Toronto Public Library has unveiled its most borrowed books of 2025, and there’s no doubt, the city loves to read – but not just one type.
The city is full of readers who yearn for romance and self-growth, according to TPL’s results. Library goers explored all sorts of genres, from “fantastical worlds and contemporary romance to gripping page-turners and thoughtful nonfiction.”
How many books were borrowed?
According to the Toronto Public Library, the city borrowed over 195,000 times collectively.
That means if each borrowing came from a unique person, about 6.5% of Torontonians checked out a book.
However, knowing book lovers, we’re sure some of you hit up the library more than once this year.
Was there a popular genre?
But what exactly was the city reading? Well, that’s the thing – everything!
“What stands out in this year’s list is just how eclectic Toronto readers are,” said Matt Abbott, Senior Manager, Collection Development, TPL. “One week they’re devouring fantasy, the next a thriller or a historical novel. It’s clear that our community is following stories that captivate them—regardless of category.”
We love switching things up, except for when it comes to romance.
For the second year in a row, Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series continues “to enchant romantasy fans as heroine Violet Sorrengail becomes a dragon rider navigating love, danger and self-discovery,” shares library representatives.
Emily Henry’s Funny Story also makes the list, along with Great Big Beautiful Life.
Along with romance, nonfiction readers opted for books that “reflect curiosity and a desire to navigate modern life with confidence.”
Popular The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins was also a top choice amongst readers, along with Atomic Habits by James Clear, and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. What can we say? We’re in our self-improvement era.
Now, let’s dive into the full list!
- The Empyrean series (Onyx Storm, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame) by Rebecca Yarros
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- The Wedding People by Alison Espach
- The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
- Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
- Funny Story by Emily Henry
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
And there you have it! Here’s to more reading, more borrowing and more genres for 2026.
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