What Are the Most Checked Out Books in the New York Library?

Iris | 10 - 07 - 2020
What Are the Most Checked Out Books in the New York Library

The New York Public Library is the third largest library in the world. It is located in New York. The NYPL has many books and novels but there are some best New York Library Books which are people’s favorite and they borrow it often. As the New York Public Library stepped into its 125th-year, to make that day more special the library system decided to calculate the most checked out books in New York Public Library. Let’s explore the top 10 popular library books in the New York Public Library.

1. The Snowy Day 

With 485,583 checkouts, this cute charming book is a favorite among kids and grown-ups. The book is beautifully illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats in 1962 which describes the tale of the delightful journey of a small boy enjoying a snowy day. This science-fiction fantasy book was banned from being overly religious.

2. The Cat in the Hat 

The Cat in the Hat is a children’s book written by Theodor Geisel and published in 1957. Whereas Dr. Seuss is the name of the pen, he published the book under this name. The story revolves around the tall anthropomorphic cat who wears a red and white- striped hat and a red bow tie. Since parents read it fondly to their children it has 469,650 checkouts.

When Was the New York Public Library Founded?
  • A. May 23, 1985
  • B. June 13, 1985
  • C. July 23, 1986
  • D. August 13, 1986

3. 1984

George Orwell’s novel, 1984 was written in the aftermath of World War II, during tense and shifting political climates. Totalitarianism is one of the major themes of the novel. The 1984 novels come in third with 441,770 checkouts.

4. Where the Wild Things Are 

With 436,016 checkouts, this book is popular among both kids and grown-ups. Where the Wild Things Are is the heartwarming story of a young boy named Max and his adventures written by Maurice Bernard Sendak in 1963. He won the annual Caldecott Medal from the children’s Librarians in 1964.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960. This novel was successful among middle and high school students in the United States. To Kill a Mockingbird novel has a bit of cultural peer pressure which made it to 422,912 checkouts.

6. Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is a children’s classic relatable story accessible to all ages printed in 1952 by E.B.White. It is a story about the friendship between the livestock pig named Wilbur and a barn spider named Charlotte. As no one ever forgets this story, this book has been checked out 337,948 times.  

7. Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451 is a dystopian novel written by Ray Bradbury and published in 1953. This book’s title explains the temperature at which the book paper catches fire and burns. Unlike most science fiction, this novel addresses the complex themes of censorship, freedom, and technology. The Fahrenheit 451 novel is one of the library’s most popular titles with  316,404 checkouts.

8. How to Win Friends and Influence People

Since 1936, one of the best selling books of all time is Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. It is always recommended for people who are looking to improve their life and work. Although its circulation peaked years ago, it still generates 284,524 checkouts as new readers look for the self-help book.

9.  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

The only book in the late 1990s which could crack an all-time top with 231,022 checkouts list is J.K.Rowling’s epic fantasy series about a boy wizard and his fight against evil was so enormously popular when it was released in the U.S in 1998.

10. The Very Hungry Caterpillar

With 189,550 checkouts, this book is popular among librarians and teachers because of its interactive nature and unique format. This book was written by Eric Carle describes the story of the little caterpillar who is always hungry. Its bright, bold, and colorful artwork is intriguing and exciting to young children which makes them read often.

We all read and explore many different types of books and novels. But at the end of the day, everybody has their favorite book. Explore the New York top 10 books from the largest and most iconic public library, NYPL.

Read Next