New York City’s three public library systems released a citywide list of the most borrowed books of 2025 and Staten Islanders showed strong preferences for thrillers, popular fiction and bestsellers.
“Against the backdrop of a record number of book bans across the country, it’s powerful to see New Yorkers continuing to read books from every point of view,” said Edwin Maxwell, chief librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library. “Reading helps build empathy and invites dialogue–qualities that have never been more important than now.”
Citywide
Across all five boroughs and all three library systems — the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library — Percival Everett’s James was the most borrowed book of 2025. All three books in Rebecca Yarros’s The Empyrean Series were also on the list:
James by Percival EverettThe God of the Woods by Liz MooreOnyx Storm by Rebecca YarrosFourth Wing by Rebecca YarrosAll Fours by Miranda JulyThe Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel RobbinsIron Flame by Rebecca YarrosThe Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBrideRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltDemon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
“It’s exciting to see women authors once again dominating our top-circulating titles,” shared Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron. “In recent years, traditional bestsellers and established authors have been losing their market share as newer voices increasingly connect with readers through social media. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver saw a significant surge following its Pulitzer Prize win, while platforms like BookTok continue to drive strong demand for authors such as Rebecca Yarros, R.F. Kuang, Freida McFadden, and Jeneva Rose.”
Staten Island
On Staten Island, where the NYPL operates local branches, readers leaned heavily toward fiction. The borough’s most checked‑out titles were:
The Crash by Freida McFaddenThe Women by Kristin HannahThe Housemaid by Freida McFaddenThe Wedding People by Alison EspachThe Tenant by Freida McFaddenNever Say Never by Danielle SteelRemarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van PeltThe Waiting by Michael ConnellyGreat Big Beautiful Life by Emily HenryThe Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel RobbinsThe New York Public Library systemwide
Across all the NYPL branches (Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island), James again claimed the No. 1 spot, followed closely by The God of the Woods and All Fours.
“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,” said Brian Bannon, chief librarian and Merryl and James Tisch, director of Branch Libraries and Education at The New York Public Library. “It’s especially fun to see the mix of titles that rose to the top this year.”
James by Percival EverettThe God of the Woods by Liz MooreAll Fours by Miranda JulyThe Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About by Mel RobbinsThe Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBrideThe Dream Hotel by Laila LalamiDeep End by Ali HazelwoodThe Covenant of Water by Abraham VergheseA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. MaasFunny Story by Emily Henry
In addition to these lists for adults, The New York Public Library has published its top checkouts for teens and young adults on their website, www.nypl.org/.