Author Leads Library Borrowing Rankings for Fourth Consecutive Year
Staffordshire County Council has announced its most borrowed library books for 2025. Notably, Richard Osman continues to lead the adult fiction category for the fourth consecutive year.
Top Adult Fiction Books
Osman’s book, *We Solve Murders*, remains the most borrowed title. His previous work, *The Last Devil to Die*, also ranks second. The appeal of crime and thriller genres persists in Staffordshire Libraries, as demonstrated by the following list of top adult fiction books:
- Richard Osman – We Solve Murders
- Richard Osman – The Last Devil to Die
- Ann Cleeves – The Dark Wives
- Lee Child – In Too Deep
- Michael Connelly – The Waiting
- Richard Osman – The Thursday Murder Club
- Richard Osman – The Bullet That Missed
- Richard Osman – The Man Who Died Twice
- Robert Harris – Precipice
- David Nicholls – You Are Here
Children’s Literature Highlights
On the children’s front, Julia Donaldson has dominated the borrowing rankings. Her book, *What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside*, has secured the top spot for the second consecutive year. The following titles make up the top ten borrowed children’s books:
- Julia Donaldson – What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside
- Julia Donaldson – The Hospital Dog
- Julia Donaldson – The Singing Mermaid
- Jamie Smart – Bunny Vs Monkey and the Human Invasion!
- Julia Donaldson – The Baddies
- Julia Donaldson – Tiddler
- Roald Dahl – Fantastic Mr Fox
- Jeff Kinney – The Last Straw
- Jamie Smart – Bunny Vs Monkey
- J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Community Impact
Hayley Coles from Staffordshire County Council emphasized the role of libraries in fostering a love for reading. She stated, “It’s great to see our libraries inspiring so many readers. Crime and thriller novels continue to capture people’s imaginations.”
Coles encouraged the community to visit their local libraries and discover the diverse offerings available. Libraries serve as crucial centers for community engagement, promoting both reading and a welcoming atmosphere.
