Related content:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It is Library and Information Week and the Civica Libraries Index is showing reading in our communities is strong with stories about heritage, identity, love and relationships the most popular among the list of most borrowed Australian fiction books from May 2016 to April 2017.
The annual Civica Libraries Index is compiled in partnership with participating regional and metropolitan libraries across Australia using the Civica Spydus integrated library management system.
Topping the list of most borrowed Australian books was ‘Rain Music’ by Di Morrissey, which is inspired by her adventures in far north Queensland and tells the story of two siblings who are struggling with a family tragedy that has set them on opposite paths.
‘Spirits of the Ghan’ by Judy Nunn, a period story set during the construction of the Ghan railway, explores family dynamics and cultural collision and ‘Truly Madly Guilty’ by Liane Moriarty, which examines marriage, sex, parenthood and friendship peaked at number two and three respectively on the most borrowed Australian fiction books list.
Other high profile Australian authors on the list include popular children’s author, Andy Griffiths, who had three books featured on this year’s most borrowed Australian books index. Liane Moriarty, whose recent book, ‘Big Little Lies’ has been adapted into a television series, also features three times on the list.
Hollywood actresses, Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman have already optioned for the film rights of Liane’s latest novel, 'Truly Madly Guilty', published in 2016.
“We’ve always loved stories about ourselves. Tales that explore our heritage and identity - addressing what it means to be an Australian – continue to resonate with readers,” Sue McKerracher, Chief Executive Officer of ALIA, said.
“We’re also known for producing unique stories that examine topics such as complex family relationships and it’s great to see that Australian writing is also having greater appeal globally as well, with quite a few novels on the list, such as ‘The Light Between The Oceans’ and ‘The Dressmaker’ enjoying extended success via international film and TV adaptations.”
Index highlights:
Most borrowed
According to the 2017 Civica Libraries Index, novels within the crime, thriller and mystery genres dominated the list of most borrowed library books in Australia, continuing on from last year’s trend. This genre made up three quarters of the list.
Lee Child’s ‘Make Me’, published in 2015 and part of the Jack Reacher series of novels, topped the ranking of most borrowed books in Australia. This was followed by Paula Hawkins’ ‘Girl On The Train’, which was last year’s number one and has no doubt remained a popular reading choice due to its film adaptation being released at the end of 2016.
Other major crime and thriller author to hit the top 20 list of most borrowed included James Patterson, David Baldacci and Michael Connelly.
Non fiction
Lifestyle books and special interest topics were a favourite amongst non-fiction borrowers this year. Japanese de-cluttering guru, Marie Kondo proved highly popular this year, with two of her books on household organisation featuring second and tenth on the list.
Biography
Popular Australian comedienne, Magda Szubanski’s autobiography, ‘Reckoning’ topped the list of most borrowed biography books. Szubanski’s memoir, which explores her family history, in particular the life of her father who was an assassin in the Polish resistance during World War II, also topped the most borrowed non-fiction list and reached 17th on the list of most borrowed books. It was the only book written by an Australian to reach the top 20.
Young adults(13-18)
Teen fiction author favourite, John Green topped the most borrowed books amongst young adults list, with his novels, ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ and ‘Paper Towns’ taking out first and second place respectively, while his debut novel, ‘Looking For Alaska’ reached ninth place.
Children(0-12)
The ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ book series by Jeff Kinney and popular Aussie children’s book author, Andy Griffiths’ Storey book series battled it out on the list of most borrowed junior fiction, with ‘The 65 Storey Treehouse' coming first on the list, just ahead of ‘The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever’.