All posts by GtownCommLib

“Jolabokaflod”

Staff Recommendations, Staff Writer,

Of all the months, December is probably the one with the most traditions. One you may not have heard of gets my vote for the best possible holiday tradition of all: in Iceland, people celebrate Christmas with a tradition called Jolabokaflod, which translates to “Christmas book flood” in English.

Jolabokaflod began in World War II, when almost everything was rationed. However, paper was not rationed.  Since there were no limits on books, that became the go-to gift. Giving each other books has become an essential part of the Christmas season for Icelanders. And, because gifts are traditionally opened on Christmas Eve night, people tend to spend that evening reading.

For over 70 years, every household in Iceland has gotten a book bulletin from the publishers of books in their country. This catalog helps people choose books for their friends and family.

If you’re looking for ideas for your own gift giving, I suggest you pick up a copy of this month’s edition of BookPage, available free at the library. While you’re here, ask the staff for their recommendations too! We are always happy to share our favorites with you.

Here’s a few we enjoyed this year:

Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure: Buck, Rinker: 9781501106378: Amazon.com: Books

Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure, by Rinker Buck. History.
Travelling the Mississippi in a wooden flatboat like those used in the 1800s, Rinker Buck encounters danger and adventure.

The High Sierra: A Love Story by Kim Stanley Robinson


The High Sierra: A Love Story, by Kim Stanley Robinson. History, Americana, Nature.
Best known for his science fiction, in this book Robinson shares his love of the Sierra Nevada mountains and tells the history of its exploration and those who lived there.

Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library (A Lakeside Library Mystery Book 2) - Kindle edition by Danvers, Holly. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.


Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library, by Holly Danvers. Mystery.
Second in the Lakeside Library series by Wisconsin author Danvers (aka Holly Quinn), this book is perfect for those who prefer cozy mysteries.

The Runaway (A Peter Ash Novel): 9780525535508: Petrie, Nick: Books - Amazon.com


The Runaway, by Nick Petrie. Thriller/Suspense.
The latest in local author Petrie’s Peter Ash series, this title is sure to please the suspense lover on your list.


Happy Reading!

Lynn R.
Adult Services Librarian

6 things we can guarantee at our Yule Ball (and 6 things we cannot)

Programs, Staff Writer,

If you’ve read or seen Harry Potter then yule know what a Yule Ball entails. We’re throwing our own Yule Ball on December 10th from 5:30pm-8:00pm. There will be snacks, games, music, and other magical festivities!

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All ages 8+ welcome!

Here’s a list of things we CAN and CANNOT guarantee at our Yule Ball.

  1. We CAN guarantee fancy outfits! Come dressed to the nines!

We CANNOT guarantee that all of them will be fashion forward.

2. We can guarantee winter décor! Lights, snow, action!

We cannot guarantee that it will actually be snowing.

Wisconsin weather is weird.

3. We CAN guarantee live music!

The wizard rock lead Tonks and the Auror’s will be attending!

We CANNOT, however, guarantee crowd surfing.

(In fact, we’re gonna outright say that’s not happening.)

4. We can guarantee dancing!

We CANNOT guarantee that it won’t be awkward.

5. We can guarantee snacks!

We cannot guarantee that they won’t be stolen by a kid in an invisibility cloak.

6. We can guarantee a good time!

We CANNOT guarantee that Draco Malfoy will be in attendance, sorry.

Or you’re welcome, depending.

If you’re a fan of winter, magic, and music, come celebrate the yuletide at our Yule Ball! Registration is open!

Ingoing Freshman: Here are some Non-Fiction Books you might actually love!

Staff Recommendations, , ,

The 2022-23 school is year just around the corner, which means time to fit in that summer homework. Non-Fiction gets a bad wrap for being boring, but NF isn’t just encyclopedias and textbooks! There’s hilarious memoirs, fascinating graphic novels, and eye-opening historical accounts that wait for you in YA Non-Fiction.

