Every school year brings a new wave of excitement through the library doors. One of my favorite parts of being a school librarian is watching those trends unfold—seeing which books fly off the shelves, what topics kids can’t stop talking about, and which characters or fandoms are fueling their imaginations. Staying tuned in to these interests not only helps me keep our collection fresh, but it also gives me new ways to connect students with reading, research, and creativity.
Animals, Nonfiction, and Curiosity
Students can’t get enough of animals and nonfiction titles—especially books about fascinating creatures like the capybara and axolotl. Nonfiction topics like gemstones, world records, and natural wonders are flying off the shelves. Kids love learning real facts about the world around them, and these books are often the first to disappear from displays.
Pop Culture Powerhouses
Pop culture continues to shape reading interests. Right now Taylor Swift and K-Pop Demon Hunters are huge conversation starters. For younger students, favorites include Gabby’s Dollhouse, Transformers, Jurassic World dinosaurs, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Lilo & Stitch, Bluey, and perennial hits like Minecraft, Sonic, and Roblox.
Keeping an eye on these trends helps us choose displays, decor, and read-alouds that instantly connect with kids’ current passions.
Tried-and-True Favorites
Some series never lose their appeal! Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Man, and The World Record Book are still in constant rotation. Graphic novels continue to dominate checkout lists—especially the I Survived and Babysitters Club graphic novel adaptations (with Babysitters Club: Little Sisters being especially popular).
Fantasy readers are still hooked on Wings of Fire, and I’m starting to see a growing interest in manga, with series like One Piece, Unico, PokĂ©mon, and Dragon Ball Z leading the way.
Engaging Students Through Trends
Keeping a pulse on what students love is key to engaging them in the library. I love weaving their interests into STEAM-themed library lessons. For example, I’ve designed coding activities like “Code to Save the Capybara”, and my 5th–6th graders recently created AI chatbots based on their favorite books. Connecting lessons to what they already care about keeps learning relevant, creative, and fun.
Final Thoughts
Our libraries thrive when we stay curious—just like our students. By tuning into their latest interests, we can build stronger connections, spark deeper engagement, and make the library a place that always feels fresh and exciting.
đź’¬ Join the Conversation
What trends are you noticing in your own library? Are your students drawn to the same books and topics, or are you seeing different favorites? I’d love to hear what’s capturing your readers’ attention—share your insights in the comments below so we can keep learning from each other!
