// BBC ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS — MODA & SOCIETÀ
What books had people turning pages and turning up the volume this year?
Books with "short chapters" and include "catchy, racy" themes seem to be most popular
Thrillers, self-help books and Harry Potter were among the favourites for readers in Northern Ireland this year, according to Libraries NI.
For those who prefered to listen to their fiction, Freida McFadden had eight of her titles featuring in the top 10 adult fiction audiobooks borrowed.
Jillian McFrederick from Libraries NI said books with "short chapters" and "catchy, racy" themes seemed to be most popular.
But when it came to younger readers, there was little change with Harry Potter continuing to be popular - almost 30 years after the release of the first book.
This week marks Book Week - a joint initiative between BBC NI and Libraries NI and celebrates books, reading and libraries and everything that they make possible.
The data provided by Libraries NI covers a 12-month period from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026.
Jillian McFrederick from Libraries NI said books with "short chapters" seem to be most popular
Audiobooks led the way this year with more downloads than physical book loans.
The Housemaid by McFadden was the most listened to, with only Romantasy favourite Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and The Pumpkin Spiced Café by Laurie Gilmore breaking McFadden's hold on the chart.