All posts by GtownCommLib

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

Introducing the Local Author Collection at Germantown Community Library

Library Collections, Library Updates

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

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://staging.germantownlibrarywi.org/book-groups/.

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist

Looking for a New Read? We Have Recommendations for You!

Staff Recommendations,

Do you ever find yourself staring at the shelves, not sure what to pick up next? 

Do you feel as if you’ve read every book by an author you love, and now you don’t know where to turn? 

You’re not alone! Patrons often visit the library and strike up a conversation with us at the Information Desk, asking for recommendations—and we love talking to you about what you just read and loved, or what kinds of books you enjoy. We also know how overwhelming it can be to choose  a book from the endless options available here at the Germantown Community Library. 

That’s where our new genre brochures come in! These brochures feature thoughtfully chosen recommendations for a variety of genres, including science fiction, mystery, historical fiction, fantasy, and more. Whether you’re an avid reader of one genre or looking to branch out, these brochures will help you explore books and authors that might match your tastes. Each brochure includes a list of books with descriptions, so you can get a feel for what you might like, as well as a list of other authors you might want to check out.

So next time you’re at the library, stop by the Information Desk and take a look through our genre brochures. You might just discover a new book—or even a new genre—that you never thought you’d enjoy.

You can view our brochures online here: https://staging.germantownlibrarywi.org/adult-services/

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist

Germantown Community Library celebrates Japan’s Cherry Blossom Festival

Programs, Staff Recommendations

From Japan to Your Bookshelf: The Rise of Japanese Fiction in Translation
Japanese fiction in translation has been growing in popularity, and we’re excited to highlight it at Germantown Community Library. Whether you are drawn to heartfelt slice-of-life stories, mind-bending mysteries, or quiet, thought-provoking fiction, these books offer something unique for every reader. If you haven’t tried one yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in and see what all the buzz is about.

And what better time to explore Japanese literature than during our Cherry Blossom Festival, happening March 24-29 here at the library! We’ll be celebrating Japanese culture with a variety of events throughout the week, from art and food to hands-on activities. Be sure to check out the full schedule below—we have something new happening each day!


The Appeal of Japanese Literature
So, why are so many readers drawn to Japanese fiction? For one, there’s something uniquely immersive about these stories. Japanese literature often focuses on introspective characters, quiet moments, and deeply emotional storytelling. Even in fast-paced thrillers or mysteries, there’s a certain sense of thoughtfulness woven into the narrative. Many of these books explore universal themes—loneliness, connection, identity, and change—and there’s something about the way these stories unfold that just sticks with you!

What’s behind the rise in popularity? A significant factor is the growing number of great English translations, and more Japanese books are being translated and published in English than ever before. Thanks to talented translators, books by authors like Haruki Murakami, Sayaka Murata, and Keigo Higashino are reaching wider audiences, allowing English-speaking readers to experience these stories as never before.

If you’re eager to dive deeper into Japanese storytelling, we have plenty of great reads waiting for you at the library. We’ve even put together a brochure featuring staff picks for anime, film, manga, and more. So stop by to check out some of the latest Japanese fiction in translation—you might just discover your new favorite read. And while you’re here, be sure to join us for the Cherry Blossom Festival to experience even more of the rich culture that inspires these incredible stories!

Erin L., Adult Services Specialist