The Anne Arundel County Public Library has disclosed its most popular books for 2025, highlighting the reading preferences of its patrons. This year, the library reported a remarkable total of 6,189,685 checkouts across its various locations, with the ten most borrowed titles accounting for 5,763 checkouts.
The library’s annual report emphasizes a dynamic mix of fiction and non-fiction that has captivated readers. The full descriptions of these titles are available through the library’s online catalog, allowing users to explore their literary interests further.
Fiction Highlights
The fiction category showcases a blend of compelling narratives and unique perspectives. The standout title is The Women by Kristin Hannah, which was checked out 1,165 times. This novel follows a young woman’s impulsive decision to become an army nurse during the Vietnam War and was also the most checked-out book in the previous year.
Another notable entry is James: A Novel by Percival Everett, retelling the classic story of *Adventures of Huckleberry Finn* from Jim’s viewpoint, with 833 checkouts. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry follows closely, garnering 806 checkouts. This romance novel features two writers competing for biography rights to an heiress, reflecting the genre’s resurgence.
Liane Moriarty’s Here One Moment, checked out 795 times, delves into the lives of passengers on a flight who learn about their impending deaths from a character known as the “Death Lady.” Lastly, We All Live Here by JoJo Moyes, with 761 checkouts, tells the story of a woman reconnecting with her estranged father during a challenging period in her life.
Top Non-Fiction Picks
The non-fiction selections reveal a range of topics that resonate with readers. Leading this category is Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum by Antonia Hylton, which was checked out 459 times. This work provides an insightful examination of the Crownsville Hospital, a segregated asylum with a complex history.
Following closely is The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson, which chronicles the critical five months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the onset of the Civil War, achieving 367 checkouts. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, a self-help guide challenging the influence others have on personal decisions, received 358 checkouts.
Additionally, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, which explores the increasing levels of anxiety and depression among Generation Z, was checked out 310 times. Lastly, The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann rounds out the list with 267 checkouts, detailing a shipwreck incident involving a British vessel in the mid-1700s.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library has experienced significant growth this year, including the expansion of its popular Annapolis Mall location. The diverse range of books available reflects the library’s commitment to serving the reading interests of its community. For further information or to contribute news tips, contact Benjamin Rothstein at [email protected] or 443-928-1926.
