Find your top summer reads for free at Staffordshire Libraries
Staffordshire’s libraries are sharing their top book recommendations for the summer months and holiday getaways.
Amongst their top picks are the ever-popular crime and thriller genres, which dominated the list of the most borrowed books for adults last year.
Thriller recommendations range from new releases, such as this year’s ‘Nobody’s Fool’ by Harlan Coben, to old classics like Gillian Flynn’s ‘Gone Girl’. Richard Osman’s ‘Thursday Murder Club’ four-book series, which claimed the top four spots in the list of 2024’s most borrowed books remains hugely popular.
If it’s biographies people are looking for, libraries have a huge choice, including movie star Al Pacino’s 2024 memoir ‘Sonny Boy’ and the late Pope Francis’ ‘Hope: an autobiography’ released this year.
Always a popular genre is romance. Jojo Moyes’ new book, ‘We All Live Here’ is available, as is an enormous portion of her romantic bibliography for those wanting to explore her work further. Romance and fantasy also continues to grow in popularity. The novels of Sarah J Mass, a giant in the genre, and the recent works by Sue Lynn Tan that includes this year’s ‘Immortal’ continue to fly off the shelves.
All titles are available to borrow free of charge for up to three weeks and last year more than two million titles were issued across physical books and e-lending.
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said: “Our libraries are an incredible resource for accessing great reads, whether the newest releases or older classics.
“Through our summer recommendations, we hope to encourage old and new readers alike to either visit the library and choose a book for themselves or browse the huge selection of e-books and audiobooks online. Reading has huge benefits, is great for learning and entertainment and can improve your mental health. If you’re not already a member of your local library, now’s a great time to join. And remember, there’s lots for children as well.”
Libraries also have a huge range of titles to keep children of all ages entertained. From classics by Charles Dickins, to Julia Donaldson, David Walliams or Jeff Kinney, there will be something for all tastes.
And, for lovers of books who are struggling to find time or luggage space, Staffordshire Libraries also offers e-books and audiobooks. A vast array of titles can be found on Borrowbox, the council’s e-book and audiobook service.
Joining the library is free and people can see a full list of titles on the online library catalogue.
