The most popular book borrowed from Libraries ACT in 2023 was Lessons in Chemistry. Photo: Libraries ACT.
The results are in for the most borrowed items in 2023 at Libraries ACT and the most popular item for the year was the adult fiction novel Lessons in Chemistry by US author Bonnie Garmus.
The novel was the most popular hard copy adult fiction book and e-book at Libraries ACT, with around 700 reservations from library members throughout the year.
“Now also a television series, the book tells the story of a chemist in the 1960s who does not get the respect she deserves. She experiences an unexpected turn and starts hosting a famous cooking show,” Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne said.
“Once again in the junior fiction category, Anh Do was a popular choice for young readers with four of his books in the top five for 2023.”
The non-fiction favourite was Bulldozed: Scott Morrison’s Fall and Anthony Albanese’s Rise by local Canberra author Niki Savva, which was also recently shortlisted in the ACT’s Book of the Year Awards.
Most popular books in physical format and adult fiction
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
- Exiles by Jane Harper
- Dead Tide by Fiona McIntosh
- Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Top five adult non-fiction
- Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
- Did I Ever Tell You This?: a memoir by Sam Neill
- Bulldozed: Scott Morrison’s Fall and Anthony Albanese’s Rise by Niki Savva
- RecipeTin Eats Dinner by Nagi Maehashi
Top five junior fiction
- Legends Unite by Anh Do
- Diva Drama by Meredith Costain
- Enter the Jungle by Anh Do
- From Nerd to Ninja! by Anh Do
- Spinning Weird! By Anh Do
Top five junior non-fiction
- Minecraft Survival Handbook by Mojang
- Minecraft Annual 2023 by Mojang
- Amelia Earhart by Isabel Sanchez Vegara
- How to Build LEGO dinosaurs by Hannah Dolan
- Jane Goodall by Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Top five ebooks
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Exiles by Jane Harper
- Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor
Top five audiobooks
- Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
- Book of Roads and Kingdoms by Richard Fidler
- Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan
- Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
- Exiles by Jane Harper
With Christmas over and families now looking towards the New Year, Minister Cheyne reminded the community that libraries are free and open to everyone to use – and they are also all air-conditioned.
“As the school holidays continue into 2024, parents are welcome to escape the heat and visit a library branch to discover many of the free school holiday programs. Bookings are essential and can be accessed on the Libraries ACT website,” she said.
“I would like to thank the team at Libraries ACT for their continued service to the community in 2023. Library branches are an important way for people of all ages to keep connected.”
Selected library branches are open today (29 December), with all branches closed on New Year’s Day only.
Library users are encouraged to visit the library website at library.act.gov.au before visiting a branch for up‑to-date opening hours.
Normal operating hours will resume for all library branches from Tuesday, 2 January 2024.
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