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Australia Reads: National library borrowing trends

10th March 2026

Australia Reads 2025 reveals the nation’s most borrowed books: “The Unquiet Grave” by Dervla McTiernan takes the top spot

Nearly 30 million borrows reveal what Australia is reading and what to pick up next

  • Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory stands out as a leading non‑fiction title

  • Crime fiction dominats, with seven of the Top 10 titles in the genre

  • Australian authors secure nearly half of the Top 20 spots.

Now in its tenth year, Australia Reads, formerly the Civica Library Index, analysed borrowing data across regional and metropolitan libraries using Spydus in Australia between January and December 2025.

This year's results show that nearly half of the Top 20 most borrowed books were written by Australian authors, continuing a strong trend seen over recent years. It was Dervla McTiernan's The Unquiet Grave, however, that clinched the top spot.

The Unquiet Grave leads a crime-heavy list, with Michael Connelly's Nightshade and Lee Child's In Too Deep following closely.

Mel Robbins' The Let Them Theory stands out as the leading non-fiction title, a sign that Australian readers are reaching beyond fiction at their local library.

Steve Smith,

Education Leader Civica APAC

Australia Reads gives us an invaluable window into the stories that resonate with communities nationwide. Through our Spydus library management platform, we’re proud to support libraries with the technology and insights that help them better understand their members, anticipate demand, and champion the vital role reading plays in lifelong learning. This year’s results show just how strongly Australians connect with their local libraries - and the power of great storytelling to bring people together. 

About Australia Reads:

Australia Reads - formerly the Civica Library Index - is an annual analysis of book-borrowing trends from libraries nationwide, reflecting a broader commitment to celebrating reading culture and promoting literacy across Australia. It is supported by Spydus, Civica's integrated library management platform used by more than 1,500 libraries globally, which brings together borrowing data at scale to help libraries across ANZ better understand and serve their communities.

Top 20 Most Borrowed Books: Australia Reads 2025

  1. The Unquiet Grave (2025) — Dervla McTiernan

  2. Nightshade (2025) — Michael Connelly

  3. In Too Deep (2024) — Lee Child

  4. We Solve Murders (2024) — Richard Osman

  5. Strangers in Time (2025) — David Baldacci

  6. Nobody's Fool (2025) — Harlan Coben

  7. Here One Moment (2024) — Liane Moriarty

  8. The Let Them Theory (2024) — Mel Robbins

  9. Great Big Beautiful Life (2025) — Emily Henry

  10. The Waiting (2024) — Michael Connelly

  11. Hidden Nature (2025) — Nora Roberts

  12. The White Crow (2025) — Michael Robotham

  13. Lyrebird (2025) — Jane Caro

  14. The Tenant (2025) — Freida McFadden

  15. Scary Time! (2024) — Anh Do

  16. Weird Power! (2025) — Anh Do

  17. Intermezzo (2024) — Sally Rooney

  18. Blood Pact (2025) — Fiona McIntosh

  19. The Prospect (2025) — Fleur McDonald

  20. The Valley (2024) — Chris Hammer

About Spydus

The Spydus Integrated Library Management Solution is used by more than 1,500 libraries around the world. Our new Spydus SaaS version increases library efficiency by harnessing cloud technology. With the transition to Spydus SaaS after four decades of serving libraries, it now presents an impressive array of features. From user-friendly cataloguing tools to streamlined circulation processes, inventory management, patron oversight and an integrated app, Spydus SaaS transforms library operations for the better. Civica is a leading library management system provider for public libraries and education institutions across the world with customers across Australia, New Zealand, North America Singapore and the UK. Interested to know more about Spydus, contact us today at  Spydus Product Enquiry.