The most borrowed books at New York City's public libraries in 2023 include a story of a former actress dealing with her mother's death, a 1960s fictional chemist teaching science through a cooking show, and a courageous heroine becoming a dragon warrior. Despite their varied tales, these top adult titles from the city's libraries share a commonality - women penned them. 

In a year celebrating the diversity and richness of literary voices, female authors have taken center stage in the most borrowed books from New York City libraries. The vibrant and eclectic literary landscape of 2023 is marked by a notable surge in the popularity of works penned by talented female writers, reflecting a growing appetite for diverse perspectives and narratives. 

Check the full list here.

New York Public Library

At the New York Public Library, covering Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus took the lead.

Five most borrowed books (systemwide):

1. 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus

2. 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin

3. 'Spare' by Prince Harry

4. 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry

5. 'Verity' by Colleen Hoover

Brooklyn Public Library

The Brooklyn Public Library's most borrowed book was 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' by Jennette McCurdy.

Five most borrowed books:

1. 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' by Jennette McCurdy

2. 'Spare' by Prince Harry

3. 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin

4. 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus

5. 'Book Lovers' by Emily Henry

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Queens Public Library

Queens Public Library patrons favored 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros.

Five most borrowed books:

1. 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros

2. 'Spare' by Prince Harry

3.'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin

4. 'I'm Glad My Mom Died' by Jennette McCurdy

5. 'It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

The list proves that female authors dominate the 2023 literary landscape in New York City. The lone male author breaking into the citywide top ranks was Prince Harry with his 400-page memoir, 'Spare.' Some popular titles were featured on WNYC's 'Get Lit!' virtual book club, revealing the preferences of diverse readerships. Notably, the lists for 2023 indicate a shift in reader choices, with a move toward writers of color and those gaining popularity through social media virality. 

Queens Public Library Chief Librarian Nick Buron commented on this shift, noting a changing readership preference away from popular romance and suspense novelists toward authors like Gabrielle Zevin and Abraham Verghese. The rise of authors discovered through social media, such as Rebecca Yarros, Colleen Hoover, and Brianna Wiest, suggests a desire among readers to explore new themes and engage with books differently.

As the curtains close in 2023, it is evident that female authors have not just held their ground but have flourished in the world of literature. NYC libraries' most borrowed books showcase the brilliance and creativity of female writers across genres, offering captivating and resonant tales in fiction, nonfiction, mystery, romance, and more.

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