Imagine a world where access to knowledge and entertainment is not limited by your bank account. That's the reality Brisbane libraries are creating, and the numbers tell a powerful story: In 2025, crime fiction reigned supreme as the most borrowed genre, but the full picture of what Brisbane residents are reading (and listening to!) is far more diverse and fascinating.
According to Brisbane City Council data, a staggering 5.9 million physical items were loaned out from their libraries last year. But it's not just about physical books; e-books and audiobooks are also booming, with 2.1 million downloads recorded. And this is the part most people miss: these numbers aren't just statistics; they represent a community actively engaging with literature, learning, and each other.
But what's driving this surge in library usage? The latest Australian Public Libraries Statistical Report reveals a 10% increase in in-person visits across the country. Flinders University's Heather Robinson points to the cost-of-living crisis as a major factor. "We've seen a lot of people coming back to libraries as a way of not just maintaining their social connections, but in order to access their cultural offerings," she explains. Libraries are becoming community hubs, offering not just books, but also DVDs, magazines, and newspapers – all vital resources that can be expensive to acquire individually.
The average Australian borrowed 6.5 items from libraries in 2023-24, the highest average in five years, according to the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Liz Bradtke, ALIA's communications and engagement director, emphasizes that people are using their libraries in "huge numbers." There's even a national initiative pushing to make Australia a "reading nation."
So, what exactly is capturing everyone's attention? Drumroll, please... The most borrowed book in Brisbane in 2025 was We Solve Murders by Richard Osman, a delightful crime fiction novel, checked out a whopping 2,306 times!
Here's a breakdown of the top five most borrowed reads in various categories:
Adult Fiction:
* We Solve Murders — Richard Osman
* In Too Deep — Lee Child
* Here One Moment — Liane Moriarty
* Lola in the Mirror — Trent Dalton
* Nightshade — Michael Connelly
Non-Fiction:
* The Let Them Theory — Mel Robbins
* Wifedom — Anna Funder
* The Anxious Generation — Jonathan Haidt
* RecipeTin Eats Tonight — Nagi Maehashi
* Memorial Days — Geraldine Brooks
Junior Fiction Series:
* Diary of a Wimpy Kid — Jeff Kinney
* Adventures Unlimited — Andy Griffiths
* Cat Kid Comic Club — Dav Pilkey
* WeirDo — Anh Do
* Wings of Fire — Tui T Sutherland
Young Adult Fiction Series:
* The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins
* A Court of Thorns and Roses — Sarah J Maas
* The Summer I Turned Pretty — Jenny Han
* A Good Girl's Guide to Murder — Holly Jackson
* Powerless trilogy — Lauren Roberts
Ms. Bradtke isn't surprised by these numbers. "People love their local libraries," she states. Australian libraries recorded over 88 million in-person visits in 2023-24. "One thing to know about libraries is that they evolve with the needs of the Community," she adds, particularly in the face of rising cost-of-living pressures.
Libraries loaned out 174 million items in 2023-24 – a 23% increase from 2019-20, marking a return to pre-COVID levels and demonstrating the enduring appeal of these institutions. This surge highlights just how much people appreciate their local libraries and the diverse offerings they provide. But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that the focus on popular fiction might overshadow the libraries' role in promoting more challenging or educational works. What do you think? Should libraries prioritize popular appeal or aim for a more curated selection?
Dr. Robinson underscores the vital role libraries play in their communities. "Libraries have always fulfilled the function within communities of providing bridges to trusted sources of information," she says. Librarians curate collections that reflect the needs, interests, and values of the community, ensuring the space is politically and commercially neutral. "You don't have to buy anything. You don't have to make a justification for being there," Robinson emphasizes. "You are welcome as a member of your community."
So, what does this data tell us? Libraries are more than just repositories of books; they're vibrant community hubs, offering access to information, entertainment, and social connection. They are adapting to the evolving needs of their communities, especially during times of economic hardship. And this is the part most people miss... libraries are a powerful force for social equity and community building.
What are your thoughts on the role of libraries in today's society? Do you think the popularity of certain genres influences the overall value of library services? What could libraries do to better serve their communities? Share your opinions in the comments below!
