New York City\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAgainst the backdrop of a record number of book bans across the country, it\u2019s powerful to see New Yorkers continuing to read books from every point of view,\u201d said Edwin Maxwell, chief librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library. \u201cReading helps build empathy and invites dialogue\u2013qualities that have never been more important than now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citywide<\/p>\n
Across all five boroughs and all three library systems \u2014 the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library \u2014 Percival Everett\u2019s James was the most borrowed book of 2025. All three books in Rebecca Yarros\u2019s The Empyrean Series were also on the list:<\/p>\n
James\u00a0by Percival EverettThe God of the Woods\u00a0by Liz MooreOnyx Storm\u00a0by Rebecca YarrosFourth Wing\u00a0by Rebecca YarrosAll Fours\u00a0by Miranda JulyThe Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can\u2019t Stop Talking About\u00a0by Mel RobbinsIron Flame\u00a0by Rebecca YarrosThe Heaven & Earth Grocery Store\u00a0by James McBrideRemarkably Bright Creatures\u00a0by Shelby Van PeltDemon Copperhead\u00a0by Barbara Kingsolver<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to see women authors once again dominating our top-circulating titles,\u201d shared Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron. \u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Staten Island<\/p>\n
On Staten Island, where the NYPL operates local branches, readers leaned heavily toward fiction. The borough\u2019s most checked\u2011out titles were:<\/p>\n
The Crash\u00a0by Freida McFaddenThe Women\u00a0by Kristin HannahThe Housemaid\u00a0by Freida McFaddenThe Wedding People\u00a0by Alison EspachThe Tenant\u00a0by Freida McFaddenNever Say Never\u00a0by Danielle SteelRemarkably Bright Creatures\u00a0by Shelby Van PeltThe Waiting\u00a0by Michael ConnellyGreat Big Beautiful Life\u00a0by Emily HenryThe Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can\u2019t Stop Talking About\u00a0by Mel RobbinsThe New York Public Library systemwide<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d said Brian Bannon, chief librarian and Merryl and James Tisch, director of Branch Libraries and Education at The New York Public Library. \u201cIt\u2019s especially fun to see the mix of titles that rose to the top this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
James\u00a0by Percival EverettThe God of the Woods\u00a0by Liz MooreAll Fours\u00a0by Miranda JulyThe Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can\u2019t Stop Talking About\u00a0by Mel RobbinsThe Heaven & Earth Grocery Store\u00a0by James McBrideThe Dream Hotel\u00a0by Laila LalamiDeep End\u00a0by Ali HazelwoodThe Covenant of Water\u00a0by Abraham VergheseA Court of Thorns and Roses\u00a0by Sarah J. MaasFunny Story\u00a0by Emily Henry<\/p>\n