Book-buster year for readers in City of Moreton Bay
Published 18 December 2025
- A roundup of City of Moreton Bay’s reading habits has revealed over 2 million books have been borrowed from the City’s library network over the past year
- Findings show locals are embracing the digital world with 800,000 digital books downloaded this year, up 28% from 2023
- Moreton Bay residents are encouraged to bookmark their next visit to the local library and join the fun this summer
City of Moreton Bay residents have turned the page on another book-buster year for reading, borrowing and downloading more than 2.3 million books across Moreton Bay’s library network.
Mayor Peter Flannery is excited by the buzz around reading and libraries across the City.
“Our libraries in City of Moreton Bay are thriving, and I’m thrilled at how increasingly popular they’re becoming. We lent 2.3 million books to our community over the past year, a substantial 7.5% increase from two years ago, proving our book lovers are showing no signs of slowing down,” Mayor Flannery said.
A big chapter of that growth is happening online, with readers embracing stories both on and off the pages. Digital downloads have surged 28% in the past two years, totalling nearly 800,000 eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks.
Mayor Peter Flannery is excited to see readers turning the page into the digital world while keeping their love of reading a priority.
“Our library app has seen strong engagement being used 1.4 million times since its launch in 2020, with almost half a million of those in the past 12 months alone.
“When it comes to most borrowed books, it’s clear our locals have their favourites with a string of mystery and thriller novels making their way onto the list.
“Lee Child’s In Too Deep topped the chart this year, with six authors reappearing from last year’s top 10, including Lee Child, Michael Connelly, David Baldacci and Harlan Coben.
“While we have book lovers living across our whole City, borrowing hotspots have been revealed with North Lakes Library loaning over 300,000 books this year, followed closely by Redcliffe Library and Arana Hills Library, with over 200,000 books loaned each.
“The data has also uncovered some quirky seasonal reading habits, with summer the peak season for visiting the library to borrow physical books, and winter prompting many to switch to the comfort of a good eBook or eAudiobook at home.”
And one of City of Moreton Bay’s libraries most popular annual traditions is back with the Summer Reading Club running from December to the end of January.
“Our Summer Reading Club is set to be a success yet again with a 5.5% increase in reading hours logged among participants last year. It’s a brilliant way for families to keep young minds active over the holidays, track their reading, and go in the draw for weekly prizes including book vouchers.”
“We’re proud to close out the year with a very full chapter and are lucky to have such a vibrant community making the most of our world-class libraries. With passionate and dedicated staff, and a year-round calendar of events and activities, I encourage everyone to bookmark their next visit to one of City of Moreton Bay’s libraries.”
Top 10 borrowed books over the past year:
- In Too Deep - Lee Child
- The Waiting - Michael Connelly
- To Die For - David Baldacci
- Think Twice - Harlan Coben
- River Song - Di Morrissey
- Identity Unknown - Patricia Daniels Cornwell
- We Solve Murders - Richard Osman
- Nobody's Fool - Harlan Coben
- Passions in Death - JD Robb
- The Valley - Chris Hammer
Top 10 digital loans over the past year:
- The Valley - Chris Hammer
- Here One Moment - Liane Moriarty
- Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros
- The Chilling - Riley James
- The One That Got Away - Karly Lane
- The Bluff - Joanna Jenkins
- The Ledge - Christian White
- The Call - Gavin Strawhan
- The Women - Kristin Hannah
- We Solve Murders - Richard Osman