adult!)
  • The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick
  • The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
  • The Heirloom Garden by Viola Shipman
  • The Kew Garden Girls by Posy Lovell
  • The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly
  • The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen

Erin L., and Lynn R., Staff Writers

Women Who Made History: Nonfiction Celebrating Women’s Lives and Legacies

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March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the women whose contributions have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations. From powerful leaders and courageous activists to brilliant thinkers and creative visionaries, women have made their mark on the world in countless ways. At Germantown Community Library, we celebrate the legacies of these incredible women through a collection of nonfiction books that highlight their achievements, struggles, and transformative influence. Whether you’re interested in influential figures from history or contemporary trailblazers, our library offers a variety of biographies and historical accounts that bring their stories to life.

Why We Celebrate Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month originated as a national celebration in 1981, when Congress passed Pub.L. 97-28, which designated the week of March 8 as Women’s History Week. By 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress expanded the celebration to a full month. This annual observance honors the contributions of women in all areas of life: politics, science, the arts, and more. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made, while acknowledging the work still to be done.

This March, take the opportunity to explore the lives of extraordinary women through the following themes. Each one shines a light on remarkable women who made history, broke barriers, and paved the way for future generations.

Trailblazing Leaders and Pioneers

These women shattered glass ceilings in their respective fields, from politics and civil rights to space exploration and business. Their courage, vision, and determination changed the course of history.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson
  • My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
  • A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell
  • The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies by Jason Fagone

Activists and Change Makers

Many women throughout history fought for justice, equality, and civil rights. Their activism and dedication sparked monumental social and political change, often at great personal cost.

Suggested Reading:

  • I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
  • We Are Not Here to Be Bystanders: A Memoir of Love and Resistance by Linda Sarsour
  • The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote by Elaine Weiss

Groundbreaking Scientists and Innovators

These women were not only brilliant scientists, mathematicians, and inventors, but their groundbreaking work also laid the foundation for modern science and technology.

Suggested Reading:

  • Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women by Kate Moore

Creative Visionaries and Cultural Icons

Women have also shaped our world through art, literature, music, and culture. Their creativity, vision, and artistry have left an indelible mark on our culture.

Suggested Reading:

  • Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me by Whoopi Goldberg
  • Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina by Misty Copeland
  • Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind Little Women by Harriet Reiser
  • Mary Shelley: Her Life, Her Fiction, Her Monsters by Anne K. Mellor
  • Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford

Why Read About These Women?

Reading about the lives and legacies of these women can inspire us to continue fighting for equality, social justice, innovation, creativity, and progress in our own lives. Their stories remind us that history is shaped by those who have the courage to make change, and that one person can have a profound impact on the world. By learning more about the struggles and triumphs of these extraordinary women, we honor their legacies and keep their stories alive for future generations.

At Germantown Community Library, we have an extensive collection of biographies and historical accounts that celebrate the lives of these women and others who made history. Visit us this month to discover the incredible women who have shaped our world and continue to inspire new generations of trailblazers.

Erin L., Staff Writer