Queens is formally essentially the most bookish borough.
The World’s Borough library system noticed the most important surge in e-book checkouts from final yr to this yr — as bookworms throughout the Queens Public Library’s 66 areas consumed almost 11 million books, magazines and films throughout the 2025 fiscal yr, The Submit has discovered.
That’s a 24% surge from the 8.7 checked out in 2024.
That additionally doesn’t rely the social programming, academic instruments and laptop utilization charges, the latter of which additionally reached report numbers final yr at QPL.
“Whereas e-book borrowing is central to QPL’s mission, it represents just one dimension of our work,” defined Lisi de Bourbon, a spokesperson for the Queens system.
“The expansion in library card registrations, and use of e-content, computer systems and Wi-Fi mirror the rising demand for these providers in New York Metropolis. Even when a card is just not used for conventional borrowing, it supplies entry to a variety of assets that advance fairness, alternative, and group connection.”
QPL additionally welcomed 114,944 new cardholders this yr, a 7% bounce from final yr, however its 1.6 million-strong membership base nonetheless makes it the smallest of the Massive Apple’s three programs, information from the mayor’s administration report reveals.
The New York Public Library, the well-known system with 92 areas throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, noticed a slight dip in its circulation charge in 2025 — primarily hovering at 17 million books.
However NYPL welcomed 447,636 new members, a 23% bounce from final yr’s cardholders to convey the brand new whole to 2,375,000.
Equally, the Brooklyn Public Library solely noticed a small 2% enhance in its circulation.
Brooklyn readers checked out about 9.7 million books final yr, which is considerably decrease than QPL’s circulation regardless of the Kings County department boasting a a lot bigger membership base.
There are 1,728,000 BPL members, about 202,800 of whom joined final yr for a 13% enhance.
The information point out that New York and Brooklyn library readers have gotten extra drawn to the cultural hub for its social applications, cooling facilities and even reductions a library card gives.
A library card opens the doorways to a department’s free WiFi, laptop and printing entry, in addition to its multitude of programming, like storytimes for kids, job assist, expertise coaching, ESOL lessons, GED prep and extra.
The entire New York Public Library areas throughout the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, in addition to a number of Brooklyn and Queens areas, additionally served as cooling facilities throughout summer time warmth waves.
Moreover, a library card at any of the three programs additionally doubles as a Tradition Move — that means members can go to greater than 100 museums, theaters, gardens and extra free of charge simply by flashing their card.
“We’re not shocked to see extra New Yorkers signing up for library playing cards — individuals acknowledge that the Library is each an important group useful resource and a spot for discovery,” NYPL spokesperson Connor Goodwin mentioned in an announcement, including that circulation” representations simply “a fraction of what we do.”
“Will increase in numerous varieties of library utilization—laptop periods, department visits, reference queries—mirror how dynamic trendy public libraries might be and we’re working onerous to proceed that upward development. Moreover following our full funds restoration, we’ve been in a position to increase service, together with opening newly renovated branches and including extra Sunday service, in addition to enhance our collections.”
