What did the greater Gloucester community read in 2025? According to annual circulation data from the Sawyer Free Library, readers once again gravitated toward powerful storytelling, beloved series, and nationally celebrated bestsellers – across all ages and formats.
Topping the adult fiction list for the second year in a row is Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving novel The Women, which continues to resonate strongly with Sawyer Free Library patrons. Readers also followed national reading trends, checking out popular titles such as We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes and Three Days in June by Anne Tyler.
As in years past, graphic novels and favorite series dominated youth reading. Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man titles once again proved wildly popular with younger readers, alongside cherished picture books by Mo Willems.
“The books our community borrowed in 2025 reflect a shared curiosity and a love of reading that spans generations,” said Sawyer Free Library Director Jenny Benedict. “With the exciting opening of our newly reimagined library, we’re seeing renewed energy and engagement from readers of all ages, as people return to discover new stories, connect with one another, and make the Library a part of their everyday lives.”
Sawyer Free Library’s Most Checked-Out Books of 2025
Top 5 Adult Fiction
The Women by Kristin Hannah
We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
Top 5 Adult Nonfiction
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
Gloucester’s Own: Stories From America’s First Fishing Village by Andrew Joyce
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson
The Forever Young Cookbook: More Than 100 Delicious Recipes for Living Your Longest, Healthiest Life by Mark Hyman
Top Teen Fiction
Surprisingly Sarah by Terri Libenson
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Betting on You by Lynn Painter
The Squad by Christina Soontornvat
Top 5 Children’s Books
Dog Man: The Scarlet Shredder by Dav Pilkey
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Dog Man: Fetch 22 by Dav Pilkey
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot by Jeff Kinney
Five-Way Tie:
Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diaper Overload by Jeff Kinney
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey
I Will Surprise My Friend by Mo Willems
Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
While top checkouts offer a snapshot of reading trends, they represent only a small portion of the wide range of materials borrowed by the community in 2025. Sawyer Free Library offers thousands of books, e-books, and audiobooks; materials in many world languages; and accessible formats – ensuring there is something for everyone.
With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to serve as a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment in Gloucester. Residents and students can obtain a Sawyer Free Library card by applying in person, or apply online for a NOBLE eCard, which provides access to Libby, Hoopla, and other digital resources from home, as well as the ability to place holds on print materials.
Readers are invited to explore these popular titles – and discover countless others – by visiting the Library’s newly renovated, modernized and expanded spaces at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester, or online at sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help patrons find their next great read.
Library’s most-borrowed books give a glimpse into what Gloucester read in 2024
Every book we read tells a story—not just of the characters on the page, but also of the community that chooses to read it. At Sawyer Free Library, these stories come to life every day, with a total circulation of over 180,000 in 2024, thousands of books across print and digital were borrowed by Gloucester residents. From poignant fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, the Library’s most popular titles offer a snapshot of the interests, passions, and curiosity that define our city.
Whether escaping into Kristin Hannah’s deeply moving The Women, exploring James McBride’s vibrant The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, or laughing with Jeff Kinney’s enduring Diary of a Wimpy Kid, these books inspired and entertained readers of all ages.
“The books our community borrowed in 2024 reflect a collective curiosity and a desire to explore diverse perspectives and experiences,” said Sawyer Free Library DirectorJenny Benedict. “Whether escaping into fiction, gaining insights from nonfiction, or discovering new stories with family, these titles highlight the Library’s role as a place for growth, connection, and lifelong learning.”
The Sawyer Free Library’s top checked-out books across print and digital were:
Top 5 Adult Fiction:
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah 2. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride 3. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 4. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese 5. North Woods by Daniel Mason
Top 5 Adult Nonfiction:
1. How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith 2. The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann 3. 101 All-Time Fantasy Baseball Teams by Jack Sweeney 4. Our Underwater World by Sue Lowell Gallion 5. The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson
Top Teen Fiction:
1. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han 2. The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah Maas 3. Queen of Shadows by Sarah Maas 4. 1984 by George Orwell 5. Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
Top 5 Children’s Books:
1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney 2. I Am Going! An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems 3. Dog Man: Brawl of the Wild by Dav Pilkey 4. The Pigeon Will Ride the Roller Coaster! by Mo Willems 5. The Thank You Book by Mo Willems
Find these and millions of other books through the Sawyer Free Library. Visit the Library’s temporary space at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester or sawyerfreelibrary.org, where librarians are always ready to help you discover your next great read.
