Stories of resilience top 2021 list of most borrowed books at Victoria libraries

As people continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, stories about hope and resilience are in high demand at the Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL).
Staff at the library say books such as Becoming, an autobiography by former American First Lady Michelle Obama, and the novel Where the Crawdad Sings by Delia Owens were some of the most borrowed books in 2021. They say readers are looking for uplifting stories of how others struggled and overcame their own personal challenges.
“There certainly is a trend towards introspection and also a little bit of escape literature,” said GVPL CEO Maureen Sawa. “When you read, you read not to be alone and I think that (when) reading you discover parts of yourself that maybe you hadn’t had time to consider.”
“Books have always been a source of solace,” she said.
Sawa says she is not surprised by the upsurge in the popularity of the GVPL during the pandemic. She says that people have come to rely on libraries for materials they use at home and have enjoyed coming in to browse the shelves to select a book.
“Reading is such a comfort,” said Sawa. “Someone recently used the term, ‘libraries are hospitals for the mind,’ and I think that’s true as we continue this journey during the pandemic.”
She says that with people remaining close to home as a result of pandemic protocols, people can “travel in their minds to anywhere they want” by reading a book.
Sawa says the demand for audiobooks has also been very high at all 12 branches of the GVPL.
“What we’ve noticed is that some of the books, like the Barack Obama book, continue to be popular because of the audio books,” said Sawa. “People have the opportunity to hear the author actually tell their own story in their own words and that’s been an interesting trend.”
But it wasn’t just books and a “good read” people were seeking to get through the ongoing pandemic. In addition to books, library patrons also borrowed more than 1.8 million digital items, from video games to DVDs, in 2021.
Sawa says the streaming service Netflix has also had an influence on some of the reading choices made by library users.
“Netflix has been dramatizing books that are maybe 10 or 20 years (old) and people are coming to read those books,” said Sawa. “I think people take comfort in the familiar and people are going back to books that they haven’t read in some time that are getting new popularity.”
Sawa says each the most borrowed titles are available are available in all formats, including print, large print, digital and audio-book at the 12 branches of the GVPL.
For the library’s complete “Most Borrowed List” go to the GVPL website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Monkeypox: What is it and how does it spread?
A growing number of countries, including Canada, the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and the U.K, are reporting an unusual outbreak of monkeypox. Here is what we know about this rare virus.

Canada inflation: How we compare to other G7 nations
With a meeting of G7 finance ministers underway this week, a CTVNews.ca analysis found that while Canadians are feeling the pain of record-high inflation, among G7 nations we are surpassed by Germany, the U.S., and the U.K.
Service Canada increases staffing at passport counters, but long waits persist
With lengthy delays for Canadians seeking to get a new or renewed passport, Service Canada says it’s upped staffing at passport service counters to expedite processing ahead of the summer travel season. Yet, travellers say they’re still facing long wait times.
Conservatives want Canada to revert to pre-pandemic travel rules
The Conservative Party is doubling down on its call for the federal government to do away with travel restrictions and revert back to 'pre-pandemic rules' in light of recent airport delays.
Jason Kenney has quit as UCP leader. What happens to the party and government now?
With Jason Kenney having stepped down as leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, who is now leader of the province?
NEW | Man charged in Edison Avenue homicide in Winnipeg; police investigating possibility of more victims
The Winnipeg Police Service has changed a 35-year-old man with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a woman whose remains were found near an apartment building in North Kildonan, and police are investigating the possibility of more victims.
Rosmarie Trapp, whose family inspired 'Sound of Music,' dies
Rosmarie Trapp, whose Austrian family the von Trapps was made famous in the musical and beloved movie 'The Sound of Music,' has died.
OPINION | Don Martin: Premier Jason Kenney deserved a better death
There's a lesson for Canada's political leaders in the short life and quick death of Jason Kenney as premier of Alberta, writes Don Martin in an exclusive opinion column for CTVNews.ca.
Health Canada warns of formula shortage for babies with food allergies
Health Canada says there is currently a shortage in this country of infant formula designed for babies with food allergies and certain medical conditions amid a serious shortage in the United States.