The Most Popular Library Books in the U.S. for 2024: A Comprehensive Breakdown
Public libraries across the U.S. serve as vital cultural hubs, and their circulation data offers a fascinating glimpse into readers' preferences. Based on data from over 40 public library systems, here’s a look at the most borrowed books of 2024 across fiction, nonfiction, and young adult categories.
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Most Popular Fiction Books
This combined list includes both print and ebook formats, reflecting widespread reader interests in genre fiction and literary works alike.
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah – Featured on 34 lists
2. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride – 18 lists
3. Funny Story by Emily Henry – 16 lists
4. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett – 15 lists
5. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – 14 lists
6. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – 14 lists
7. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – 12 lists
8. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – 12 lists
9. Happy Place by Emily Henry – 11 lists
10. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston – 10 lists
11. Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin – 8 lists
12. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese – 8 lists
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Most Popular Nonfiction Books
These top nonfiction titles reflect a mix of memoirs, historical accounts, and lifestyle guides.
1. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – 10 lists
2. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears – 9 lists
3. Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney – 8 lists
4. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeannette McCurdy – 7 lists
5. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson – 6 lists
6. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann – 6 lists
7. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann – 5 lists
8. Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia – 5 lists
Cookbooks also made appearances, with popular titles like 5 Ingredients Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver and PlantYou Scrappy Cooking by Carleigh Bodrug earning multiple mentions.
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Most Popular YA Books
Young adult readers gravitated toward fantasy, dystopian tales, and murder mysteries.
1. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins – 9 lists
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson – 9 lists
3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – 8 lists
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – 7 lists
5. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – 6 lists
6. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han – 5 lists
7. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross – 5 lists
8. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood – 5 lists
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Trends and Observations
Genre Fiction Dominance: Genre fiction, especially by long-established authors, continues to dominate library checkouts.
Diverse Representation: While white authors remain prominent due to industry norms, libraries showcased greater diversity than mainstream bestseller lists.
Ebook Influence: Digital platforms and curated lists influence borrowing trends, often boosting the visibility of certain titles.
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Conclusion
From Kristin Hannah's gripping fiction to Britney Spears’ revealing memoir, these titles reflect what captivated readers in 2024. Public libraries remain a testament to the enduring appeal of diverse storytelling and the power of books to connect people across generations and interests.
Explore your local library or digital collection to see what’s trending near you!
