Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
The books Birmingham readers checked out the most in 2025
Reading time: 2 minutes
Curious what Birmingham readers couldn’t put down this year? The Birmingham Public Library—alongside the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and the New York Public Library—has released its list of the most-borrowed books of 2025.
From thrillers and mysteries to historical fiction and self-discovery, here’s how Birmingham’s reading habits stack up against the Rocket City and the City That Never Sleeps.
Birmingham’s top-borrowed books of 2025
Birmingham was firmly in its mystery era in 2025, with thrillers dominating the most-requested physical books list. Familiar heavy-hitters like James Patterson, Sandra Brown and David Baldacci—regulars in Birmingham’s Best Sellers Book Club—claimed many of the top spots.
And in a very Birmingham moment, the mayor even made the list.
Top 10 print books circulated at Birmingham Public Library:
- The Writer – James Patterson
- The Texas Murders – James Patterson
- Blood Moon – Sandra Brown
- Strangers in Time – David Baldacci
- 25 Alive – James Patterson
- Paranoia – James Patterson
- The Hamptons Lawyer – James Patterson
- Holmes is Missing – James Patterson
- Son of Birmingham – Mayor Randall Woodfin
- James: A Novel – Percival Everett
Huntsville’s most-borrowed books in 2025
Huntsville readers leaned into historical fiction this year, with two Kristin Hannah novels landing in the top five most-requested physical books.
The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system also had a banner year, reporting nearly 3 million checkouts over the last 12 months.
- The Women — Kristin Hannah
- Funny Story — Emily Henry
- Just for the Summer — Abby Jiminez
- The Four Winds — Kristin Hannah
- The Housemaid is Watching — Freida McFadden
New York’s top-borrowed books of 2025
In New York, stories centered on self-revelation, empowerment, and literary reinvention dominated. Percival Everett’s James—a bold retelling of Huckleberry Finn—once again topped year-end lists.
New York Public Library’s most-borrowed titles:
- James — Percival Everett
- The God of the Woods — Liz Moore
- All Fours — Miranda July
- The Let Them Theory — Mel Robbins
- The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store — James McBride
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