This fall, the Library eagerly anticipates welcoming the community back to its beautifully renovated and expanded spaces, designed to offer comfort, accessibility, and inspiration for all ages. The revitalized first-floor Main Library blends modern upgrades with familiar charm, creating a warm, well-lit environment ideal for reading, research, and connection. Two great rooms house the Library’s treasured physical collections, complemented by inviting furnishings for study and relaxation. The adjacent Quiet Reading Room features a nonfiction collection, modular desks, and cozy armchairs overlooking serene gardens, providing a tranquil space for study and reflection. With its stunning double-height arched windows and natural light, the Reading Lounge evokes an elegant living room atmosphere, perfect for enjoying magazines and newspapers in plush armchairs. Meanwhile, children and teens can explore their vibrant, redesigned spaces filled with age-appropriate materials, fostering a love of learning and discovery. Whether meeting friends, doing homework, or finding the next great read, these spaces offer something special for everyone.
With approximately 14,000 cardholders, Sawyer Free Library continues to be a cornerstone for education, connection, and cultural enrichment. Gloucester residents and students can obtain a library card for free by applying in person, online, or by mail. For more information, visit sawyerfreelibrary.org or call 978-325-5500.
Wednesday, October 2, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, A Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats with Scientists from the Smithsonian – Join us as we welcome three Smithsonian-affiliated scientists to explore the fascinating world of tropical bats. Based on the book Bat Island: A Rare Journey into the Hidden World of Tropical Bats, their presentation will showcase decades of research on Panama’s diverse bat species, featuring insights from scientists and stunning photography by National Geographic contributor Christian Ziegler. Learn about bats’ unique adaptations, ecological importance, and the conservation efforts needed to protect these essential creatures. For the link, register HERE.
Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 to 8:00 pm, Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia – An inspiring conversation with Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the highly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and more. Moreno-Garcia will discuss Latin American genre fiction, her writing process, and her latest book, The Seventh Veil of Salome. For the link, register HERE.
Tuesday, October 22, 2:00 to 3:00 pm, Author Talk: Maybe You Should Talk to Somebody with Lori Gottlieb – An insightful discussion with Lori Gottlieb, author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, who will share her experiences as both a therapist and a patient. Despite her qualifications, Gottlieb emphasizes that her most important credential is her understanding of the human experience, particularly during times of crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the truths and fictions that can hold us back from living our desired lives. For the link, register HERE.
For the links to these virtual author talks and to learn about other upcoming events, register at sawyerfreelibrary.org.
Brought to you in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium.
The Sawyer Free Library is please to present talks with bestselling authors in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Register for these upcoming virtual events at sawyerfreelibray.org.
RANGE and THE SPORTS GENE: Author Talk with David Epstein
A conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Epstein as he chats about his most recent book, Range: Why Generalist Triumph in a Specialized World.
What’s the most effective path to success in any domain? It’s not what you think.
Plenty of experts argue that anyone who wants to develop a skill, play an instrument, or lead their field should start early, focus intensely, and rack up as many hours of deliberate practice as possible. If you dabble or delay, you’ll never catch up to the people who got a head start. But a closer look at research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, shows that early specialization is the exception, not the rule.
David Epstein examined the world’s most successful athletes, artists, musicians, inventors, forecasters, and scientists. He discovered that in most fields—especially those that are complex and unpredictable—generalists, not specialists, are primed to excel. Generalists often find their path late, juggling many interests rather than focusing on one. They’re also more creative, agile, and able to make connections their more specialized peers can’t see.
