Public libraries witness a surge in ‘romantasy’ and memoir borrowing, reflecting readers’ desire for both escapism and authenticity in 2024.
At a Glance
- Over 11.3 million items were checked out at Hennepin County Library through November 2024
- ‘Romantasy’ genre gains popularity, blending romance and fantasy elements
- Memoirs continue to resonate with readers, offering personal, introspective narratives
- Libraries report increased circulation, surpassing previous year’s numbers
- E-book availability challenges persist due to publisher restrictions
Romantasy and Memoirs: A Literary Trend in 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, public libraries across the United States are reporting a fascinating shift in readers’ preferences. The emerging ‘romantasy’ genre, which masterfully combines elements of romance and fantasy, has captured the imagination of book lovers. Simultaneously, memoirs continue to hold their ground, offering readers intimate glimpses into diverse lives and experiences. This trend suggests a broader cultural appetite for both extraordinary narratives and deeply personal stories.
At Hennepin County Library, the circulation numbers tell a compelling story. Through November 2024, patrons checked out over 11.3 million physical and digital items, putting the library on track to exceed last year’s figures. This surge in borrowing underscores the enduring relevance of public libraries in the digital age.
Top Titles and Genre Preferences
The most borrowed books at Hennepin County Library in 2024 were “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger and “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. These titles, along with works by Ann Patchett, dominated the adult print category. In the juvenile print section, Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” and “Cat Kid Comic Club” series reigned supreme, highlighting the enduring popularity of graphic novels among younger readers.
“A quick analysis of the top titles from the year shows us that the “romantasy” category, as well as more stories and more voices from indie publishers, have been growing in popularity” – Kay Yang Cha
This trend wasn’t limited to a single library system. Across the country, similar patterns emerged. In New York City, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin claimed the top spot for adult books, while also securing the second position in Denver. James McBride’s “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store” found favor in multiple cities, including Denver, San Francisco, Westport, and Louisville.
The Appeal of Comfort Reads
The popularity of certain genres and titles in 2024 seems to reflect a desire for comfort and escapism. Roosevelt Weeks from the Fort Bend County library system observed this trend, noting readers’ inclination towards books that offer solace and emotional respite. This preference aligns with the appeal of ‘romantasy’, which provides readers with a blend of familiar romantic themes and fantastical elements that transport them to extraordinary worlds.
“I think people are just looking for something that’s going to comfort them a little bit” – Roosevelt Weeks
Interestingly, many top books from 2024 were also popular in the previous year. Titles like “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros and “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese maintained their appeal, suggesting that word-of-mouth recommendations and sustained interest play significant roles in borrowing patterns.
Challenges and Diversity in Library Collections
While the overall trend shows increased borrowing, libraries face ongoing challenges, particularly in the e-book sector. Quinn McQueen from Salt Lake City Library highlighted the difficulties in meeting demand due to publisher restrictions on e-book availability. This situation underscores the complex relationship between libraries, publishers, and evolving reader preferences in the digital age.
“Sometimes libraries can be a little behind” – Quinn McQueen
Despite these challenges, libraries continue to offer diverse collections that cater to a wide range of interests. Brian Bannon from the New York Public Library emphasized that the most borrowed books represent only a fraction of overall circulation, highlighting the breadth of reading materials accessed by patrons. This diversity is exemplified by the popularity of titles like “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer in non-fiction and “Time Is A Mother” by Ocean Vuong in poetry.
As we look towards 2025, the trends observed in public libraries paint a picture of a reading public seeking both escape and connection through literature. The rise of ‘romantasy’ and the continued appeal of memoirs suggest that readers are finding comfort and inspiration in stories that blend the extraordinary with the deeply personal, reinforcing the vital role of public libraries in fostering diverse and vibrant literary communities.
Sources:
- Hennepin County Library’s most borrowed books of 2024
- These were the most-borrowed books from public libraries in 2024
