Canberrans are keen to find out how to better manage their money and enjoy relaxing with a good movie thriller if the list of the most popular books and DVDs in ACT libraries in 2017 is anything to go by.
Self-help finance book The Barefoot Investor: The only money guide you’ll ever need by Australian Scott Pape topped the nation’s bestseller list for 2017 and also topped the list of most requested books at ACT Libraries last year.
However, when it comes to DVDs, Canberrans are looking for more escapism with American mystery thriller The Girl on the Train starring Emily Blunt topping the list of most popular DVDs at ACT libraries.
Based on Paula Hawkin’s bestselling novel of the same name, The Girl on the Train probably drove money worries from Canberrans’ minds as they moved with the murderous twists of this tale about an alcoholic divorcee who spends far too much time on trains.
ACT City Services Minister Meegan Fitzharris said around 2.74 million items are borrowed from ACT libraries each year, demonstrating the continued relevance of local libraries to the Canberra community.
“Our libraries play an integral role in the everyday lives of Canberrans whether it be for education or entertainment,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Library members have demonstrated a growing interest in non-fiction titles for a second year running, with self-help books and memoirs comprising four of the top five requested books.”
Ms Fitzharris said that, delving further into the most requested books, crime and mystery fiction, domestic fiction, biographies and award-winning and shortlisted books were particularly popular.
The most requested books (fiction and non-fiction) in ACT libraries in 2017 were:
- The Barefoot Investor: The only money guide you’ll ever need by Scott Pape;
- Light and Shadow: Memoirs of a spy’s son by Mark Colvin;
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F- – -: A counterintuitive approach to living a good life by Mark Manson;
- Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a family and culture in crisis by J. D. Vance;
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.
In terms of DVDs, Ms Fitzharris said that Game of Thrones came in at second place and continues to keep its fans captivated with various seasons having appeared in the Top 5 consistently since 2013.
The most requested DVDs in ACT libraries in 2017 were:
- The Girl on the Train;
- Game of Thrones: The Complete Sixth Series;
- Sully;
- The Light Between Oceans;
- The Accountant.
Ms Fitzharris said that with a new year upon us, there are many new and recent releases, and soon-to-be-released books that are bound to make it difficult to turn out the light in 2018.
“I encourage all Canberrans to visit their local library and discover the many resources on offer. Members can access music downloads, eBooks, digital magazines and newspapers, encyclopaedias and much more,” Ms Fitzharris said.
For more information on Libraries ACT and to see the full lists of books requested in 2017 and suggested books for 2018, visit www.library.act.gov.au.
Why do you think self-help books are so popular with Canberrans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.