With the beginning of any new year, it’s only natural to look back on the most popular things from the year before. That’s why we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular library books of 2023, as shared by different libraries.
The Most Borrowed Books of 2023
One of the books that stood out most was Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. It was published in 2022, and it didn’t take too long to become a favorite. The book tells the story of a chemist in the ’60s dealing with gender inequality in the cooking field and eventually hosting a popular cooking show. If you’ve already read it, you might be interested in seeing the TV adaptation released on Apple TV+.
The book was the most borrowed in Seattle, Boston, and Cleveland. However, some New Yorkers’ choices were a bit different. People in Manhattan and Staten Island also liked Lessons in Chemistry, but readers in Brooklyn borrowed I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy the most, which was also published in 2022. Prince Harry’s debut book Spare was preferred in the Bronx, and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros was the number one choice for residents of Queens.
How Library Systems Work
Some libraries, like the Free Library of Philadelphia, prefer to release one list of the 10 (or more) most borrowed books for each year. However, others have created a few lists categorized by age, genre, and even e-books. Deb Lambert, the director of collection management at the Indianapolis Public Library, was surprised by the number of people going for digital books instead of physical ones at her library.
Prince Harry’s book, for example, was the most checked-out e-book at the Indianapolis Public Library. No matter which book format readers choose, library managers are happy to see customers choosing different genres and connecting with the stories and characters.