Category Archives: 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

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