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Get Outside: Nature and the Environment

Library Collections, Staff Recommendations, Staff Writer, ,

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

Matters of the Heart: Nonfiction Reads on Health, Wellness, and the Human Heart

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When February rolls around, hearts are everywhere—on cards, candy, and decorations—but American Heart Month reminds us that it’s also the perfect time to focus on your actual heart. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, but the good news is that lifestyle choices can make a big difference. This month, we’re spotlighting nonfiction books that focus on heart health, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and wellness habits that support a healthy heart.

Whether you’re looking to build better habits or just want to learn more about how your heart works, these books offer valuable insights and inspiration to help you take care of the organ that keeps everything running.

Heart Health: Understanding and Protecting Your Heart

Learn more about how your heart functions and what you can do to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular concerns.

Suggested Reading:

  • Healthy Heart, Healthy Brain: The Personalized Path to Protect Your Memory, Prevent Heart Attacks and Strokes, and Avoid Chronic Illness by Bradley Bale MD, Amy Doneen DNP, and Lisa Collier Cool
  • Heart: A History by Sandeep Jauhar
  • The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up: A Breakthrough Medical Plan to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Steven Masley, MD
  • Undo It! by Dean Ornish, MD and Anne Ornish

Nutrition: Eating for Heart Health

The foods you eat play a huge role in heart health. These titles offer guidance on how to fuel your body with heart-smart nutrition.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Blue Zones Kitchen by Dan Buettner
  • How Not to Die by Michael Greger, MD
  • Disease-Proof: The Remarkable Truth About What Makes Us Well by David Katz

Exercise: Moving Toward a Stronger Heart

Regular physical activity strengthens your heart and improves circulation. These books explore different ways to make movement part of your daily life.

Suggested Reading:

  • Younger Next Year by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD
  • Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey, MD
  • Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett

Stress Management: Calming the Mind to Help the Heart

Chronic stress can take a serious toll on your heart. These books explore mindfulness, meditation, and other techniques to lower stress and boost emotional well-being.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease by Elissa Epel, PhD
  • Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
  • Real Self-Care: Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included by Pooja Lakshmin, MD
    Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki

Wellness Habits: Everyday Choices for a Heart-Healthy Life

Sometimes small, consistent changes can make the biggest impact. These titles help you create routines that support long-term heart health.

Suggested Reading:

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
  • Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, PhD

Stop by the Germantown Community Library this month and check out these titles—and plenty more—that can help you take better care of your heart. Whether you’re looking to eat healthier, move more, or just stress less, there’s something here for everyone. Your future self will thank you!

Erin L., Staff Writer

New Year, New You: Nonfiction Titles to Explore Self-Help and Personal Growth

Library Collections

Each January, we celebrate National Self-Help Month, a time to reflect on the ways we can improve ourselves in the new year. But why do we have a month dedicated to this? The idea of self-help has been around for centuries, but the formal observance of National Self-Help Month began to gain traction in the early 2000s as public interest in personal development increased. People were tuning in more to this topic thanks to the internet, media coverage, changes in work life, and a growing openness around mental health and self-growth. 

The start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on positive changes, and self-help books have long been a valuable tool for guiding individuals on their journeys of transformation. Whether you’re aiming to improve your mental health, strengthen your communication skills, or foster personal growth, self-help books offer a wealth of resources and strategies. Here at the Germantown Community Library, we own a variety of nonfiction books to help you explore topics like mental health, physical wellness, and more. Check out our suggestions below to get started on your self-improvement journey!

Physical Wellness: Strengthening Your Body

Physical wellness often goes hand-in-hand with mental well-being. A healthy body can improve your mood, boost your energy, and increase your overall sense of self-esteem. Self-help books focusing on fitness, nutrition, and healthy habits can be a great resource to help you set achievable goals and stay motivated.

Suggested Reading:

  • Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, MD with Bill Gifford
  • Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé
  • This Is Your Brain on Food: An Indispensable Guide to the Surprising Foods that Fight Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, and More by Uma Naidoo, MD
  • Built to Move by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett

Mental Health: Nurturing Your Mind

Taking care of your mental health is just as essential as maintaining physical wellness. A strong mind supports a strong body, and self-help books focused on mental health can offer tools for managing stress, improving mindfulness, and fostering emotional resilience. Whether you’re facing specific challenges like anxiety or depression, or simply looking to cultivate a calmer, more centered mindset, these books can help you care for your mental well-being from the inside out.

Suggested Reading:

  • Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind by Judson Brewer, MD, PhD
  • Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown
  • Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb 
  • Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion by Wendy Suzuki

Communication Skills: Building Stronger Relationships

Effective communication is essential in both personal and professional settings. Whether you want to improve your ability to express yourself, become a better listener, or navigate difficult conversations, there are countless books dedicated to helping you become a more confident communicator.

