Samantha Harvey's science fiction novel Orbital was the most-borrowed title from Libraries ACT in 2025, according to the territory's library network. The book, about six astronauts orbiting Earth, topped the list of Canberra's favourite reads for the year.
Nagi Maehashi's RecipeTin Eats: Tonight placed fifth overall and was the top non-fiction pick, highlighting a strong interest in food and lifestyle titles. Libraries ACT reported that Canberrans borrowed more than 1.4 million items in 2025.
Local author Chris Hammer secured the second most-borrowed spot with The Valley, a mystery set in a remote mountain community. Mystery and detective fiction remained popular, with works by Dervla McTiernan and Richard Osman among the most borrowed.
Young adult readers favoured fantasy and dystopian genres, with Suzanne Collins' Sunrise on the Reaping and Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses being popular choices. The year was challenging for Libraries ACT, with several branches experiencing days-long closures due to staff shortages.
A review into the library organisation identified systemic problems in staff management and leave planning, contributing to unplanned closures. The review noted a lack of psychological safety and deep divisions between leadership and staff. Some large libraries, including Civic and Erindale, were underutilised, and school holiday programs were cut due to staffing issues.
Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne praised libraries as vital community resources, saying the borrowing figures show Canberrans' enduring passion for stories. Libraries ACT branches will reopen for summer operating hours from Monday, January 5, 2026.