If you’re having trouble finding a non-fiction book for your project, here are some books you won’t have to endure, but might actually enjoy:


Video games changed the game, as it were, when it comes to storytelling. In this book, Dustin Hansen discusses the history of how video games got us to where we are now!

In this account of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Brandy Colbert talks about how it came to pass, why it happened, and how it affected the community, country, and beyond.

Yep, there’s Non-fiction Graphic Novels! This memoir from writer of Nimona and creator of Netflix’s reboot of She-ra and the Pricesses of Power delves into the writer’s story of becoming a writer, and the highs and lows of being a creator.

Queer There and Everywhere tells the stories of 23 members of the LGBTQIA community that had a major impact on innovation and culture. It’s a collection of stories, which makes for a fun, quick, and interesting read!

This historical account of the Salem Witch Trials reveals the story of why the witch-hunt came to be, and the stories of the women who went through it.

This graphic novel shows the complexity of the culture of the Middle Ages, including the Plague, The Hundred Year War, and the Crusades, in this romp through the 5th – 15th centuries.

There’s more books to find and enjoy in the non fiction department! Check out our display at the very beginning of YA Non-Fiction for more suggestions on true stories you might actually enjoy.

Germantown Community Library Launches ‘The Enchanted Library’

Behind the Scenes, Library Updates, , ,

(Germantown, Wisconsin) The community has always been a huge part of library services at the Germantown Community Library.  For years, the library has enjoyed participating in local events such as the festivals, the 4th of July parade, Christmas festival and school district programs – just to name a few.  This summer, the library is excited to take this a step further and bring more of the library outside of our building.  

‘The Enchanted Library’ will do just that.  It is the Germantown Community Library’s new mobile book trailer filled with books, movies and activities to bring the library into the communities of Germantown, Jackson and Richfield.   Residents will be able to check out and return items at all of our ‘Enchanted Library’ programs.  The mobile library even has its own enchanted theme and logo.  The beautiful artwork was designed our Youth Service Specialist, Shannon Siebers.   

Generously sponsored by WaterStone Bank in Germantown, the Enchanted Library will be launched on May 21, 2022 at our Bookmobile Party from 10:30am – 12:30pm. The event will include tours with the Monarch Library System Bookmobile, the West Bend Outreach Van and The Enchanted Library as well as ice cream, crafts & activities. A ribbon cutting through the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce will also be held at the library at 10:00am.   

The following week, ‘The Enchanted Library’ will be out and about in the community at the following programs: 

  • Mon, May 23 @ 7:30 – 9:30am: Germantown Chamber (Chase Bank, Mequon Rd)
    Free coffee & donuts 
  • Tues, May 24 @ 1 – 2pm: Germantown Fire Station
    Meet Paw Patrol Marshall character & crafts 
  • Tues, May 24 @ 3 – 4pm: Germantown Police Station
    Meet Paw Patrol Chase character & crafts 
  • Wed, May 25 @ 5 – 6pm: Kinderberg Park, Germantown
    Meet our new dragon mascot, snacks & crafts 
  • Thurs, May 26 @ 4 – 5pm: Heritage Park, Richfield
    Meet Pete the Cat characters, snacks & coloring pages 
  • Fri, May 27 @ 2:30 – 3:30pm: Fireman’s Park, Germantown
    Life-sized games, pizza & crafts. 
  • Sat, May 28 @ 10:30 – 11:30am: Hickory Park, Jackson
    Meet Pout Pout Fish, snacks & fish-themed crafts. 

    The Enchanted Library will also have regular stops this summer in Germantown, Jackson & Richfield and well as appear at special events. Visitors to The Enchanted Library can apply for a library card, check out or return books, place holds and participate in themed crafts and activities. We will also be offering free book bags or backpacks! 

“We are very excited about the future opportunities that the new mobile trailer will bring to the community” says Cara Reimer, Outreach Services Specialist.  “We will be able to bring more materials and programs to residents than ever before.  The library is thrilled to grow our outreach efforts and continue to make connections in the area.”