Suggested Reading:

  • Think Again by Adam Grant 
  • Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny, et al
  • Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Personal Development: Achieving Your Goals and Dreams

Self-help books on personal development cover a wide range of topics, from goal-setting to overcoming self-doubt. These books can provide the tools and mindset shifts necessary to move forward in your life and reach your full potential.

Suggested Reading:

  • Atomic Habits by James Clear
  • The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
  • Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
  • Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest

Getting Started: Tips for Using Self-Help Books Effectively

As you dive into your self-help journey, here are a few tips for making the most out of your reading:

  • Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Read Actively: Take notes or highlight key concepts to help reinforce your learning.
  • Apply What You Learn: Try out strategies or exercises in real-life situations to see how they work for you.
  • Don’t Rush: Personal growth is a process. Give yourself time to reflect and implement changes at your own pace.

Visit the Library to Start Your Journey

The Germantown Community Library has a wide range of self-help books that can assist you on your path to personal growth. Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, focus on career development, or simply become a better communicator, we’ve got the resources you need. Stop by today and check out our collection to get started on your New Year’s resolutions!

Erin L., Staff Writer

What’s Your Winter Mood?

Library Collections, Staff Recommendations, Staff Writer

What do you think of when you think of winter? Is it a time of anticipation and excitement as a holiday approaches? Or is it something to get through while you long for the sunshine and warmth that lie ahead in the new year?

No matter where you fall on the winter mood spectrum, the library has books (and music and movies!) that can boost your spirits. Below you’ll find some of our favorite titles on a variety of topics, all available from the Germantown Community Library. If something is already checked out, let the Dewey Decimal System help you! The call number for craft ideas starts with 745.5 , cooking can be found in 641. This applies no matter whether you are in the adult or the children’s area of the library.

Are you looking to do something crafty? We have books for beginners and long-time crafters. Even if it’s too late for you to get it done this year, you can get ideas for next year (and you’ll know what supplies to pick up on sale for 2026 crafting!). Some of our favorites are:

  • Scandinavian Christmas Crafts: Over 45 Projects and Quick Ideas for Beautiful Decorations & Gifts, by Christiane Bellstedt Myers
  • Swedish Christmas Traditions: A Smörgåsbord of Scandinavian Recipes, Crafts, and Other Holiday Delights, by Ernst Kirchsteiger
  • Crafts and Keepsakes for the Holidays: The Best of Martha Stewart Living
  • Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Inspired Projects for Year-round Celebrations, by Martha Stewart

Need some decorating ideas? Try one of these:

  • The Christmas Season: Created by Scandinavian Artists, by Katrine Martensen-Larsen
  • Christmas with Southern Living. This annual publication has ideas for decorating and holiday cooking.

Looking for activities to do with little ones? Make something together! It could be a simple craft, holiday cookies or a card you create together for a friend or neighbor. We recommend:

  • Wild + Free Holidays: 35 Festive Family Activities to Make the Season Bright, by Ainsley Arment. There are several books in the Wild + Free series, all of which have great ideas for things to do with children.
  • Fun and Festive Winter Crafts: Snow Globes, Groundhog Puppets, and Fairy Masks, by Randel McGee. Simple ideas that aren’t limited to Christmas.
  • A Christmas Cookbook: Simple Recipes for Kids, by Sarah L. Schuette. These recipes are easy to make and suitable for any time of year, but have fun names to make them festive. Step by step photos and directions are a plus!
  • FamilyFun’s Cookies for Christmas: 50 Recipes for You and Your Kids. The recipes in this book area little more challenging, but are still kid-friendly.
  • Read a book! Reading together is a gift of time that shows them you care. If you can, go to the library together and have the child pick a book (or two!). Being the one to choose the book gets them more interested in reading it. If you’re looking for a book on your own, choose something that appeals to their interests. Need ideas? Our staff are here to assist you in finding just the right book.
  • Take advantage of our Library of Things. We have puzzles, games, and craft kits available for checkout. These are great for family time, and also are a good backup plan for bad weather days. You’ll find these items just across from the Circulation Desk.

In need of something to encourage and refresh your spirit? There are titles that can help:

  • How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days, by Kari Leibowitz
  • Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, by Katherine May
  • For a temporary escape, enjoy some holiday fiction. This genre has undergone a massive expansion and is no longer limited to romance and cozy mysteries. We’ve made it easy for you to find the book just right for you by moving all our holiday titles to carts next to the Holds Shelf.
  • Don’t forget the holiday music and movies. A classic Christmas album or a corny-but-cozy movie might be just the thing to lift your spirits.

We’ll be here for you after the holidays, too. After the winter solstice, the days may be getting a little longer, but winter will be just settling in. Starting in January, we’re inviting you to join us as we bring the Danish philosophy of hygge into our programming and activities. Hygge is centered on creating a warm, cozy atmosphere and enjoying life’s comfort, contentment, togetherness, and being present in the moment. It emphasizes creating an experience rather than acquiring things, all aimed at fostering well-being and happiness. Please join us!

Lynn R., Staff Writer