In a world where the cost of living is a growing concern, it's heartening to see that people are turning to a timeless resource: their local libraries. The power of libraries is not just about borrowing books; it's about community, connection, and access to knowledge.
But here's where it gets controversial: in 2025, Brisbane libraries saw a surge in visits and loans, with a crime fiction novel taking the top spot as the most borrowed book. Yes, you heard that right!
According to Brisbane City Council data, residents borrowed a whopping 5.9 million physical items last year, with cookbooks, kids' classics, and young adult series also proving popular. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the books. Libraries offer a safe, neutral space for people to connect, access cultural offerings, and maintain social ties.
So, what were Brisbane's top reads in 2025? Let's dive in:
Adult Fiction:
1. We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
2. In Too Deep by Lee Child
3. Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
4. Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton
5. Nightshade by Michael Connelly
Non-Fiction:
1. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
2. Wifedom by Anna Funder
3. The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
4. RecipeTin Eats Tonight by Nagi Maehashi
5. Memorial Days by Geraldine Brooks
Junior Fiction Series:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
2. Adventures Unlimited by Andy Griffiths
3. Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey
4. WeirDo by Anh Do
5. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland
Young Adult Fiction Series:
1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
4. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
5. Powerless trilogy by Lauren Roberts
Liz Bradtke, from the Australian Library and Information Association, said it was no surprise that Australians were flocking to their local libraries. With over 88 million in-person visits recorded in 2023-24, it's clear that libraries are evolving to meet community needs.
Heather Robinson, a creative industries expert, agrees. She highlights the role of libraries in providing access to trusted information and maintaining social connections, especially during challenging times.
So, what do you think? Are libraries an essential community hub, or are they becoming obsolete in the digital age? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
