NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – New Yorkers are true bookworms, whether they’re reading on the subway or relaxing at a cafe. Library checkouts this year mirrored that passion for books. The city’s three major public library systems: the New York Public Library (serving the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island), the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Queens Public Library, teamed up to reveal the top checkouts of 2024.
Here’s a breakdown of the most checked-out adult books of 2024, along with the borough-by-borough favorites.
The most checked-out book across New York City was Gabrielle Zevin’s "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow." Centered on friendship, creativity, and video games, it has captivated readers across all three library systems since its release in 2022 with its rich storytelling and emotional depth.
The top most checked-out book was followed by Emily Henry’s “Happy Place,” a heartfelt romance. James McBride’s “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store,” a moving exploration of community and history, took third place, while Erik Larson’s “The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War” secured the fourth spot with its gripping historical narrative. Rounding out the top five was Ann Napolitano’s “Hello Beautiful,” a story of family and forgiveness.
Highlights by Borough:
The Bronx
1. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
2. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Brooklyn
1. Happy Place by Emily Henry
2. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Manhattan
1. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
2. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
3. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Queens
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
2. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
3. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
Staten Island
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
2. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
3. Upside Down by Danielle Steele
“Of course, Top Checkouts don't tell the whole story,” the NYPL wrote on its website. “They represent just a tiny fraction of the enormous range of books and other materials checked out by New Yorkers in 2024. Whatever you're interested in reading or finding out, you can find millions of books, e-books, and audiobooks in NYPL’s collections.”