Uncovering 2024’s Literary Trends: Romantasy and Memoirs in Libraries

Public libraries in 2024 are witnessing a surge in ‘romantasy’ and memoir genres, reflecting readers’ dual appetite for escapism and authenticity.

At a Glance

Hennepin County Library reports over 11.3 million checkouts through November 2024
‘Romantasy’ genre and indie publisher titles gain popularity among readers
“The River We Remember” and “The Women” top the most borrowed list
E-book availability challenges persist due to publisher restrictions
Comforting reads trend continues from 2023 into 2024

Romantasy Takes Flight in 2024

The literary landscape of 2024 has been markedly shaped by the rising tide of ‘romantasy’, a genre blending romance and fantasy. This trend is evident in the borrowing patterns at public libraries across the nation, with readers gravitating towards stories that offer both escapism and emotional resonance. Hennepin County Library, a bellwether for national reading trends, has reported a significant uptick in the popularity of romantasy titles.

Kay Yang Cha, a librarian at Hennepin County, observed the shift, stating, “A quick analysis of the top titles from the year shows us that the “romantasy” category, as well as more stories and more voices from indie publishers, have been growing in popularity.” This trend underscores the evolving tastes of readers who seek immersive experiences that transport them to fantastical realms while exploring deep emotional connections.

Memoirs: A Window to Authenticity

Alongside the rise of romantasy, memoirs continue to hold a significant place in readers’ hearts. These personal narratives offer a raw, unfiltered look into real-life experiences, satisfying the public’s craving for authenticity. The enduring popularity of titles like “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, which remained a top non-fiction pick in both 2023 and 2024, exemplifies this trend.

“I think people are just looking for something that’s going to comfort them a little bit,” says Roosevelt Weeks from Fort Bend County library system, highlighting the emotional resonance that both romantasy and memoirs provide to readers seeking solace and connection in turbulent times. – Source

Digital vs. Physical: The Ongoing Battle

The digital revolution in reading continues to evolve, with e-books playing a crucial role in library circulation. However, challenges persist. Quinn McQueen from Salt Lake City Library pointed out the difficulties libraries face with e-book availability due to publisher restrictions. This hurdle has not dampened the overall enthusiasm for digital content, as evidenced by the popularity of e-book titles like Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” at Hennepin County Library.

“Sometimes libraries can be a little behind,” McQueen notes, highlighting the ongoing struggle to keep up with rapidly changing reader preferences and technological advancements.

Diversity in Reading Habits

While certain titles dominate the most-borrowed lists, it’s crucial to note that these represent only a fraction of overall circulation. Brian Bannon from the New York Public Library emphasizes this point: “Even though we published our top ten, none of these books made up more than 1% of our overall circulation.” This diversity in reading habits reflects the broad spectrum of interests within communities and the vital role libraries play in catering to varied tastes.

The inclusion of “Time Is A Mother” by Ocean Vuong as the most-borrowed poetry collection at the New York Public Library further illustrates the breadth of genres finding favor among readers in 2024.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the trends of 2024 suggest a reading public seeking both escape and grounding. The popularity of romantasy and memoirs in public libraries not only reflects current tastes but also shapes future literary landscapes. Libraries continue to adapt, balancing the demand for digital and physical books while nurturing a diverse reading culture that spans genres and formats.

Scott Duimstra of Hennepin County Library sums up the positive outlook: “Hennepin County readers love their library system and are on track to surpass last year’s circulation numbers.” This enthusiasm for reading, coupled with libraries’ efforts to meet evolving needs, promises a vibrant future for literature and community engagement in the years to come.