Last Updated on July 5, 2024
Bibliophiles rejoice!
Did you know that there are over 117,000 libraries in the U.S? In addition to being able to check out books with a library card, many provide more services to their communities in the way of public events and programs.
I remember spending hours in the library as a kid, and even my children and grandchildren have enjoyed visiting locations in their own hometowns and mine.
I fully admit that it’s pretty darn easy to order a book off Amazon or walk into your local Barnes & Noble, but the benefit of going to the library is that you can read as many books as the guidelines allow you to check out at one time and then decide if the book is good enough to find a home on your bookshelf.
Rent.com did a deep dive into the top 10 best cities for book lovers and this is what they found.
Worthington, Ohio
This Columbus, Ohio suburb tops the list of the best cities for book lovers.
Home to the Old Worthington Library, Worthington Park Library and the Northwest Library, the library system is one the best in the country thanks to its robust offerings. In addition to having books aplenty, Worthington libraries boast a myriad of useful services where you can check out everything from adventure kits (learn to play the ukelele) to air-quality at-home monitors to binge-worthy themed movie boxes.
Additionally, the Worthington libraries offer a variety of events and story time activities for both adults and children and a summer reading club for the little ones, pajama story time, a summer movie series along with arts and crafts.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Forty miles west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is home to world-renowned research programs at the University of Michigan and one of the best library systems in the U.S. With a total circulation of almost 9,000,000 items, Ann Arbor’s bountiful library system makes it one of the best cities for book lovers.
Whether you head to the Downtown Library, the Pittsfield, Malletts Creek, Westgate or Traverwood branches, these Ann Arbor libraries will have whatever you’re looking for (and if not, no worries — they’ll gladly help find what you need).
Head to the children’s section at your favorite Ann Arbor library and look for Nancy Willard’s “A Visit to William Blake’s Inn.” Published in 1981, Ann Arbor-born Willard won the Newbery Medal for this children’s book.
Provo, Utah
Located in the former Brigham Young Academy building, the Provo City Library is one of the best libraries in the U.S. Serving residents of both Provo and Orem, the library was founded in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The Provo City Library is a book lover’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for personalized reading recommendations or carefully curated booklists, this library has lots of reading recommendations. And beyond its robust book and digital collections, the venue offers DVDs, video games, board games, telescopes, binoculars, audio and visual equipment, creator kits, discovery kits, Chromebooks and hotspots, magazines and newspapers.
Additionally, the Provo City Library is home to an exhibit space and an art gallery — making it a cultural hub of this Utah city.
Hoover, Alabama
With a tagline of “We are more than a library,” the Hoover Public Library located just south of Birmingham is more of a community hub. Since opening in 1983, the library has remained steadfast in connecting with the community through its resource system. I happen to know this library well, as over the years of traveling in to town watch my grandchildren when their parents traveled, we’ve enjoyed many fun trips here.
Want to connect with other book lovers? Join one of the Hoover Public Library book groups. Looking for a night of board games with new friends? Plan a visit on Game NITE. Beyond the books, the Hoover Public Library is beloved for its free music events known as “Live on the Plaza” and its dedication to crafts.
Additionally, the library offers homework help for children and teens and a variety of other learning and technology resources. Any resident in Hoover or Jefferson County can get a library card.
Naperville, Illinois
In the western suburbs of Chicago, Naperville is best known for its acclaimed schools and for having one of the best public library systems in the U.S.
Between the Nichols, 95th Street and Naper Boulevard libraries, there are tons of events for children, teens and adults. This library system also offers a wide variety of video games, board games, magazines and comics, movies and television shows and of course books, e-books and audiobooks.
Love libraries but hate paying fines when you forget to return a book on time? The Naperville Public Library has eliminated overdue fines. By doing this, the Naperville library says this new possibly allows for “increased flexibility for our customers, equitable access to resources, better customer service and a continued commitment to responsibly utilizing library resources.”
Chardon, Ohio
Renowned for its amazing maple syrup industry, Chardon is home to the Geauga County Public Library — one of the best libraries in the country.
In addition to the Chardon library branch, the Geauga County Public Library system has four other branches. This includes the Brainbridge, Geauga West, Middlefield and Thompson branches. Can’t make it to the library? No worries — Geauga County Public Library has two bookmobiles that serve the local Amish population and rural areas too. In fact, mobile service vehicles check out over 300,000 items annually.
With a full schedule of in-person and virtual events for adults and children of all ages, the Geauga County Public Library is a go-to resource for its community. Events range from Lego parties, writing workshops, Dungeons and Dragons tournaments, slow movement yoga, guided meditations and of course story times.
Home to over 900,000 books and e-books, it’s no surprise that Chardon is one of the best cities for book lovers.
Mission Viejo, California
Located just an hour from Los Angeles, Mission Viejo is well-known for its abundance of parks, golf courses and cultural attractions.
As a premier resource for educational support, Mission Viejo’s library prides itself on being a “welcoming community gathering place and a cornerstone of family, education, cultural and civic life.” Residents with a library card have access to an abundance of services including homework help and tutoring, an unparalleled genealogy collection, book clubs and a reading program for kids with Roxy, a trained therapy dog.
Not sure what to read next? The Mission Viejo Public Library can help with its Book Connect program. Patrons fill out a brief survey about reading preferences and within 3-5 days, a librarian will respond with five book suggestions based on your preferences.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chapel Hill Public Library serves residents of Chapel Hill and the Orange County community.
According to the library, they serve the people by “sparking curiosity, inspiring learning and creating connections.” Outside of its impressive book collection, the library also offers resources for residents like GED preparation, an ESL program and online learning opportunities for kids and teens.
Whether you’re looking for a hardcopy or an eBook, the Chapel Hill Public Library features highly curated reading lists and reviews. Want to read something by a local? Check out one of Sarah Dessen’s best sellers or any one of Randall Kenan’s works.
Portage, Michigan
Located in Kalamazoo County, Portage is best known for pharmaceutical manufacturing and celery agriculture. Thanks to the impressive Portage District Library, it’s also one of the best cities for book lovers.
Home to a massive book collection and a variety of programs, the Portage District Library also functions as a community hub. In addition to its physical book collection, the library also offers access to an expansive digital library of eBooks, audiobooks, movies and music.
Want to learn a new skill or focus on professional development? Through the Portage District Library, patrons can also gain access to LinkedIn Learning. Feeling adventurous? Check out the Portage District Library’s Orion StarBlast reflector telescope.
Portland, Oregon
Portland rounds out our list as one of the best cities for book lovers thanks to the Multnomah County Library system which has over 16 branches throughout the city.
Opened in March 1902, the Multnomah County Library is a community staple that prioritizes “helping people find work and developing career skills, supporting education and learning for all ages, enhancing and diversifying virtual services, technology training, access and assistance and creating a maintaining safe and healthy spaces.”
A library card provides access to all of Multnomah County Library’s perks, like live story time, computer classes and a myriad of cultural events.
George R.R. Martin, author and Game of Thrones creator once said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…the man who never reads lives only one.” Profound and true.
