Trending Genres at the Library: Audiobooks and eBooks

Written by Liz Foreman, Marketing Manager, Downtown Main Library

Digital reading continues to soar in popularity in Hamilton County. Last year, more than 165,000 CHPL cardholders checked out a record-breaking 5 million eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines on the Libby app. So, what are Cincinnati readers checking out digitally?

Top eBook Genres

Library readers 💖 romance. In 2024, romance eBooks comprised about 20% of Libby eBook checkouts in 2024. 

Other popular eBook genres in order of checkouts were:

Biography and Autobiography rounded out the top categories. Interestingly, the least-checked out eBook category on Libby in 2024 was Classic Literature. (Book report, anyone?)

Top Audiobook Genres

Convenient and multitask-friendly, audiobooks have started to equal eBooks in popularity at CHPL. Romance was also the most checked-out genre for audiobooks, making up more than 16% of Libby audiobook checkouts in 2024. 

Other popular audiobook genres in order of checkouts were:

Get the Libby App

Want to get started with eBooks and audiobooks? Download the Libby app to your phone, eBook, tablet, or other digital device. Need some assistance getting started? Library staff is knowledgeable and ready to help! Ask a Librarian or stop by a nearby branch library

What to read first? Check out adult staff picks, teen staff picks, or kids staff picks by CHPL's expert librarians. Or, check out the Novelist Plus online resource for even more recommendations, including read-alikes!