Public libraries are witnessing a surge in ‘romantasy’ and memoir borrowing, reflecting readers’ appetite for both magical escapism and real-life stories in 2024.
At a Glance
- “Romantasy” genre and indie publisher titles gain popularity among library patrons
- Over 11.3 million items checked out at Hennepin County Library through November 2024
- Top borrowed books include works by William Kent Krueger, Kristin Hannah, and Dav Pilkey
- Libraries face challenges with e-book availability due to publisher restrictions
- Trends show reader preference for comforting reads and diverse voices
Romantasy and Memoirs: The Rising Stars of 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, public libraries across the nation are reporting a significant shift in reader preferences. The emerging “romantasy” genre, blending elements of romance and fantasy, has captured the imagination of book lovers, while memoirs continue to hold their ground, offering readers a glimpse into real-life experiences. This trend is evident in the borrowing patterns at libraries such as Hennepin County Library, where over 11.3 million physical and digital items were checked out through November 2024.
Kay Yang Cha, a representative from Hennepin County Library, noted the growing popularity of romantasy and indie publications. “A quick analysis of the top titles from the year shows us that the ‘romantasy’ category, as well as more stories and more voices from indie publishers, have been growing in popularity,” Cha stated.
Top Borrowed Books: A Mix of Genres
The most borrowed books of 2024 reflect a diverse range of interests. At Hennepin County Library, “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger and “The Women” by Kristin Hannah topped the list for adult print books. In the juvenile category, Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” and “Cat Kid Comic Club” series dominated, showcasing the enduring appeal of graphic novels for younger readers.
“Hennepin County readers love their library system and are on track to surpass last year’s circulation numbers,” said Scott Duimstra.
The e-book landscape tells a similar story, with Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” leading the adult category and Suzanne Collins’ “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” topping the juvenile list. This diversity in popular titles underscores the breadth of reader interests and the library’s role in catering to various tastes.
National Trends and Challenges
The popularity of certain titles extends beyond individual library systems. “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin was the most checked-out adult book in New York City and the second-most popular in Denver. James McBride’s “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” also featured prominently in multiple libraries across the country.
“I think people are just looking for something that’s going to comfort them a little bit,” remarked Roosevelt Weeks from Fort Bend County library system, highlighting a trend towards comforting reads.
However, libraries face challenges in meeting reader demands, particularly with e-books. Quinn McQueen from Salt Lake City Library pointed out, “Sometimes libraries can be a little behind,” referring to the difficulties in e-book availability due to publisher restrictions. This underscores the ongoing negotiations between libraries and publishers to ensure fair access to digital content.
Beyond Bestsellers: The Bigger Picture
While top-borrowed books provide insight into popular trends, they represent only a fraction of overall library circulation. Brian Bannon from the New York Public Library emphasized this point, stating, “Even though we published our top ten, none of these books made up more than 1% of our overall circulation.” This highlights the vast and varied reading interests of library patrons beyond bestseller lists.
The popularity of titles like “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer in both 2023 and 2024 indicates a sustained interest in nature writing and indigenous perspectives. Additionally, the emergence of Ocean Vuong’s “Time Is A Mother” as the most-borrowed poetry collection at the New York Public Library demonstrates the enduring appeal of diverse voices in literature.
As we move into 2025, public libraries continue to play a crucial role in shaping and responding to literary trends. The rise of romantasy and the steady popularity of memoirs reflect a readership seeking both escapism and authenticity. Libraries remain at the forefront of these trends, adapting their collections and services to meet the evolving needs of their communities.
Sources:
- Hennepin County Library’s most borrowed books of 2024
- These were the most-borrowed books from public libraries in 2024
