Tag Archives: Adult

Wander the Wild: Parks and Nature in Nonfiction

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Every July, we celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, a time to recognize the importance of public parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in enriching our lives. Originally established in 1985 by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this observance encourages us to explore the natural world, appreciate its beauty, and support the spaces that allow us to connect with nature and each other.

From the towering peaks of Yosemite to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, the United States is home to over 400 national park sites that protect breathtaking landscapes and preserve the stories of our shared heritage. Nonfiction books about these parks – and the people who explore, protect, and find inspiration in them – offer readers a chance to wander through wild terrain without leaving home.

Whether you’re planning your next hiking trip or simply want to immerse yourself in stories of adventure, conservation, and awe-inspiring places, the Germantown Community Library has a collection of nonfiction titles to help you celebrate the beauty and power of the great outdoors.

Adventures in the Wild: Memoirs and Outdoor Journeys

Hiking memoirs and travel narratives let readers experience the thrill, challenge, and transformation that come with exploring nature. These personal stories range from solo treks through remote trails to family adventures in the wilderness.

Suggested Reading:

  • A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, by Bill Bryson
  • Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild, by James Campbell
  • A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
  • Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed

America’s National Parks: History, Beauty, and Preservation

These books celebrate the iconic landscapes of the National Park Service while diving into their cultural history, preservation efforts, and enduring impact on American life.

Suggested Reading:

  • The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, by Douglas Brinkley
  • The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, by Dayton Duncan, Ken Burns, et al.
  • Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite, by Dean King

Nature’s Power and Wonder: Essays and Observations

These nonfiction works capture the spirit of the wild through lyrical prose and thoughtful observation, reminding us of the beauty and mystery that exist just beyond the beaten path.

Suggested Reading:

  • Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness, by Edward Abbey
  • Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie Dillard
  • All the Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West, by David Gessner

How to Make the Most of National Park and Recreation Month

Whether you’re planning a day trip to a nearby state park or dreaming of your next big hiking adventure, here are some ways to bring the outdoors into your everyday life:

  • Visit a Local Park: You don’t have to travel far to enjoy nature – explore local parks, trails, and outdoor spaces in your community. Germantown has a great variety of parks!
  • Start a Nature Journal: Keep track of your walks, hikes, and moments of outdoor wonder.
  • Use Library Resources: Check out guidebooks, maps, and memoirs to plan your next adventure or learn more about a park you’ve always wanted to visit. And don’t forget, the library has Wisconsin State Park Adventure Passes that you can check out to visit state parks for free! These passes are available first come, first serve.
  • Travel Through Reading: Let books take you to the mountains, deserts, forests, and coasts of America’s most treasured landscapes.

Exploring the Outdoors Through Books

You don’t need hiking boots to experience the magic of national parks and outdoor adventures – just a library card. Visit the Germantown Community Library this July to discover nonfiction books that celebrate the beauty, history, and wild freedom of nature. Whether you’re an avid explorer or an armchair adventurer, we’ve got something for every nature lover.

Erin L., staff writer

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

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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

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

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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!

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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