Most Circulated Adult Books of 2024

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to thank the thousands of visitors who stopped by one of our 19 branches this year. Whether you participated in one of our programs, used our digital library or checked out one of the eight million physical items that were circulated in fiscal year 2024, we can’t do it without you. Baltimore County is a community of diverse readers, but there are a few books that quickly rose to the top of the charts and created an extensive hold list due to their popularity. 2024’s most circulated books include a female chemist of the 1960s trying to make it in a male’s profession, techniques for living longer and a memoir with an unusual title.  

For the second year in a row, Bonnie Garmus’ "Lessons in Chemistry" found itself in the list of most checked-out fiction books, this year taking the top spot with more than 1,850 people checking it out. The novel, which debuted in 2022, also spent weeks on "The New York Times" bestsellers list and was Barnes and Noble’s Book of the Year for 2022. Collection Development Manager Jamie Watson credits Hollywood for keeping the book on top of the charts.  

“The popularity of 'Lessons in Chemistry' likely bolstered to the top of the charts again because of the Apple TV+ series. The second most checked out book, Kristin Hannah’s 'The Women,' was optioned for a film by Warner Bros., so it may be around for a bit longer too,” said Watson. “I love how often a show or movie makes people want to read the book first (or after!).” 

On the topic of Hollywood, America’s obsession with Prince Harry and Britney Spears kept their memoirs in the top five most checked-out nonfiction books for a second year in a row. However, "Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia claimed the number one spot, with more than 600 borrows.

Top Circulated Books

Top Five Adult Fiction Books Circulated in 2024

  1. "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus 
  2. "The Women" by Kristin Hannah 
  3. "Think Twice" by Harlan Coben 
  4. "The Exchange" by John Grisham 
  5. "Resurrection Walk" by Michael Connelly 

Top Five Adult Nonfiction Books Circulated in 2024

  1. "Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity" by Peter Attia 
  2. "Spare" by Prince Harry 
  3. "The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War" by Erik Larson 
  4. "The Woman in Me" by Britney Spears 
  5. "Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones" by James Clear 

Top Circulated Books in Other Categories

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Don’t miss your chance to discover these top titles! Head into any of our branches to grab a physical copy or sign up for an ecard to instantly start using our digital library. If you’re looking for something more obscure than the top five, visit the service desk to get staff recommendations or try the Be Surprised Bundles, where staff pick out books or other materials based on your interests and reading history.

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