Here’s what readers checked out from Huntsville libraries in 2025

Just when you thought year-end lists were over.

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system, as well as the Birmingham Public Library system + New York Public Library have released their list of the most-borrowed books of 2025.

Check out how we compare to the Iron City and the City that Never Sleeps.

Huntsville top-borrowed books

This year, Huntsville really leaned into historical fiction, with two Kristin Hannah novels making the top 5 most-requested physical books.

As for the most-requested digital books, it was all fantasy vibes, with Hunger Games prequel Sunrise on the Reaping earning the top spot.

Physical

1. The Women — Kristin Hannah
2. Funny Story — Emily Henry
3. Just for the Summer — Abby Jiminez
4. The Four Winds — Kristin Hannah
5. The Housemaid is Watching — Freida McFadden

Digital

1. Sunrise on the Reaping — Suzanne Collins
2. Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros
3. Iron Flame — Rebecca Yarros
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone — J.K. Rowling

The Huntsville-Madison County Public Library system had a busy year, with nearly 3 million checkouts in the last 12 months! Here’s just a few more stats showing how much you loved the library in 2025:

• Books circulated: 2,957,028
• DVDs + Blu-Ray discs checked out: 242,746
• Audiobooks checked out: 231,892
• Patron visits: 1,454,940
• New library cards issued: 17,102

Birmingham top-borrowed books

Birmingham was in its mystery era this year, with thriller authors such as James Patterson residing in the top 5 most-requested physical books.

For digital books, fantasy and romance reigned supreme with the third book in iconic fantasy series Fourth Wing taking the top spot.

Physical

1. The Writer — James Patterson
2. The Texas Murders — James Patterson
3. Blood Moon — Sandra Brown
4. Strangers in Time — David Baldacci
5. 25 Alive — James Patterson

Digital

1. Onyx Storm — Rebecca Yarros
2. The Women — Kristin Hannah
3. The Four Winds — Kristin Hannah
4. The Wedding People — Alison Espach

New York top-borrowed books

In New York, stories about self-revelation + empowerment proved to be extremely popular, with Huck Finn retelling James yet again topping year-end lists.

1. James — Percival Everett
2. The God of the Woods — Liz Moore
3. All Fours — Miranda July
4. The Let Them Theory — Mel Robbins
5. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store — James McBride

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