Community Corner

Hartford Public Library Top Checkouts Of 2020

Michelle Obama's "Becoming" was among the most popular adult reads this year.

(Hartford Public Library)

December 31, 2020

By Steve Scarpa

Find out what's happening in Greater Hartfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

In a year when truth was routinely stranger than fiction, Hartford Public Library customers sought a wide array of stories, often seeking escape, but also looking for inspiration and a way to understand the world around them.

We are excited to share with you the titles that were most popular in Hartford in 2020.

Find out what's happening in Greater Hartfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Most Checked Out Adult Books of 2020:

HPL customers reveled in Michelle Obama’s life story, chronicling her personal quest to be the best person she can be.

Other popular titles include: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, A Time For Mercy by John Grisham, and Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkinson

Most Checked Out Teen Books in 2020:

  1. Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

The international phenomenon about the best ninja in the world was a hit with teens in Hartford.

Other popular titles include: Black Bird by Kanoko Sakurakoji

Most Checked Out Children’s Books in 2020:

Dog Man: Unleashed by Dav Pilkey

Pilkey’s charming series about the importance of being true to one self resonated with kids in 2020.

Other popular titles include Pug by Ethan Long and Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus by Mo Willems.


This press release was produced by the Hartford Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.