Category Archives: Staff Recommendations

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

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

Looking for a New Read? We Have Recommendations for You!

Staff Recommendations,

Do you ever find yourself staring at the shelves, not sure what to pick up next? 

Do you feel as if you’ve read every book by an author you love, and now you don’t know where to turn? 

You’re not alone! Patrons often visit the library and strike up a conversation with us at the Information Desk, asking for recommendations—and we love talking to you about what you just read and loved, or what kinds of books you enjoy. We also know how overwhelming it can be to choose  a book from the endless options available here at the Germantown Community Library. 

That’s where our new genre brochures come in! These brochures feature thoughtfully chosen recommendations for a variety of genres, including science fiction, mystery, historical fiction, fantasy, and more. Whether you’re an avid reader of one genre or looking to branch out, these brochures will help you explore books and authors that might match your tastes. Each brochure includes a list of books with descriptions, so you can get a feel for what you might like, as well as a list of other authors you might want to check out.

So next time you’re at the library, stop by the Information Desk and take a look through our genre brochures. You might just discover a new book—or even a new genre—that you never thought you’d enjoy.

You can view our brochures online here: https://germantownlibrarywi.org/adult-services/

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist

Germantown Community Library celebrates Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival

Programs, Staff Recommendations

From Japan to Your Bookshelf: The Rise of Japanese Fiction in Translation
Japanese fiction in translation has been growing in popularity, and we’re excited to highlight it at Germantown Community Library. Whether you are drawn to heartfelt slice-of-life stories, mind-bending mysteries, or quiet, thought-provoking fiction, these books offer something unique for every reader. If you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and see what all the buzz is about.

And what better time to explore Japanese literature than during our Cherry Blossom Festival, happening March 24-29 here at the library! We’ll be celebrating Japanese culture with a variety of events throughout the week, from art and food to hands-on activities. Be sure to check out the full schedule below—we have something new happening each day!


The Appeal of Japanese Literature
So, why are so many readers drawn to Japanese fiction? For one, there’s something uniquely immersive about these stories. Japanese literature often focuses on introspective characters, quiet moments, and deeply emotional storytelling. Even in fast-paced thrillers or mysteries, there’s a certain sense of thoughtfulness woven into the narrative. Many of these books explore universal themes—loneliness, connection, identity, and change—and there’s something about the way these stories unfold that just sticks with you!

What’s behind the rise in popularity? A significant factor is the growing number of great English translations, and more Japanese books are being translated and published in English than ever before. Thanks to talented translators, books by authors like Haruki Murakami, Sayaka Murata, and Keigo Higashino are reaching wider audiences, allowing English-speaking readers to experience these stories as never before.

If you’re eager to dive deeper into Japanese storytelling, we have plenty of great reads waiting for you at the library. We’ve even put together a brochure featuring staff picks for anime, film, manga, and more. So stop by to check out some of the latest Japanese fiction in translation—you might just discover your new favorite read. And while you’re here, be sure to join us for the Cherry Blossom Festival to experience even more of the rich culture that inspires these incredible stories!

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist

Picture This: New Adult Graphic Novels

Programs, Staff Recommendations,

If you haven’t been to the Germantown Community Library lately, you’re missing out—especially if you’re into graphic novels. We’ve recently added a whole bunch of new adult graphic novels to our collection, and we’re pretty excited about it! Whether you’re a long-time graphic novel fan or just starting to explore this medium, there’s something for everyone. These new books feature stunning art, great stories, and, in some cases, fresh takes on classic literature. So, if you’re looking for something to read that’s a bit different, come check out what we’ve got.  From well-loved classics to thought-provoking stories, these books offer a fun and engaging way to experience some powerful narratives.

Why Graphic Novels?

So, why graphic novels? Well, if you haven’t picked one up in a while (or ever), they’re not just comics and they’re not just for kids. Graphic novels are a great way to experience stories with a whole new perspective. The combination of visuals and text makes for a uniquely immersive experience that can make the characters, settings, and emotions feel that much more real. Plus, the art adds a layer of depth that you don’t always get with traditional novels. Whether it’s an epic battle, a quiet moment of reflection, or just the little details in the background, the visuals make the story pop in a way that words alone can’t always do.

Graphic novels also make it intriguing to dive into some of the heavier stuff—like classic literature or complex themes—because they break everything down visually, making the whole experience more accessible. And, let’s be honest, they’re just a lot of fun to read. I particularly love picking up a graphic novel adaptation of a classic novel to see if the artist’s visualization of the story was anywhere close to the scenes in my mind’s eye. So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting to read, grab one of these graphic novels from our library, and you might just find that reading has never been so enjoyable.

Some of Our Most Popular Adult Graphic Novels:

  • Maus I & II by Art Spiegelman
  • Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant?: A Memoir by Roz Chast
  • They Called Us Enemy by George Takei , Justin Eisinger , et al.
  • Alice in Borderland series by Haro Aso
  • Blacksad and Blacksad: They All Fall Down series by Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido
  • Chainsaw Man series by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  • The Yellow Wall-Paper: A Graphic Novel by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Sara Barkat
  • Godzilla: World of Monsters by John Layman , Cullen Bunn, et al.
  • The Night Eaters by Marjorie M. Liu and Sana Takeda
  • The Hobbit: An Illustrated Edition of the Fantasy Classic by Chuck Dixon , J. R. R. Tolkien , et al.

Some Titles Recently Added to our Adult Graphic Novel Collection:

  • The Road: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Cormac McCarthy and Manu Larcenet
  • The Iliad: A Graphic Novel and The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
  • Blankets by Craig Thompson
  • To Kill a Mockingbird: A Graphic Novel by Harper Lee and Fred Fordham
  • The Human Target 1 & 2 by Tom King
  • DUNE: The Graphic Novel series by Frank Herbert , Brian Herbert , et al.
  • Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds
  • The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation by Peter Wohlleben , Fred Bernard, et al.
  • Stitches: A Memoir by David Small
  • Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
  • Lore Olympus series by Rachel Smythe

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist