Category Archives: 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

Behind the Shelves: A Look at What Really Happens at Your Library

Behind the Scenes, Library Collections, Staff Writer

When most people think of the library, they picture books, quiet reading areas, librarians getting to read all day long, and maybe a friendly face at the checkout desk. But behind the scenes? There’s much more to the story.

At the Germantown Community Library, a lot of what we do never gets seen by the public—but it’s what makes your library run smoothly. Here’s a peek at what’s really happening behind the shelves.


Programs, Programs, Programs
Multiple members of our library staff are constantly in planning mode. Storytimes, craft days, teen events, family nights, informational presentations—you name it, they’re working on it. Most of these programs are planned months in advance, with careful attention to age levels, learning goals, fun factor, community needs, and logistics. That’s also why, if an event has to be canceled due to illness or weather, rescheduling isn’t always immediate—many outside presenters are booked months ahead, so finding a new date can take just as long. When you walk into a well-organized event, just know it probably took many hours of brainstorming, prepping, and fine-tuning to make it happen.

Managing the Collection

We all love finding something new to read, watch, or listen to—but have you ever thought about how the right books and items end up on the shelves? Both our Youth Services and Adult Services teams spend a lot of time researching upcoming releases, award winners, and popular trends to keep the collection fresh. We also weed through what’s already on our shelves, removing damaged or outdated books and items and making room for new titles. And yes, we’re always watching those hold requests to make sure we’ve got enough copies to meet demand! If there’s a title you’d love to see at the library, we want to hear your suggestions—just fill out the Make a Recommendation form on our website to let us know what you’d like to see in our collection.

The Book’s Journey: Returns and Reshelving

When you drop a book in the return bin, it kicks off a whole process. First, our Circulation staff checks it in and inspects it to make sure it’s in good condition and nothing is missing, sending it to Technical Services if it needs some extra attention. Then, a page checks it in again and returns it to its exact spot on the shelf—alphabetized, categorized, and ready for the next person to find it with ease.

Repairs and Labeling

Books get a lot of love—and that means they sometimes need repairs. Our Technical Services team spends a surprising amount of time mending, cleaning, and restoring books so they can be borrowed again and again. They also handle every new book that comes in, carefully cataloging and labeling it before it reaches the shelf. (Nope, they don’t arrive ready to go!) That little sticker on the spine? It’s just one small step in the detailed process that ensures every book is easy to find and ready for checkout.

And it’s not just books—CDs and DVDs go through a lot, too! Popular titles, especially in the children’s section, can circulate hundreds of times. (We have a Paw Patrol DVD that has gone out 238 times over 10 years!) With that kind of use, wear and tear is inevitable, but our team does their best to extend their life by buffing out scratches and keeping them in the best shape possible for the next borrower.

Finding Your Next Favorite Read

When you ask for a book recommendation, or when you pick up a flyer for one of our book clubs, there’s been a lot of research going on behind the scenes. Our Youth and Adult Services librarians stay up to date on publishing trends, book reviews, and literary awards so they can help you find just the right read—or come up with thoughtful picks for the many different book clubs we host here at the library.

So the next time you visit to check out a book, attend a program, or get a great recommendation from a librarian, just know there’s a whole team working behind the scenes to make your library experience the best it can be. We love what we do—and we love sharing it with you!

Erin L., Staff Writer

Back to School, Back to Books: Nonfiction for Lifelong Learners

Book Clubs, Library Collections, Staff Writer,

August means back-to-school season is in full swing – but learning isn’t just for students. Back to School Month is a great reminder that curiosity doesn’t end with graduation. Whether you’re heading to a classroom, picking up a new hobby, or just love expanding your mind, nonfiction books are the perfect tools for lifelong learning

At the Germantown Community Library, we believe education is a journey that continues throughout life. From practical learning strategies to inspiring deep dives into the way we think and grow, our nonfiction shelves offer something for anyone who wants to keep learning – no matter their age or stage in life.

Learning How to Learn: Strategies for Smarter Study

Whether you’re helping a student, going back to school yourself, or just want to sharpen your skills, these books offer practical advice on how to absorb, retain, and apply new information more effectively.

Suggested Reading:

  • Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less, by Pat Flynn
  • Keep Sharp: How to Build a Better Brain at Any Age, by Sanjay Gupta
  • Outsmart Your Brain: Why Learning is Hard and How You Can Make It Easy, by Daniel T. Willingham

The Science of the Mind: Psychology and Cognitive Growth

Understanding how we think, learn, and change is a powerful part of lifelong education. These titles dive into the science behind learning, behavior, and mental flexibility.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, by Charles Duhigg
  • Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions, by Temple Grandin
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman
  • The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain, by Annie Murphy Paul

Personal Growth Through Lifelong Learning

Learning doesn’t always look like a classroom. These books explore how continued education – formal or informal – can lead to personal development, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world.

Suggested Reading:

  • Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, by Angela Duckworth
  • Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, by David Epstein
  • Knowing What We Know: The Transmission of Knowledge: From Ancient Wisdom to Modern Magic, by Simon Winchester

Ways to Stay Curious All Year Long

Back to School Month is just the beginning – here are some simple ways to make learning part of your everyday life:

  • Take a Class: Whether online or in person, learning something new keeps your brain sharp. (Tip: Ask us about Universal Class and Transparent Languages, two free online resources available from the library!)
  • Join a Book Group: Discussing nonfiction with others can deepen your understanding and expose you to new ideas. We have two nonfiction book groups at the library – a History book group, and a general Nonfiction book group.
  • Start a Learning Challenge: Pick a subject you’ve always wanted to explore – then dive into books, podcasts, and videos on that topic.
  • Teach What You Learn: Sharing your knowledge with others helps you retain it and builds confidence.

The Library is Your Lifelong Learning Partner

At the Germantown Community Library, we’re here to support your educational journey – whether it’s formal, casual, or just-for-fun. Stop in this month and check out our nonfiction collection for fresh ideas, smart strategies, and plenty of inspiration to keep learning all year long.

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist

Celebrity Book Clubs: Find Your Next Favorite Read!

Book Clubs, Library Updates, Staff Writer,

We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new resource here at the Germantown Community Library: a monthly display featuring a book selected by a popular celebrity book club. If you’re curious about what’s trending in the popular literary world, this is the perfect way to stay in the loop. Alongside the featured monthly pick, we’ve also created a binder filled with past selections from three highly-respected book clubs: Reese’s Book Club, Read With Jenna, and the GMA Book Club.

Celebrity book clubs have grown in popularity because they offer a curated reading experience that often highlights diverse, thought-provoking fiction. Whether you’re a fan of Reese Witherspoon’s picks, Jenna Bush Hager’s selections, or the varied choices from Good Morning America, these book clubs spotlight a variety of books that resonate with readers everywhere. It’s a fun way to discover something new, especially when it comes from someone who knows how to pick a great story!

Reese’s Book Club
Reese Witherspoon’s picks often feature strong female protagonists, emotional depth, and compelling stories. Because of her love of reading, she wanted to connect with fellow readers by sharing stories centered around women to elevate their voices. On top of that, with her background in film and a knack for finding stories that can also translate well to the screen, her book club selections often spark powerful discussions. In addition to the main book club, Reese’s Book Club also has a Young Adult (YA) branch. Though selections are made less frequently, the YA picks still focus on diverse, female-centric stories that resonate with teen readers.

Read With Jenna
Jenna Bush Hager’s book club focuses on heartwarming stories, often with themes of family, relationships, and personal growth. Her selections are known for their emotional depth, thought-provoking subject matter, and their ability to connect with a wide and varied audience.

GMA Book Club
The GMA Book Club, curated by the team at Good Morning America, seeks to showcase book picks from a wide range of compelling authors, often spotlighting both new and classic bestselling works of fiction. These books are chosen for their broad appeal and strong storytelling.

So if you’re looking for some new ideas of what to read next, come check out the new display, browse the past picks, and maybe find your next great read—one that’s already been loved by celebrities and their book clubs. And don’t forget that the Germantown Community Library also offers a wide variety of book groups. Whether you’re interested in fiction, nonfiction, or mystery—or all of the above—there’s a group for you. Joining a book group is a great way to connect with fellow readers and enjoy engaging discussions. For more information, visit https://germantownlibrarywi.org/book-groups/.

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist