TORONTO (December 10, 2025) – The tallies are in, and one thing is clear: Torontonians can’t be pinned down by a single genre. Toronto Public Library’s most borrowed books of 2025 reveal a city of readers exploring everything from fantastical worlds and contemporary romance to gripping page-turners and thoughtful nonfiction. Borrowed over 195,000 times collectively, this year’s top picks highlight a wide-ranging curiosity—Torontonians with wonderfully varied reading tastes.
Romance reigns
For the second year running, Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series continues to enchant romantasy fans as heroine Violet Sorrengail becomes a dragon rider navigating love, danger and self-discovery. Contemporary romance thrives too: Emily Henry’s Funny Story returns alongside Great Big Beautiful Life. From magical adventures to witty, heart-fluttering modern love, these titles prove readers can’t resist a journey toward a happy ending.
Genre-hopping readers
Torontonians are unafraid to mix it up. Other fiction hits showcase the city’s eclectic tastes: the dark humour of The Wedding People (Alison Espach), the gripping thriller The God of the Woods (Liz Moore), historical fiction like The Women (Kristin Hannah) and literary reflection in Intermezzo (Sally Rooney).
"What stands out in this year’s list is just how eclectic Toronto readers are,” said Matt Abbott, Senior Manager, Collection Development, TPL. “One week they’re devouring fantasy, the next a thriller or a historical novel. It’s clear that our community is following stories that captivate them—regardless of category."
Nonfiction for growth and calm
Nonfiction favourites reflect curiosity and a desire to navigate modern life with confidence. The Let Them Theory (Mel Robbins) offers strategies for radical acceptance, Atomic Habits (James Clear) explores how small changes can make a big difference, and The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt) examines youth mental health challenges. These titles highlight a city seeking insight, self-improvement and calm.
"Nonfiction continues to resonate strongly with our readers,” said Abbott. “Books that offer practical guidance, insight or tools to navigate modern life are in high demand, reflecting a city that is curious, thoughtful and eager to grow."
Discover the most borrowed books of 2025:
- The Empyrean series (Onyx Storm, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame) by Rebecca Yarros
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- The Wedding People by Alison Espach
- The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
- Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
- Funny Story by Emily Henry
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
A Toronto Public Library card gives readers access to these titles and many more, in print, digital or audio formats—opening the door to stories, ideas and every genre imaginable.
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