Tag Archives: Collection Highlight

Introducing the Local Author Collection at Germantown Community Library

What is the Local Author Collection?

We’re excited to announce the addition of our new Local Author Collection at the Germantown Community Library! For the first time, we are dedicating a special space to showcase the works of self-published authors from Washington County, Wisconsin, as well as the adjacent regions of Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Waukesha counties. Whether you’re an emerging writer or have long called Washington County home, this collection provides an opportunity for you to share your work with fellow community members.

Who is Considered a Local Author?

The Local Author Collection is designed to highlight the creativity and talent of self-published authors who are residents or have significant ties to Washington County, Wisconsin, or surrounding communities (Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Waukesha counties). Our goal is to give local writers the chance to have their books read by fellow residents and patrons within the Monarch Library System. It’s a great way for our community to connect through the written word and support local authors.

Where Can I Find the Local Author Collection?

You’ll find the Local Author Collection prominently displayed on the shelves opposite the New Arrival Nonfiction shelves. The books will be available for checkout just like any other library item, so come on by and discover the incredible work being done by authors right here in our community!

How Can I Contribute to the Collection?

If you’re a local author and would like to donate your self-published work to the collection, pick up a copy of the submission form at the library, or download a copy here, and bring it to the library with the book you’re submitting for consideration. All donated items should be in new condition, and will be evaluated using our Collection and Program Management Policy, which ensures the book meets the standards for circulation.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to grow this collection with more donations from local authors and to share the diverse voices of Washington County. Whether you’re an author or a reader, we invite you to be part of this exciting new chapter for the Germantown Community Library.

The Local Author Collection is a wonderful way to support and celebrate local talent while encouraging a shared sense of community. If you’re a local author, consider donating your work today. And for all of our patrons—stop by, check out a book, and explore the stories being written right in your own backyard!

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist

Comics Aren’t Just for Kids: Adult Graphic Novels And You!

Welcome to the wonderful world of adult graphic novels! Maybe you’ve heard that graphic novels “aren’t real books” or are “for kids”.

Well, as an adult, I’m here to dispel some rumors. First off, there are graphic novels for kids, just like there are cartoons for kids. In that same vein, there are graphic novels for adults!

Just like I wouldn’t show a child Attack on Titan or The Simpsons. Or Archer.

Sometimes (a lot of times actually), graphic novels can show some dark themes, and shows them visually. There’s horror graphics, action graphics, graphics about war, depression, and more mature themes that appeal to adults.

Things can be more than one thing! I mean, the Marvel Comics have had a huge impact on the Blockbuster movie circuit for the past decade, and those are all, yep, GRAPHIC NOVELS!

Graphic Novels, comics, manga, they all fall into the same category. “Books with a lot of pictures.” But just because a book has pictures doesn’t mean it’s not REAL reading. Some of the best stories I’ve ever read have come from graphic novels. And, yeah, they’re taken seriously has a medium. The reason I know that is because a lot of really good, NOT AIMED AT CHILDREN movies and TV shows came from comics and graphics. The Walking Dead! V for Vendetta! Scott Pilgrim vs The World! All of these an MANY more came from graphic novels and comics.

Bottom line is graphic novels are for everybody, and there’s something out there for everyone. It’s a great genre where beautiful illustrations and great stories combine into a wonderful morsel of entertainment for you, the reader. And YES. It is reading. Even if there’s pictures.

Want to know more? We made a video about it!

Do you have graphics recommendations? Donations? Questions?
Email me: ssiebers@germantownlibrarywi.org

Read cool books!

Shannon S.
Youth Service Specialist
Adult Graphic Novels Collection Manager