Released 29/12/2025
Canberrans borrowed more than 1.4 million items from Libraries ACT in 2025, proving that the love of reading is stronger than ever. This year’s most borrowed title was Orbital by Samantha Harvey, captivating readers with its futuristic themes.
Local author Chris Hammer claimed the second spot with The Valley, a gripping mystery set in a remote mountain community that keeps readers enthralled.
Food and lifestyle titles were a standout this year, with Nagi Maehashi’s RecipeTin Eats Tonight taking the crown as the top non-fiction pick, highlighting Canberrans love of good food.
Mystery and detective fiction also held strong, with page-turners from Dervla McTiernan and Richard Osman among the most borrowed. Meanwhile, young adult readers continued to dive into fantasy and dystopian worlds, flocking to Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping and Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne emphasised the vital role libraries play in our community.
“Libraries ACT remains one of our most valued public resources. These figures show that Canberrans have an enduring passion for stories, whether it’s gripping mysteries, heartfelt memoirs, or imaginative adventures," Minister Cheyne said.
“Libraries ACT is more than books and other items available from our libraries, it’s about connection, learning, and community. Thank you to our library staff for making these spaces welcoming and vibrant.”
Top five titles across all formats (including audio)
- Orbital – Samantha Harvey
- The Valley – Chris Hammer
- In Too Deep – Lee Child
- The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
- RecipeTin Eats Tonight – Nagi Maehashi
Top 5 reads for 2025 by genre:
Top Five Adult Fiction
- Orbital – Samantha Harvey
- The Valley – Chris Hammer
- The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
- In Too Deep – Lee Child
- Lyrebird – Jane Caro
Top Five Young Adult Fiction & Graphic Novels
- Sunrise on the Reaping – Suzanne Collins
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
- A Court of Mist and Fury – Sarah J. Maas
- Powerless – Lauren Roberts
- Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong – Brian Buccellato
Top Five Books by ACT Authors
- The Valley – Chris Hammer
- Smoke – Michael Brissenden
- Legacy – Chris Hammer
- The Seven – Chris Hammer
- The Deed – Susannah Begbie
Top Five Non-Fiction
- RecipeTin Eats Tonight – Nagi Maehashi
- The Season – Helen Garner
- Memorial days – Geraldine Brooks
- The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins
- The Salt Path – Raynor Winn
Top Five Junior Fiction & Graphic Novels series
- Dog Man Series – Dav Pilkey
- Ninja Kid Series – Anh Do
- Wings of Fire Series – Tui Sutherland
- Wolf Girl Series – Anh Do
- Treehouse Series – Andy Griffiths
Libraries ACT branches will reopen for their summer operating hours from Monday 5 January 2026.
For more information on opening hours and services, visit: www.act.gov.au/service-availability.
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Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases