With so many fantastic titles hitting the shelves this year, which books captured the hearts and minds of Wollongong readers?
Liane Moriarty claimed the top spot with Here One Moment. Often hailed as a modern-day Jane Austen for her sharp observations of social mores, Moriarty's latest novel has earned both critical and popular acclaim for its exploration of family dynamics, free will, and the fragility of certainty.
Crime fiction dominated local borrowing habits, with mystery, thriller, and detective stories taking up half of the top 10 spots. Richard Osman's We Solve Murders landed at number two, praised for its fresh, cosy approach to crime, balancing humour and charm with genuine emotional depth. Osman shared the spotlight with genre heavyweights Chris Hammer, Christian White, Dervla McTiernan, and acclaimed local author Hayley Scrivenor.
Historical fiction also made its mark. Kristin Hannah's The Women secured third place, celebrated for its immersive storytelling and poignant tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of women during the Vietnam War.
Non-fiction was no slouch either, with The Let Them Theory (Mel Robbins), We Are the Stars (Gina Chick), and The Season (Helen Garner) topping the charts for readers seeking insight and inspiration.
BookTok favourites crept into the top 15, including Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry proving that social media trends continue to influence reading choices.
In the Music CD category, Lady Gaga outshone Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish in the battle of big-name touring artists. Meanwhile, everybody's favourite canine Bluey scored a trifecta in Junior Picture Books taking first , second , and third place, while also dominating DVD and CD categories.
Physical item borrows topped the million mark for the second-year running. Reservations also continue to grow as the community embraces online services, with over 210,000 items reserved via the Wollongong City Libraries app and online catalogue - a figure that has more than doubled since 2017.
Wollongong City Libraries Manager Jessica Bruce said that these figures reveal a community passionate about stories that entertain, challenge, and inspire.
"It's heartening to see such a diverse mix of titles, including local authors, resonating with our community," said Ms. Bruce.
"The growth in reservations shows how much our community value free and easy access to stories that spark curiosity, connection, and joy."
"Whether you're after a bestseller, a hidden gem, or something for the kids, there's a world of stories waiting for everyone, and I encourage you to pop into one of our seven locations and explore what's on offer."
