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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

Make the Germantown Community Library Your Third Space

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We all have a first and second space—home and work (or school). But what about a third space?

Your “third space” is the place you go to feel connected, grounded, and yourself. It’s where you can recharge, pursue your interests, connect with others (or not), and just be. Third spaces are vital to our well-being because they give us a sense of community without the pressure of work or responsibilities. They’re the spaces where conversations happen, ideas grow, and belonging takes root. They’re good for our mental health, our social lives, and even our sense of identity.

Coffee shops, gyms, and parks are all great third spaces—but don’t overlook one of the most versatile and welcoming options out there: your public library.

At the Germantown Community Library, we want to be your third space.

Here, you’ll find cozy reading nooks, a variety of tables for working, and study rooms perfect for a little quiet focus. You can browse for your next great read, use public computers, access free Wi-Fi, attend a program, or simply sit and enjoy a peaceful moment. The library is yours to use however you need—whether you’re here to focus, unwind, explore, or connect. Plus, you’ll find people here who love books just as much as you do—and who are always happy to talk about them.

And the best part? You don’t have to be anything other than yourself to belong here.

That goes for your children, too! The library is a wonderful third space for kids, offering a wide range of programs and spaces where they can explore, learn, and have fun. From storytime for young children to creative activities and reading challenges for older kids, there’s always something happening to engage their minds and imaginations. By making the library a part of their routine, you’re helping them discover their own place here—a space where they can grow, relax, and feel a sense of belonging.

Looking to connect with others? Join a book group and share your love of reading. Curious about what’s happening? Check out our upcoming events for everything from craft nights to author talks. Need tech help or research tools? Explore our resources for everything from printing and scanning to online learning and databases.
So the next time you’re looking for a place that feels welcoming, calming, and just for you, come to the library. This space is yours to enjoy—we love it here, and we think you will, too.

Erin L., Staff Writer

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