RecipeTin Eats Tonight took the title for most borrowed non-fiction book in Canberra for 2025. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.
Canberrans borrowed more than 1.4 million items from Libraries ACT in 2025, proving that the love of reading in the Capital 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.
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.
City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne said libraries continued to play a vital role in our community.
“These figures show that Canberrans have an enduring passion for stories, whether it’s gripping mysteries, heartfelt memoirs, or imaginative adventures,” she 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) for 2025:
- Orbital – Samantha Harvey
- The Valley – Chris Hammer
- In Too Deep – Lee Child
- The Unquiet Grave – Dervla McTiernan
- RecipeTin Eats Tonight – Nagi Maehashi
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 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 and 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 Junior Fiction and 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
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
Libraries ACT branches will reopen for their summer operating hours from Monday, 5 January, 2026. More information can be found here.