Provocative, rigorous, and engrossing, Range makes a compelling case for actively cultivating inefficiency. As experts silo themselves further while computers master more of the skills once reserved for highly focused humans, people who think broadly and embrace diverse experiences and perspectives will increasingly thrive.
About the Author: David Epstein is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World and of the New York Times bestseller The Sports Gene, both of which have been translated into more than 20 languages. His writing has been honored by an array of organizations, from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, to the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Center on Disability and Journalism, and has been included in the Best American Science and Nature Writing anthology. His story “Following the Trail of Broken Hearts,” on sudden cardiac death in athletes, was chosen as one of the top 100 stories of the last 100 years by Columbia Journalism alumni. He has master’s degrees in environmental science and journalism and lives in Washington, DC.
A delicious chat with celebrity chef Jernard Wells which will leave you starving for more as he discusses his newest cookbook, Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Yours.
Delicious and inventive recipes that remix the traditional flavors and classic dishes of Southern food and celebrate African-American culinary contributions to tables worldwide—from the host of CLEO TV’sNew Soul Kitchen. After growing up in Mississippi, Jernard Wells brought the familiar dishes and bold flavors of the South along his culinary journey to become a chef, restaurateur, and TV host. With Southern Inspired, Jernard continues his journey—retracing the steps of generations of African American cooks whose creations have contributed to global kitchen tables since slavery. Southern food defines American food at large, and Chef Jernard takes it to a whole new level while still honoring its roots. Chef Jernard also brings in flavors from the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, always with his signature Southern flair. This cookbook shares 100 recipes that are approachable for both beginners and more experienced cooks.
About the Author: Jernard Wells is an Award Winning TV Host/Celebrity Chef/Bestselling Cookbook Author. He is the host of “New Soul Kitchen” & “New Soul Kitchen Remix” on CLEO TV and is well-known for appearing on numerous cooking shows on Food Network & Cooking Channel over the last decade. Wells has worked with Tyler Perry, NBA Allstar Brandon Ingram, Lady Antebellum, Tom Joyner, New Edition &BBD. He has been featured on “Today Show“, “Good Morning America”, PEOPLE, “Steve Harvey Morning Show“, “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show”, ESSENCE, “Daily Blast Live”, USA Today, Lifetime, Oprah Winfrey Network to name a few. The James Beard House Honored Chef is affectionately called “The Family Chef” because he loves using food to promote positive family images. He and his wife of 25 years have 9 children and live in the Atlanta area.
New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Pam Jenoff will take us on an exciting trip through time as she shares the details of her newest book, Code Name Sapphire, where a woman must rescue her cousin’s family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance.
It’s 1942 and Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiancé was killed in a pogrom. When her ship bound for America is turned away at port, she has nowhere to go but to her cousin Lily, who lives with her family in Brussels. Fearful for her life, Hannah is desperate to escape occupied Europe. But with no safe way to leave, she must return to the dangerous underground work she thought she had left behind.
Seeking help, Hannah joins the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network led by a mysterious woman named Micheline and her enigmatic brother Mateo. But when a grave mistake causes Lily’s family to be arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, Hannah finds herself torn between her loyalties. How much is Hannah willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves? Inspired by incredible true stories of courage and sacrifice, Code Name Sapphire is a powerful novel about love, family and the unshakable resilience of women in even the hardest of times.
About the Author: Pam Jenoff was born in Maryland and raised outside Philadelphia. She attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Cambridge University in England. Upon receiving her master’s in history from Cambridge, she accepted an appointment as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. Following her work at the Pentagon, Pam moved to the State Department. Pam left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. She now teaches law school at Rutgers.
Pam is the NYT bestselling author of The Woman With The Blue Star, The Lost Girls of Paris, The Orphan’s Tale, The Kommandant’s Girl, The Diplomat’s Wife, The Ambassador’s Daughter, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach, The Winter Guest, The Things We Cherished, Almost Home, and A Hidden Affair. She also authored a short story in the anthology Grand Central: Original Postwar Stories of Love and Reunion. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband, three children, dog, cat, lizard and bird.
Cape Ann Community 