2025 Friends of HCL Reading Survey Results

Books covers rain down, blossoming with flowers and stars.

What was the best book you read in 2024?

Two stacks of books with titles of frequently mentioned titles including "The Women" by Kristin Hannah, "James" by Percival Everett. and "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese.
A dog lounges on his back with an open book.

Which genre/s would you like to read more of in 2025?

A stack of books next to the results: #1 Literary fiction, #2 Historical Fiction, #3 Nonfiction, #4 Memoir, #5 Mystery, #6 Fantasy, #7 Romance, #8 Science Fiction, #9 Poetry, #10 Other
Person listens to an audiobook with headphones, closes their eyes and smiles.

What book format did you read most frequently? 

A pie chart displays the results: Paper books 61.6%, Audiobooks 16.2%, eBooks 22.2%
Two readers sit back to back in funky colors, books open.

How do you plan to use your library in 2025?

A librarian shelves books beside the answers to this question: #1 Attend a book club, #2 Visit a new HCL location, #3 Check out more books, #4 Access the technology, #5 Spend time in meeting rooms, #6 Volunteer, #7 Get a recommendation from a librarian.
A penguin contemplates a stack of books.

What was your favorite takeaway from a book in 2024?

You don't have to be a perfect person to deserve a happy ending.

History is destined to repeat itself unless we actively interrupt the cycles.

You’re never too old to try something new.

Tell the truth.

A collection of outstretched arms hold books of different colors.

How many books do you hope to read in 2025?

A bookcase functions as a bar graph with the results: 51+ 40%, 11-20 16%, 21-30 15%, 31-40 13%, 41-50 12%, 1-10 4%.
Books rain down like confetti,

Where did you look to discover your next read?

A bubble map showcases the results: #1 Personal Recommendations, #2 Articles + Blogs, #3 Social Media, #4 Library Displays, #5 Just browsing!
Three readers look forward, filled with hope and imagination.

Where did you pick up your books most often?

A bar graph created by stacks of books displays the answers: 69% at the library, 16% local shop, 11% online purchase, 5% other, 2% friend/family, 1% free little library.
Two readers discuss their ideas over a shared eBook.

How do you hope to engage with your literary community next year?

A woman illustrated with thought bubbles that represent responses: #1 visit a local bookstore, #2 attend an author talk, #3 participate in a book club, #4 read/write reviews, #5 share on social media, #6 take a writing class.
A woman lays on her back reading, ideas and doodles spill from her mind.

Why do you read?

Flowers bloom from a book which read common responses: "to be entertained," "to experience new things," "to relax," "to escape," "to live many lives," "to learn something."
One person hands a book to another.

Did you have any memorable experiences at the library last year?

Visiting Franklin library for the first time and discovery their wealth of Native art and resources.”

My local librarians were kind enough to start copying the crossword puzzle after they saw me doing it every week!  It was thoughtful and helped me feel as though I was part of a community.

Library at Maple Grove provided a place for a literary club for an Indian language called “Kannada”. We are thankful for that.

I printed out my novel manuscript over seven weeks, fifty pages at a time. I really appreciated being able to watch the pages pile up & to have a physical place for my edits. I love free printing at the library.

Thank you Friend!

Thank you for your interest in our Friends reading survey!

To find your next favorite read, visit our library’s website today.