Hillsborough County, Fla. (Feb. 9, 2026) - From summer reading crowds to blockbuster book checkouts, 2025 proved that libraries remain one of the most popular and powerful community hubs in Hillsborough County.

Last year, residents and visitors made more than 2.7 million visits to library locations across the county, reinforcing the library system's role as a go-to destination for learning, entertainment, and connection. Also in 2025, Hillsborough County Library Services expanded its services and reach with the opening of the Wimauma Public Library / Biblioteca Pública de Wimauma.

And the reading didn't stop at the door. Library users checked out nearly 9 million items in 2025. Physical items accounted for 3.1 million circulations, while 5.8 million eBooks and digital titles were borrowed, highlighting continued growth in online reading and learning.

The library's digital presence saw strong engagement as well, with more than 2.5 million website visits over the year, making online resources, events, and downloads accessible anytime, anywhere.

Thousands of new readers joined the library family

In 2025, the library issued 45,092 new library cards, which means about 66% percent of households in Hillsborough County now have a library card.

What was everyone reading?

Some familiar favorites dominated checkout lists in 2025.

Most-checked-out physical books:

  1. "Dog Man: Big Jim Begins"
  2. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess"
  3. "The Women"
  4. "Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder"
  5. "Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls"

Most-checked-out eBooks:

  1. "The Women"
  2. "The Let Them Theory"
  3. "Onyx Storm"
  4. "The Wedding People"
  5. "Great Big Beautiful Life"

Across all formats, the most popular genres included picture books, graphic novels, feature films, fiction films, and video recordings for the hearing impaired, reflecting the library's wide reach across ages, interests, and abilities.

Events that brought the community together

Libraries also served as gathering spaces for learning and entertainment. The most attended event of the year was an author talk with Mary Roach, drawing a packed crowd of curious readers eager to hear from the bestselling science writer.

The busiest day of the year came on June 2, the kickoff of the annual Summer Reading Program, when families flooded library branches to launch a season of books, activities, and learning.

More than books

From in-person visits to digital downloads, 2025 showed that Hillsborough County's libraries continue to evolve, meeting residents where they are while remaining rooted in their mission to educate, inspire, and connect the community.

For more information about library programs, events, and resources, visit HCPLC.org.

There were more than 2.7 million visits to library locations Users checked out nearly 9 million items. The library issued 45,092 new library cards, which means approx 66% of households in the County have a card. June 2 was the busiest day of the year.
Hillsborough County Library 2025 Stats