Residents of Wollongong have shown a clear preference for stories penned by women and gripping crime novels throughout 2025, according to the latest annual borrowing data released by Wollongong City Libraries.
The library system recorded a staggering more than one million physical items borrowed across the Illawarra region this year. Digital engagement also saw remarkable growth, with over 210,000 items reserved via the library's app and online catalogue. This figure represents a more than doubling of online reservations since 2017.
Female Authors Take Centre Stage
Across multiple categories, female writers overwhelmingly dominated the lists of most-borrowed titles. In the adult fiction top 15, ten of the spots were claimed by women. Topping the chart was bestselling Australian author Liane Moriarty with her novel Here One Moment.
Wollongong City Libraries Manager, Jessica Bruce, said the figures offer a fascinating insight into the community's literary tastes. "It's heartening to see such a diverse mix of titles, including local authors, resonating with our community," Ms Bruce stated. "The growth in reservations shows how much our community value free and easy access to stories that spark curiosity, connection, and joy."
The Reign of Crime Fiction and BookTok Influence
The data confirms a strong local appetite for mystery and suspense. Crime fiction titles occupied half of the top ten positions in adult fiction borrowing. Richard Osman's We Solve Murders secured the number two spot, praised for its cosy yet emotionally resonant approach to the genre. He was joined by other heavyweights like Chris Hammer, Christian White, Dervla McTiernan, and acclaimed local writer Hayley Scrivenor.
Social media trends, particularly from TikTok's literary community known as BookTok, continued to shape reading habits. Popular titles like Rebecca Yarros's Onyx Storm, Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Bonnie Garmus's Lessons in Chemistry all featured in the top 15, demonstrating the platform's powerful influence on contemporary readers.
Non-Fiction, Music, and Family Favourites
Beyond fiction, readers sought inspiration and insight from non-fiction. The top three borrowed non-fiction books were The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, We Are the Stars by Gina Chick, and The Season by Helen Garner.
In the music CD section, Lady Gaga proved more popular with borrowers than fellow touring megastars Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish. Meanwhile, the beloved Australian cartoon character Bluey achieved a clean sweep in the Junior Picture Books category, taking first, second, and third place, while also dominating DVD and CD loans for children.
The library's lists for the year, compiled from borrowing data up to December 2025, are as follows:
Top Adult Fiction (Physical & E-loans combined):
- Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
- We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
- The Women by Kristin Hannah
- Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
- Homecoming by Kate Morton
- Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor
- The Valley by Chris Hammer
- The Ledge by Christian White
- The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams
- The Unquiet Grave by Dervla McTiernan
Top Australian Fiction:
- Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
- Homecoming by Kate Morton
- Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor
- The Valley by Chris Hammer
- The Ledge by Christian White
Top Non-Fiction:
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
- We Are the Stars by Gina Chick
- The Season by Helen Garner
- Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's Invisible Life by Anna Funder
- Recipetin Eats Tonight by Nagi Maehashi
The annual snapshot not only highlights bestselling authors but also underscores the vital role public libraries play in providing accessible literature and reflecting the evolving cultural interests of their communities.
