The Toronto Public Library recently divulged its list of the most borrowed books of 2025. This year, Torontonians displayed a wide range of literary interests — from the enchanting realms of dragon ‘romantasy’ to the practical wisdom of self-help guides. The list reveals that the city’s readers are not confined to one genre but are avid “genre-hoppers,” exploring a multitude of narratives, themes, and writing styles.

Toronto’s Love for Varied Genres

According to the library’s records, Toronto’s readers have been immersing themselves in a rich diversity of genres. This trend towards ‘genre-hopping’ not only shows the readers’ eclectic tastes but also their willingness to venture into different literary landscapes. Whether it’s the fantastical world of dragons and romance or the pragmatic advice of self-help books, Toronto’s readers have embraced them all.

Top Reads of 2025

The Toronto Public Library’s list of most borrowed books in 2025 included a mix of fantasy, romance, self-help, and literary fiction, among other genres. This trend indicates that Toronto readers are not limiting themselves to a single genre but are enthusiastically exploring a diverse range of books. The city’s readers seem to be as varied and dynamic as the city itself.

Dragons and Romance: A Winning Combination

One of the standout genres in the library’s 2025 list was ‘romantasy’ — a blend of romance and fantasy. Books featuring dragon protagonists in romantic narratives emerged as a surprising favorite among the readers. The popularity of this genre underscores the readers’ appetite for unconventional, imaginative narratives that combine elements of fantasy and romance.

The Appeal of Self-Help

Self-help books also figured prominently in the library’s 2025 top reads. Torontonians were drawn to books offering practical advice and insights on personal development, mental health, and success. The popularity of self-help books reveals the readers’ desire for knowledge and tools that can help them navigate their lives more effectively.

Reflecting the Spirit of Toronto

The Toronto Public Library’s most borrowed books list not only offers a snapshot of the city’s reading habits but also reflects the spirit of Toronto. The varied literary tastes of its readers reflect the city’s multicultural, diverse, and dynamic character. By hopping from one genre to another, Toronto’s readers are continually expanding their horizons, much like the city they call home.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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