North Shore, B.C.— What was on your TBR (to be read) and TBW (to be watched) list for 2023? The three North Shore libraries combed through their records to discover what captivated people’s reading, listening, and watching tastes this year. Together, the three library systems circulated more than three million physical and digital items in 2023.
“We’re so pleased to see that North Shore library users are borrowing and using our services more than ever. Ebook and e-audiobook circulation has been increasing at all libraries, indicating users appreciate the convenience and accessibility of downloading on their devices,” said Deb Hutchison Koep, Chief Librarian at City Library. “At the same time, demand for print materials remains strong. Popular reads in all of our systems show that people continue to turn to the library to be entertained, engaged and informed — people really are reading more.”
2023 trends
North Shore locals were in the mood for books that entertained, delighted and challenged them in 2023. Top circulating titles seem to be heavily influenced by staff recommendations, popular movies, TV shows, local events and BookTok — a trend from last year that isn’t going away. BookTok sparked interest in trending authors and titles, with several books on this list going viral on the app, including It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, Louise Penny’s A World of Curiosities and Carlene O’Connor’s Murder in an Irish Village.
Top Fiction reads for adults
It is easy to see why North Shore readers couldn’t put this book down or stop listening to it, and it was one of the top Adult fiction picks this year. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is set in the 1960s and features Elizabeth Zott, a chemist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a TV cooking show. The book, published in 2022, was adapted into a widely popular TV series this year.
Another popular fiction title, Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, which may be a reason for its popularity. It follows an Indian family in Kerala, spanning three generations.
Top Non-fiction reads for adults
The non-fiction reads reflect various interests from local North Shore readers, from Elder Sam George’s first-hand account of residential schools (The Fire Still Burns) to Prince Harry’s memoir (Spare) and Gabor Maté’s latest book on trauma’s root causes (The Myth of Normal). Other books in particular demand were The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy.
DVDs and chill
2023 was an excellent year for staying home and watching a DVD. Goose, is that you? If you can answer this question, you probably watched Top Gun on DVD at the library this year. If you’re looking for great movies, many patrons watched A Man Called Otto and The Fabelmans.
What captured the attention of kids and teens this year?
For young kids, the Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid series were massive hits again this year. At the same time, the Hunger Games books rose in popularity with teens, possibly thanks to the release of the new movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, now in theatres.
Top 3 Titles – Adult Ebooks (Fiction)
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Top 3 Titles – Adult Fiction
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Top 3 Titles – Adult Nonfiction
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Top 3 Titles – Adult DVDs
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Top 3 Titles – Children’s Fiction
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Top 3 Titles – Children’s DVDs
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Top 3 Titles – Teen Fiction
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