What to Read: King County Library System shares annual Best Books lists

King County Library System (KCLS) has published its annual Best Books list— more than 130 book recommendations from those who know books best: local library staff. 

The annual recommendation lists include six categories, including adult fiction and nonfiction, books for children, teens, audiobooks, and Spanish titles.

The celebration of books also includes an overview of KCLS’ most read titles this year, led by local author Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” — checked out more than 10,000 times by KCLS patrons in 2024.

“Best Books are the stories that moved us, or sparked new insights into our world,” said KCLS Executive Director Heidi Daniel.

“Sharing our staff’s favorite books of the year exemplifies the connections we make every day in the communities we serve across King County. I hope Best Books helps you find your next great read at KCLS.”

Library patrons can explore the lists from the Best Books website, and add books to their list to pick up at a KCLS location or borrow electronically through the Libby app. 

And also for a limited time, patrons can pick up a special letterpress “Best Books-mark” at their local KCLS library.

Reimagine classics, fall for a monster, buckle up for a bad vacation and more with some of KCLS’ favorite fiction titles:

• James by Percival Everett 
• Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller 
• Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell 
• The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai 
• The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo

Learn about kindness, empathy and community, or explore picture books with stunning art in some of KCLS’ favorite children’s titles:

• The Table by Winsome Bingham 
• The Midnight Panther by Poonam Mistry 
• The New Girl by Cassandra Calin 
• Cesaria Feels the Beat by Denise R. Adusei 
• Gifts from the Garbage Truck by Andrew Larsen

KCLS’ Top Five most checked out fiction books:

• The Women: A Novel by Kristin Hannah
• Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
• Happy Place by Emily Henry
• Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
• Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

For all the lists and insights, visit KCLS.org/bestbooks.

About King County Library System:

Founded in 1942, King County Library System (KCLS) is one of the busiest public library systems in the country. Supporting the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and serves approximately 1.6 million people. In 2023, residents checked out 8.8 million digital eBooks and audiobooks through OverDrive, making KCLS the second-highest digital circulating library system in the U.S.