Library Hits of 2025
One of my favorite yearly library traditions is here. (Drumroll please…) It is time to reveal the top ten books checked out from the Fergus Falls Public Library in 2025! They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but judging by check-out numbers, these ten titles are absolute winners. Out of thousands of books on the shelves, these were the ones library-goers simply couldn’t put down. Curious if any of your favorites made the list? Read on for some guaranteed page-turners, and maybe even snag a few ideas for your 2026 reading list. Rest assured, these picks are worth the hype!
#10 “The Housemaid” by Freida McFadden
With the recent movie release, it is no surprise this book made the cut. In “The Housemaid,” Millie takes a job as a live-in maid for the wealthy Winchester family, hoping for a fresh start. She quickly discovers that all is not as it seems. As secrets, manipulation, and dangerous twists unfold, Millie has to outsmart the family to survive and take control of her own life. While I usually encourage people to read the book before watching the movie, I did not take my own advice and watched the movie a couple of weeks ago. No spoilers, but because I had no idea of the plot, I really enjoyed the movie. Now that I’m just starting the book, I’m eager to see how closely the movie adheres to the original story.
#9 “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
Last year, Hoover had three books in the top ten list, and “Verity” was one of those titles. In this dark and twisted thriller, Lowen moves into a famous author’s home to finish her books and discovers a shocking manuscript that changes everything. With lies, obsession, and danger lurking around every corner, nothing and no one is safe.
#8 “Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez
Published earlier this year, Jimenez’s book was the runner-up in the Goodreads Choice Award for the favorite romance novel of 2025. Samantha and Xavier have an instant connection, but distance challenges their commitment. As they navigate this journey, they discover that love is messy, beautiful, and worth the risk. Jimenez’s reputation for stories with humor, heart, and relatable struggles comes through in this novel, and I easily gave it four stars after finishing.
#7 “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball” by Jeff Kinney
When Greg’s house gets torn apart for a big remodel, every day feels like a disaster waiting to happen. Packed with ridiculous situations and Greg’s hilarious point of view, this book proves there’s never a dull moment in the Heffley household. Kinney recently published his 20th book in the “Wimpy Kid” series. Back in October, we participated in a virtual author visit through Scholastic’s Storyvoice program and hosted a Wimpy Kid party at the library. Kinney read some pages from his newest book and showed us his office space, where he gets his writing inspiration. Those who attended enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses from Kinney…almost as much as the party cupcakes they got to eat!
#6 “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros
If you think this book title looks familiar, I recently wrote about it in my column, published two weeks ago. As you can see, it was one of our more popular reads this past year. Dragons roar, dark armies rise, and Violet Sorrengail must fight for magic, survival, and the love of her life. Packed with breathtaking twists and a romance that blazes amid the chaos, this book will keep readers glued to every page.
#5 “Winter Garden” by Kristin Hannah
This 2010 novel amazed me the most in making the top ten list this year! Hannah’s popularity among our patrons is not surprising, especially once you see the number one book this year. In “Winter Garden,” Meredith and Nina confront their mother’s past and are pulled into a story of love, loss, and survival that spans decades. As the truth unfolds, the sisters learn to understand her and each other in ways that heal old wounds and forever reshape their family.
#4 “Spirit Crossing” by William Kent Krueger
Another popular author in our library system, I expected to see a book from Krueger in this list. The 20th book in the “Cork O’Connor” series finds retired sheriff Cork O’Connor drawn back into danger when a missing teen and a shallow grave reveal some dark secrets. In Iron Lake, every clue brings him closer to a chilling truth he can’t ignore.
#3 “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt
Haidt breaks down how growing up with smartphones, social media, and less free play is making today’s kids more anxious and stressed than ever. Packed with research and real-world insights, he also offers ideas for how families and communities can help kids grow up happier and healthier. This title won the Goodreads Choice Award for the favorite nonfiction read in 2024.
#2 “Dog Man” series & “Cat Kid Comic Club” series by Dav Pilkey
Both of these graphic novel series are so popular at the library that they filled eight of the top ten spots in the list this year. To provide more book variety, I combined them into one spot on the list. Packed with potty humor, heroic hijinks, and creative comic chaos, “Dog Man” and “Cat Kid Comic Club” are pure kid-approved fun. Pilkey mixes big laughs with big heart, making these series favorites for readers of all ages.
#1 “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
For the second year in a row, this title claimed the number one spot on the Fergus Library’s top ten list! With almost 100 checkouts and over 30 available books in our system (plus one book club kit), it is no surprise to see this book at the top again. Set during the Vietnam War, “The Women” follows a young nurse whose service overseas forever changes her life. It is a powerful tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and strength of women whose stories have long gone untold.
Have you been inspired to add a few fresh titles to your 2026 reading list? I’ve already read two of these books and am currently working on a third. I still haven’t tackled the #1 pick, despite its popularity. That one may have to move up in my book queue so I can see what all the buzz is about! Once again, thank you for being such an incredible book-loving community. And a special thank you to Kelly at Viking Headquarters for compiling the book stats for this article. Bring on 2026!
Krista Kugler is the Children’s Services Librarian at the Fergus Falls Public Library