Canberrans were keen to borrow Lessons in Chemistry from libraries this year.
14 December 2023
Bonnie Garmus’s Lessons in Chemistry has proven the most popular item borrowed from ACT libraries in 2023.
The novel, now also a television series, was the most popular hard copy adult fiction library book and most popular ebook.
Canberrans were so keen to get their hands on it that Libraries ACT reported around 700 reservations for the title throughout the year.
Younger readers were once again hooked on Anh Do titles. Four of his books were in the top five of the junior fiction category.
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 Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
- How to Build LEGO Dinosaurs by Hannah Dolan
- Jane Goodall by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Top five ebooks
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Exiles by Jane Harper
- The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
- Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor
Top five audio books
- The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
- Book of Roads and Kingdoms by Richard Fidler
- The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan
- The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
- Exiles by Jane Harper
ACT libraries during the holidays
As the school holidays continue, it’s worth remembering libraries are a great option for beating the heat.
There is also a range of free school holiday programs to discover.
Bookings are essential. You can see what's on and grab a spot via the Libraries ACT website.
Selected library branches are now open, with all branches closed on New Year’s Day only.
Check the website before visiting a branch for up to-date opening hours.
Normal operating hours will resume for all branches from Tuesday, 2 January 2024.
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