What New Yorkers Read: Top 10 Books from the City Library

The New York Public Library shared a list of 10 books that were the most read in the history of the institution. This publication writes NPR.

The New York Public Library has long been providing books for temporary use to residents of the city. This year the institution marks 125 years. To celebrate this event, the library based on its records compiled a list of the most read books in the history of its existence.

The most sought-after book was Ezra Jack Keats' Snow Day. The story of a little boy meeting with snow, marked by the Caldecott Medal, has been requested 485 times in the New York Public Library since its publication in 583. She also bears the title of “Beautifully Illustrated Book”. She is well known, loved by many, and available in different languages.

“This is a recognizable story and pure magic for both children and adults,” said Andrew Medlar, director of the library's book selection for BookOps, in his speech. "This work of art is just great."

On the subject: The New York Library now provides not only books, but also bags and ties

Children's books make up most of the list. This is not surprising, because short books can be read and returned faster. Also on the list are many adult books, such as George Orwell's 1984 and Harper Lee's Kill a Mockingbird.

There is one non-fiction book on the list: How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It was published in 1936.

Here are the top 10 books from the New York Library:

1. Snow Day Ezra Jack Keats: 485 requests.
2. The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss: 469 Inquiries.
3. 1984, George Orwell: 441 Inquiries.
4. “Where the Beasts Live,” Maurice Sendak: 436 requests.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee: 422 requests.
6. Charlotte's Web, Alvin Brooks White: 337 requests.
7. “451 degrees Fahrenheit,” Ray Bradbury: 316 requests.
8. “Making Friends and Influencing People,” Dale Carnegie: 284.
9. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, J.K. Rolling: 231 022 requests.
10. “Very Hungry Caterpillar,” Eric Karl: 189 requests.

Only one book on the list has been published relatively recently. This is the first Harry Potter novel published in the USA in 1998. The library noted that subsequent stories about the young wizard are popular, but it is temporary and is limited to the period of the release of a new book or film about Harry Potter, after which the hype subsides.

From year to year, books on current affairs are also in demand. The best of 2019 was Michelle Obama's autobiography Becoming.

There are many books on the list that people read, appreciate and want to share with their children.

“The books on this list have passed generations and, like the library itself, are as relevant today as they were when they first appeared,” said Anthony W. Marks, President of the New York Library. "These books tell us something about New Yorkers over the past 125 years - what they care about and what has stood the test of time."