In a world where the cost of living is a growing concern, it's fascinating to see how people turn to their local libraries for solace and entertainment. The power of books and the community they foster is undeniable, especially in times of crisis.
Last year, Brisbane libraries witnessed an incredible surge in popularity, with over 5.9 million physical items loaned out. But here's where it gets controversial: a crime fiction novel, "We Solve Murders" by Richard Osman, took the top spot as the most borrowed book. This trend extends beyond Brisbane, as the latest Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report reveals a 10% increase in in-person visits across the country.
Heather Robinson, a Creative Industries Adjunct Research Associate at Flinders University, attributes this rise to the cost-of-living crisis. She explains, "People are not just maintaining their social connections but also accessing cultural offerings through libraries." And it's not just books; DVDs, magazines, and newspapers are also in high demand.
The average Australian borrowed an impressive 6.5 items from libraries in 2023-24, according to the statistical report. Liz Bradtke, Communications and Engagement Director at the Australian Library and Information Association, notes that this is the highest average in the last five years. She adds, "People are continuing to use their libraries in huge numbers."
So, what are Australians reading? Here's a breakdown of the top five most borrowed reads of 2025 across various categories:
Adult Fiction:
1. "We Solve Murders" - Richard Osman
2. "In Too Deep" - Lee Child
3. "Here One Moment" - Liane Moriarty
4. "Lola in the Mirror" - Trent Dalton
5. "Nightshade" - Michael Connelly
Non-Fiction:
1. "The Let Them Theory" - Mel Robbins
2. "Wifedom" - Anna Funder
3. "The Anxious Generation" - Jonathan Haidt
4. "RecipeTin Eats Tonight" - Nagi Maehashi
5. "Memorial Days" - Geraldine Brooks
Junior Fiction Series:
1. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" - Jeff Kinney
2. "Adventures Unlimited" - Andy Griffiths
3. "Cat Kid Comic Club" - Dav Pilkey
4. "WeirDo" - Anh Do
5. "Wings of Fire" - Tui T Sutherland
Young Adult Fiction Series:
1. "The Hunger Games" - Suzanne Collins
2. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" - Sarah J Maas
3. "The Summer I Turned Pretty" - Jenny Han
4. "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" - Holly Jackson
5. "Powerless trilogy" - Lauren Roberts
Ms. Bradtke emphasizes that it's no surprise Australians are flocking to their local libraries. In 2023-24, Australian libraries recorded over 88 million in-person visits. She says, "Libraries evolve with the needs of the community. Particularly now, with the rise of cost-of-living pressures, libraries reflect and adapt to the communities they serve."
The latest report, released in October, shows that library usage is even higher than the significant increase post-pandemic. Libraries loaned out a whopping 174 million items in 2023-24, a 23% increase from 2019-20.
Dr. Robinson highlights the vital role libraries play in communities. She states, "Librarians curate collections that reflect the needs, interests, and values of the community. Most importantly, libraries must remain politically and commercially neutral, welcoming all community members without judgment."
So, what do you think? Are libraries a vital community resource, especially in challenging times? Or do you have a different perspective on the role of libraries in modern society? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
