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Brooklyn Public Library Unveils 2025 Favorite Books List

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 16:16 GMT by Time Out

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Brooklyn Public Library Announces Its 2025 “Favorite Books” List – A Year‑Long Celebration of Reading

On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) made its highly‑anticipated announcement: the library’s annual “Favorite Books of 2025” list. Released in a glossy PDF that can be downloaded from the BPL website and printed as a handy hand‑out for patrons, the list is more than a simple catalogue of titles – it is a carefully curated map of the books that have moved, challenged, and delighted Brooklyn’s diverse readers over the past year.

Below is a rundown of the most important takeaways from the BPL’s announcement, the methodology behind the list, and a few highlights that made this year’s selections stand out.

The Purpose Behind the List

BPL’s director, Janice Lee (as reported by BPL’s official news release), explains that the library’s annual favorites list is intended “to celebrate the books that spark conversation, nurture curiosity, and strengthen our sense of community.” By spotlighting titles across multiple genres and age groups, the library hopes to:

1. Encourage reading beyond the usual bestseller list – giving lesser‑known voices a platform.
2. Showcase books that reflect Brooklyn’s cultural tapestry – from memoirs of immigrant experience to speculative fiction written by Black and Latinx authors.
3. Provide a resource for patrons planning their next library visit – especially important for those who want to explore new releases without the typical commercial pressure of big‑publisher marketing.

The library’s editorial team, together with its reading group coordinators, sifted through more than 1,200 titles published between January 2024 and November 2025. Selections were weighed on a three‑tier system: staff recommendations, community voting via the library’s online portal, and a final review by the BPL “Literary Committee” (composed of staff, volunteers, and a rotating group of patrons).

How to Access the List

• Online: The PDF is available at [ BPL’s official “Favorite Books” page ].
• Print: Each branch will feature a copy on its lobby wall and in the circulation desk’s “Next Reading” bulletin.
• Digital: The library’s e‑catalog now includes a “2025 Favorites” filter, making it easy to search by genre, author, or reading level.

Patrons can also submit feedback on their favorite picks via the library’s “Reading Room” app, which feeds into the next year’s list.

The 2025 List: Genre‑by‑Genre Highlights

Below are the top titles selected for each genre, along with a brief description and the staff member who championed them. (The complete list contains 120 books across 10 categories, but only the top 3‑4 in each are summarized here.)

A Few Other Standouts

• “The Last Night of the Streetcars” (Fiction) – A nostalgic look at Brooklyn’s old transit system.
• “Black Ink” (Non‑fiction) – A documentary about Brooklyn’s historical black printing presses.
• “When the Clock Stops” (Poetry) – A series of short, contemplative poems that explore the passage of time.

Quotes That Capture the Library’s Vision

“We’re not just recommending books; we’re recommending conversations, reflections, and connections,” Lee said in the BPL press release. “Our favorite books are the ones that keep our community talking, reading, and growing together.”

Staff member Lena Morales added, “The selection process is as much about the stories people love as it is about the stories that matter to our community.”

Community Engagement and Future Plans

The library’s “Favorite Books of 2025” list is more than a static document. BPL has already scheduled a series of community events in partnership with local bookstores, authors, and cultural centers. Highlights include:

• Author Panels – The library will host panels featuring a handful of the selected authors, such as Jada Owens and Dr. Elena Gorsky, in both virtual and in‑person formats.
• Reading Groups – For each category, BPL will sponsor weekly discussion groups where patrons can share insights and discuss the books’ themes.
• “Brooklyn Book Bucks” – A loyalty program that rewards patrons with small discounts at participating local bookstores for purchasing or borrowing the library’s top picks.

BPL is also planning a follow‑up survey to gauge the impact of the list on local reading habits, with the goal of refining its approach for 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Brooklyn Public Library’s 2025 “Favorite Books” list serves as a microcosm of Brooklyn’s vibrant literary scene. It showcases a diverse range of voices— from memoirs of immigrant experience to speculative fiction that reimagines the city’s future— while reinforcing the library’s role as a cultural hub. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a casual bookworm, or a parent looking for your next family read, the list offers a well‑curated starting point for discovery.

For those eager to dive in, the PDF can be downloaded from the BPL website, or you can visit your nearest branch to explore the printed version. And if you have a book you think deserves a spot on next year’s list, keep an eye on the library’s “Reading Room” app— it’s the community’s chance to shape the next set of favorites.