Books Are Back: Howell Carnegie Library Sees Surge in Popularity
HOWELL — Books are making a triumphant return, and the Howell Carnegie Library is at the forefront of this resurgence. According to the Book Publishers Growth Report for 2024, book sales have surged across all formats—physical, ebook, and audiobook—over the past several years.
The Howell Carnegie Library is a testament to this trend. In 2024, the library welcomed 3.7% more in-person visitors compared to 2023, as reported by Library Director Holly Ward Lamb. Digital engagement also soared, with a 17.9% increase in website users.”Patrons are embracing both our physical and digital resources,” Lamb noted.
Looking ahead, the library plans to enhance accessibility and preserve its historic charm. Upcoming improvements include replacing the front steps and ramps with a snowmelt system, ensuring year-round convenience for visitors.
What’s Trending at the Library?
Here’s a snapshot of what patrons checked out most in 2024:
| Category | Top Trends |
|———————–|—————————————–|
| Physical Books | Adult fiction and non-fiction titles |
| Digital Resources | Ebooks and audiobooks |
| Community Events | Book sales and tax assistance programs |
The library’s Friends of the Library Book Sale continues to be a hit, offering hardcovers for $1.00, paperbacks for $0.50, and children’s books for just $0.25. Proceeds directly support library programs and events, fostering a vibrant community hub.
As the Howell Carnegie Library evolves, it remains a cornerstone of literacy and learning. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or a newcomer, there’s never been a better time to explore its offerings. Visit today and discover why books are back in a big way.
Must-Read Books of 2025: A Sneak Peek at Upcoming Releases
The literary world is buzzing with anticipation as publishers unveil their 2025 release schedules.From gripping thrillers to heartwarming romances, the lineup promises something for every reader. Here’s a curated look at the most anticipated titles, month by month.
January: A Magical Start
Kicking off the year is “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros, the latest installment in her acclaimed fantasy series. Fans of Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” will undoubtedly be eager to dive back into her richly imagined world. Also releasing in january is “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix, a darkly comedic tale that blends horror and humor in Hendrix’s signature style.
Febuary: A Tale of Intrigue
February brings “Scythe and Sparrow” by Brynne weaver, a romantic thriller that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Weaver’s knack for weaving suspense with emotional depth makes this a must-read for fans of the genre.
march: A Month of Thrills
March is packed with releases, starting with “Kills Well With Others” by Deanna Raybourn, a ancient mystery that showcases Raybourn’s talent for crafting intricate plots. John Sandford’s “Lethal Prey” continues his popular Prey series, delivering the high-stakes action his readers crave.
Suzanne Collins, author of “the Hunger Games”, returns with “Sunrise on the Reaping”, a dystopian novel that’s already generating buzz. PT Deuterman’s “The Second Sun” offers a gripping military thriller, while Stephen Graham Jones’ “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” blends horror and folklore in a uniquely unsettling way. Rounding out the month is “Vanishing Daughters” by Cynthia Pelayo, a chilling exploration of family secrets and supernatural forces.
April: Heartwarming Reads
April’s releases include “Great Big Beautiful Life” by emily Henry, a poignant romance that’s sure to tug at heartstrings. Nita Prose’s “The Maid’s Secret” continues the story of her beloved protagonist, Molly, in a mystery that’s both clever and touching. Abby jimenez’s “Say You’ll remember Me” is another romantic gem, while “The How Not to Age Cookbook” by Dr. Michael Greger offers practical advice for healthy living.
May: A Mystery to Solve
May brings “The Missing Half” by Ashley Flowers, a true crime-inspired novel that delves into the complexities of justice and family. Flowers, co-host of the “Crime Junkie” podcast, brings her expertise to this gripping story.
Top Digital Reads of the Year
In addition to these upcoming releases, several digital titles are dominating the charts. Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” continues to captivate readers with its powerful storytelling, while Rebecca Yarros’ “Fourth Wing” remains a fan favorite.Bonnie Garmus’ “Lessons in Chemistry” is another standout, blending humor and heart in a tale of resilience and reinvention.
Key Releases at a Glance
| Month | Title | Author |
|————|——————————-|————————–|
| January | “Onyx Storm” | Rebecca Yarros |
| January | “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” | Grady Hendrix |
| February | “Scythe and Sparrow” | Brynne Weaver |
| March | “Kills Well With Others” | Deanna Raybourn |
| March | “Lethal Prey” | John Sandford |
| March | “Sunrise on the Reaping” | Suzanne Collins |
| March | “The Second Sun” | PT Deuterman |
| March | “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” | Stephen Graham Jones |
| March | “vanishing Daughters” | Cynthia Pelayo |
| april | “Great big Beautiful Life” | Emily Henry |
| April | “The maid’s Secret” | Nita Prose |
| April | “Say You’ll Remember Me” | Abby Jimenez |
| April | “The How Not to Age Cookbook” | Dr. Michael Greger |
| May | “the Missing Half” | Ashley Flowers |
Don’t Miss Out
With such an exciting lineup, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for book lovers. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers, romance, or thought-provoking fiction, these releases are sure to keep your reading list full. Be sure to mark your calendars and pre-order your favorites to secure your copy on release day!
