NYC Library Systems Unveil Most Borrowed Books of 2025

New York City’s three public library systems announced their list of the most borrowed books of 2025, revealing a distinct preference among Staten Island readers for thrillers, popular fiction, and bestsellers. This report highlights the resilience of reading in a climate marked by a rising number of book bans across the United States.

Edwin Maxwell, Chief Librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library, emphasized the significance of this trend, stating, “Reading helps build empathy and invites dialogue – qualities that have never been more important than now.” The citywide list reflects borrowing data from the New York Public Library (NYPL), Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library.

Top Borrowed Titles Across the Boroughs

The standout title for 2025 was James by Percival Everett, which topped the list across all three library systems. Additionally, all three books in Rebecca Yarros’s The Empyrean Series also made a strong showing. The most borrowed titles include:

– James by Percival Everett
– The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
– Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
– Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
– All Fours by Miranda July
– The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins
– Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
– The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
– Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
– Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Nick Buron, Chief Librarian of the Queens Public Library, noted the growing impact of women authors in the literary landscape, stating, “It’s exciting to see women authors once again dominating our top-circulating titles.” He observed that traditional bestsellers are increasingly losing market share to newer voices that resonate with readers through platforms like social media.

Staten Island’s Reading Preferences

On Staten Island, where the NYPL operates local branches, fiction emerged as the predominant genre. The most checked-out titles included:

– The Crash by Freida McFadden
– The Women by Kristin Hannah
– The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
– The Wedding People by Alison Espach
– The Tenant by Freida McFadden
– Never Say Never by Danielle Steel
– Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
– The Waiting by Michael Connelly
– Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
– The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel Robbins

Across all NYPL branches, which cover the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, James retained the top position, followed closely by The God of the Woods and All Fours.

Brian Bannon, Chief Librarian and Director of Branch Libraries and Education at the NYPL, described the annual top checkout lists as a reflection of the reading habits of New Yorkers. He stated, “Our much-anticipated top checkout lists are a testament to the universal joy of reading, and are one of the most direct mirrors we can hold to the books that most capture the imagination of New Yorkers every year.”

In addition to the adult lists, the New York Public Library also published its top checkouts for teens and young adults on its website, providing further insight into the reading trends among younger audiences.

The findings from the NYC library systems highlight not only the varying tastes of readers across the boroughs but also the enduring power of literature to engage and connect communities. The diverse range of titles underscores a commitment to inclusivity and representation in reading, ensuring that New Yorkers have access to a broad spectrum of perspectives.