Book Club Books at the Biggest Public Libraries

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Erica Ezeifedi, an Associate Editor originally from Nashville, TN, now resides in the Northeast. Apart from being a writer, she has experience as a victim advocate and in public libraries, focusing on creating safe spaces for queer teens, mentorship, and offering free test prep instruction to students. In her free time, she enjoys searching for her next exciting read and planning her next snack. You can find her on Twitter at @Erica_Eze_.

This month, I decided to explore what the largest libraries in the country were reading in their book clubs. The American Library Association (ALA), where I sourced my data on library sizes, classifies “big” libraries based on circulation, holdings, or library visits. I opted to consider the population size alongside collection expenditures, providing insight into the communities these libraries serve.

Listed below are the top three largest libraries in the US and the books featured in one of their book clubs this month. The selections include a novel set in 2024, a mystery involving a two-decade-old case, and a contemplation on the intricacies of relationships and identity dynamics.

Maricopa County Library District (AZ) – Population: 4,367,835

Book: James by Percival Everett
Summary: A reinterpretation of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective, exploring his humanity as an enslaved man navigating challenges alongside Huck Finn.

Los Angeles Public Library (CA) – Population: 4,040,079

Book: The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
Summary: Detective Chelsey Clahoun’s quest to find missing girls takes a turn when a previously disappeared teenager, Ellie Black, resurfaces but remains tight-lipped about her ordeal, prompting Chelsey to uncover the truth to prevent further abductions.

New York Public Library (NY) – Population: 3,439,711

Book: Audition by Katie Kitamura
Summary: A meeting between an actress and a younger man in a Manhattan restaurant unravels questions about their relationship and delves into the dynamics of human connections.

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