Crime fiction continues to dominate borrowing across Staffordshire libraries, with familiar authors once again filling the most borrowed lists for 2025.
New figures show readers returning to long running series and trusted names, while children’s borrowing remains led by picture books and well known favourites.
Crime fiction still leads adult borrowing
Richard Osman tops the adult fiction list for the fourth year in a row, with We Solve Murders named Staffordshire Libraries’ most borrowed adult book of 2025. His Thursday Murder Club series continues to perform strongly, accounting for several places in the top ten.
Ann Cleeves follows closely in third place with The Dark Wives, the latest novel in her Vera Stanhope series, while Lee Child’s Jack Reacher returns to the list with In Too Deep.
Several new releases also appear in the rankings, including Michael Connelly’s The Waiting, Robert Harris’ Precipice and You Are Here by David Nicholls.
Top ten adult fiction borrowed books
- Richard Osman, We Solve Murders
- Richard Osman, The Last Devil to Die
- Ann Cleeves, The Dark Wives
- Lee Child, In Too Deep
- Michael Connelly, The Waiting
- Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club
- Richard Osman, The Bullet That Missed
- Richard Osman, The Man Who Died Twice
- Robert Harris, Precipice
- David Nicholls, You Are Here
Children’s borrowing led by familiar favourites
Children’s books continue to be dominated by household names, with Julia Donaldson claiming five of the ten most borrowed children’s titles across Staffordshire libraries in 2025.
For the second year running, What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside takes the top spot, reflecting the ongoing popularity of Donaldson’s picture books with younger readers.
The list also includes titles by Jamie Smart, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney and J.K. Rowling, highlighting a mix of picture books, graphic novels and longer reads.
Top ten children’s books borrowed
- Julia Donaldson, What the Ladybird Heard at the Seaside
- Julia Donaldson, The Hospital Dog
- Julia Donaldson, The Singing Mermaid
- Jamie Smart, Bunny vs Monkey and the Human Invasion!
- Julia Donaldson, The Baddies
- Julia Donaldson, Tiddler
- Roald Dahl, Fantastic Mr Fox
- Jeff Kinney, The Last Straw
- Jamie Smart, Bunny vs Monkey
- J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Libraries remain part of everyday life
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said,
“It’s great to see our libraries inspiring so many readers and once again it’s crime and thriller novels that are capturing people’s imaginations.
“Libraries are at the heart of our communities, offering both books and a welcoming space for everyone. We’d encourage people to visit their local library, check out the amazing things going on there and have a read of some of the books that so many of our visitors have been borrowing.”
In Stone, the library continues to serve as a regular stop for families, older readers and casual browsers, with borrowing figures reflecting tastes seen across the county.
