WORCESTER—If popularity is measured by how fast a book disappears from the shelf, Worcester readers made their preferences loud and clear in 2025.
The Worcester Public Library loaned more than 600,000 items over the past year, according to library officials, and staff have compiled a snapshot of the titles readers reached for most often — broken down by kids, teens and adults.
“At Worcester Public Library, we remain focused on connecting our patrons with the books that matter to them, whether it’s a blockbuster bestseller, a cherished children’s series, or the latest installment in a popular graphic novel,” said Tressa Santillo, director for library innovation and public services, in a statement. “With more than 600,000 items borrowed in 2025, this year’s top checkouts offer a clear snapshot of the titles that engaged readers of all ages across our community.”
Kids: familiar favorites dominate
For younger readers, it was a year of well-loved series, with Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” and Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” accounting for all ten of the most-borrowed children’s titles. Leading the list was “Dog Man: Big Jim Begins,” followed closely by multiple Wimpy Kid installments, including “No Brainer” and “Hot Mess.”
Teens: manga, dystopia and romance
Teen readers gravitated toward a mix of graphic novels, fantasy and contemporary fiction. Manga titles such as “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Demon Slayer” appeared repeatedly on the top-ten list, alongside Suzanne Collins’ “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” and Nicola Yoon’s “Everything, Everything.”
Adults: bestsellers and page-turners
Among adult readers, bestselling novels topped the charts. Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” ranked first, followed by titles from Emily Henry, Jojo Moyes and David Baldacci. Familiar names such as Michael Connelly and James Patterson also claimed multiple spots on the list.
In addition to print books, Worcester residents checked out more than 278,000 ebooks and audiobooks in 2025. Library officials note that patrons can sign up for a free ecard through CW MARS and download digital titles directly to their phone or tablet.
Top 10 most borrowed books of 2025
Kids
- Dog Man: Big Jim Begins — Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: No Brainer — Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess — Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man: Grime and Punishment — Dav Pilkey
- Dog Man: Mothering Heights — Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde — Jeff Kinney
- Cat Kid Comic Club: Influencers — Dav Pilkey
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal — Jeff Kinney
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Deep End — Jeff Kinney
- Dog Man — Dav Pilkey
Teens
- Everything, Everything — Nicola Yoon
- Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1 — Gege Akutami
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu Academy, Vol. 1 — Natsuki Hokami
- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — Suzanne Collins
- Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 2 — Gege Akutami
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1 — Koyoharu Gotouge
- Blue Lock, Vol. 1 — Muneyuki Kaneshiro
- Spy x Family, Vol. 1 — Tatsuya Endō
- Solo — Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu Academy, Vol. 2 — Natsuki Hokami
Adults
- The Women — Kristin Hannah
- Great Big Beautiful Life — Emily Henry
- We All Live Here — Jojo Moyes
- Strangers in Time — David Baldacci
- The Waiting — Michael Connelly
- The God of the Woods — Liz Moore
- Nightshade — Michael Connelly
- Lies He Told Me — James Patterson and David Ellis
- The Writer — James Patterson and J.D. Barker
- Remarkably Bright Creatures — Shelby Van Pelt
