Category Archives: Library Collections

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

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

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

Strong Stories: Honoring Veterans and Military History in Nonfiction

Library Collections, Staff Writer

On November 11th, our nation observes Veterans Day, a time to honor and reflect on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women. From those who served in past wars to those currently in uniform, military service is a defining experience for many—and their stories offer powerful insights into the cost of duty, bravery, and resilience. If you visit the Germantown Community Library, you will find that our nonfiction collection includes a wide range of books that highlight military history, veteran memoirs, and the lasting impact of service. These books range from historical accounts to modern-day stories, offering a broad perspective on the experience of service members throughout history.

Military History: Understanding the Past
Exploring military history helps us understand the sacrifices and strategies that have shaped our world. These books offer deep dives into pivotal wars, battles, and key figures who played a role in shaping history.

Suggested Reading:

  • The VICTORS : Eisenhower and His Boys: The Men of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose
  • Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II by Lena Andrews
  • The Cold War: A Military History by Lawrence Freedman
  • The Bomber Mafia: A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War by Malcolm Gladwell
  • Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine―Understanding Modern Warfare Today by David Petraeus and Andrew Roberts
  • On Desperate Ground: The Epic Story of Chosin Reservoir—the Greatest Battle of the Korean War by Hampton Sides

Military Biographies: Profiles in Leadership and Legacy

Biographies of military leaders and historical figures offer a closer look at the individuals who have shaped the course of conflicts and defense strategies throughout history. These books go beyond battlefield tactics, exploring the character, leadership, and experiences of military personnel across generations. Through these detailed portraits, readers can better understand the weight of service and the complexities of military life at multiple levels.

Suggested Reading:

  • Grant by Ron Chernow
  • Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
  • The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today by Thomas E. Ricks
  • Westmoreland: The General Who Lost Vietnam by Lewis Sorley

Veteran Autobiographies & Memoirs: Personal Stories from the Front Line
While biographies often explore leadership and legacy, autobiographies and memoirs offer a raw, unfiltered window into life in uniform. These firsthand accounts capture the day-to-day experiences of service members—on the battlefield, in training, and after returning home. Told in their own voices, these stories reflect the emotional toll, personal growth, and enduring bonds that come with military service. They remind us that behind every headline or historical event is a human story worth hearing.

Suggested Reading:

  • Unbecoming by Anuradha Bhagwati
  • In the Company of Heroes: The True Story of Black Hawk Pilot Michael Durant and the Men Who Fought and Fell at Mogadishu by Michael Durant
  • American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle
  • Sea Stories: My Life in Special Operations by William H. McRaven

Ideas for Honoring Veterans and Military Service

  • Read any of the suggested books above
  • Take a moment to thank a veteran in your life or community
  • Learn about local military history or visit a veterans’ memorial
  • Volunteer for a veterans’ organization or event
  • Reflect on the impact of military service on family members and loved ones
  • Support mental health initiatives for veterans and their families

Visit the Library to Explore More
The Germantown Community Library has a wide range of books that honor the military, from accounts of historical battles to modern-day reflections on service. Whether you’re looking to learn about military history or understand the personal stories of veterans, we invite you to explore our nonfiction collection this November in honor of Veterans Day.

Erin L., staff writer