Most popular books borrowed from Michigan libraries via MeLCat
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- A 30-year-old book is on Michigan’s most-requested-titles so far this year.
- Nearly one million items were loaned to local library members through Michigan’s catalog sytem, MeLCat, last year.
As National Reading Month ends, amid growing concerns about future federal funding for libraries, the Michigan eLibrary has tallied the state’s most-requested books year-to-date. MeLCat is an online catalog service that lets library members borrow books and other items from over 400 libraries statewide.
Most books on the list were recently published fiction, although one title was published over three decades ago. Published in 1993, late science fiction writer Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower” ranks 12th for this year’s most-requested title. The novel predicts a dystopian future, set in 2024, where a young protagonist is forced to navigate conditions of scarcity, political unrest and climate change.
“The Frozen River,” written by Ariel Lawhon, tops the state’s library lending list so far this year. The book, inspired by the life and writings of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century Maine midwife, has been checked out more than 200 times between Jan 1 and March 18.
Michigan eLibrary Catalog most-requested books 2025
A fictional story of a widow who forms a bond with an octopus at an aquarium where she works is the subject of the debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt. The book, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” published in 2022, ranks 4th on the statewide list this year and was the most requested book last year.
Michigan eLibrary Catalog most-requested-books: 2024
- “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
- “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus
- “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride
- “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
- “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge
Four of last year’s top five requested books remain popular in the first quarter of 2025. In 2024, more than 980,000 items were loaned out using the MeLCat system, according to the state.
Contact Kristi Tanner: ktanner@freepress.com
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