What book are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which titles you’ll be adding to your TBR pile!
the most Checked-Out Books of 2024: A Nationwide Reading Trend
In 2024, readers across the nation flocked to libraries to dive into captivating stories, as revealed by Syndetics Unbound, an online catalog system for libraries. The data highlights the top 10 most checked-out books of the year, showcasing a mix of romance, fantasy, and gripping thrillers that captured the hearts of readers.
The Top 10 Most Checked-Out Books of 2024
According to Syndetics unbound, the list of the most borrowed books in 2024 is dominated by a blend of established bestsellers and emerging favorites. here’s a closer look at the titles that resonated most with readers:
- “The Women” by Kristin hannah
- “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
- “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
- “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover
- “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
- “Remarkably Radiant Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
- “First Lie Wins” by Ashley Elston
- “Funny Story” by Emily Henry
- “The Knight and the Moth” by Rachel Gillig
- “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
These titles span a variety of genres, from Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction to Rebecca Yarros’s fantasy epic Fourth Wing, which has become a cultural phenomenon. Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses continues to dominate the fantasy genre, while Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us remains a staple in contemporary romance.
A Year of Diverse Reading
The 2024 list reflects the diverse tastes of readers. Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid and Ashley Elston’s First Lie Wins brought suspense and intrigue to the forefront, while Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures charmed readers with its heartwarming narrative.Emily Henry’s Funny Story and Rachel Gillig’s The Knight and the Moth added a touch of humor and whimsy to the mix.Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Atmosphere rounded out the list, solidifying her reputation as a master of emotionally resonant storytelling.
Upcoming Releases to Watch
Beyond the most checked-out books, 2024 also saw anticipation build for several upcoming releases. R.F. Kuang’s Katabasis, Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham’s The Academy, and the untitled fifth installment of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series are among the titles generating buzz. Louise Penny’s The Black Wolf also made waves, promising another gripping mystery for fans of the genre.
Summary of Key Titles
| Title | Author | Genre |
|——————————–|————————–|——————–|
| The Women | Kristin Hannah | Historical Fiction |
| Fourth Wing | Rebecca Yarros | Fantasy |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses | Sarah J. Maas | Fantasy |
| It Ends With Us | Colleen Hoover | Contemporary Romance|
| The Housemaid | Freida McFadden | Thriller |
| Remarkably Bright Creatures | Shelby Van Pelt | Literary Fiction |
| First Lie Wins | ashley Elston | Thriller |
| Funny Story | Emily Henry | Romantic Comedy |
| The Knight and the Moth | Rachel Gillig | Fantasy |
| Atmosphere | Taylor Jenkins Reid | Literary Fiction |
What’s Next for Readers?
As we look ahead, the trends of 2024 suggest that readers are drawn to stories that offer escapism, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, or thrillers, there’s something for everyone in this year’s most checked-out books.
What will 2025 bring? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the love for great storytelling continues to thrive.
explore these titles at your local library or bookstore, and join the conversation about your favorite reads of 2024!Howell Carnegie Library Reveals 2024’s Most-Read Books: ”Iron Flame” Takes the Spotlight
The Howell Carnegie District Library has unveiled its list of the most-read books of 2024, and Rebecca Yarros’ Iron Flame has emerged as a standout favorite among readers. This eagerly anticipated sequel captivated audiences,solidifying its place as a must-read in the literary world.
The library’s annual report highlights the community’s reading trends,showcasing a diverse range of genres and authors that resonated with patrons throughout the year. Iron Flame, the second installment in Yarros’ Empyrean series, has been praised for its gripping narrative and richly developed characters, making it a top pick for readers of all ages.
the 2024 Summer Reading Challenge also played a significant role in boosting engagement, encouraging readers to explore new titles and revisit classics. With programs designed for all ages,the library continues to foster a love for reading and lifelong learning.
Here’s a quick look at the key highlights from the library’s 2024 reading report:
| Category | Details |
|————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Most-Read Book | iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros |
| Reading Challenge | Summer Reading 2024 |
| Library Programs | Events for all ages, including book clubs and author talks |
The library’s commitment to promoting literacy and community engagement remains unwavering. As Tess Ware of the Livingston Daily notes, “The Howell Carnegie Library continues to be a cornerstone of our community, offering resources and programs that inspire readers of all ages.”
for those eager to dive into the most popular titles of 2024, the library’s catalog is available online at Howell Carnegie Library Catalog. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, mystery, or non-fiction, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As we look ahead to 2025, the Howell Carnegie District Library remains dedicated to bringing the joy of reading to its community. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting programs in the coming year!
