By Alesha Capone
The memoir of America’s former first lady, a best-seller from an Australian author and a straight-talking self-help book have become some of the most popular titles at Wyndham’s libraries during the pandemic.
Since March, Becoming by Michelle Obama has become the most-downloaded eBook and eAudio book from Wyndham’s libraries.
Nine Perfect Strangers by Australia’s Liane Moriarty – which follows the story of nine people who attend a transformational retreat run by a mysterious Russian woman – placed second on the list of eBooks, while Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape placed second on the eAudio book list.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** by Mark Manson placed third on both lists.
Wyndham mayor Josh Gilligan, who is also the municipality’s learning city portfolio holder, said that since the beginning of COVID-19 restrictions in mid-March, the council has seen a significant increase in the use of its 24/7 e-Library service.
“When restrictions led us to close our doors in March, we increased our promotion of the e-Library service,” Cr Gilligan said.
“From March to July, the community has downloaded over 25,000 eBooks, 20,000 eAudio books, and 14,600 eMagazines.
“In the month of July, there were 5,474 eBooks downloaded, an increase of 113 per cent compared to July last year.
“There were 58 per cent more eAudio books and 78 per cent more eMagazines downloaded in July this year compared the same period last year.
Despite our branches re-opening briefly in June and July, and the introduction of the home delivery service, we continue to see a shift towards our e-Library service.”
Cr Gillian said that Wyndham’s libraries now have 93,320 members, an increase of more than 1700 members since March.
Wyndham’s top 10 most downloaded eBooks and eAudio books since March:
eBooks:
1. Becoming / Michelle Obama
2. Nine Perfect Strangers / Liane Moriarty
3. Subtle Art of Not Giving a F… / Mark Manson
4. Blue Moon / Lee Child
5. Cleaning the Gold / Karin Slaughter, Lee Child.
6. Good Turn / Dervla McTiernan
7. Lost Man / Jane Harper
8. Tattooist of Auschwitz / Heather Morris
9. Night Moves / Nora Roberts
10. Normal People / Sally Rooney
eAudio books:
1. Becoming / Michelle Obama
2. Barefoot Investor / Scott Pape
3. Subtle Art of Not Giving a F… / Mark Manson
4. Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up / Marie Kondo
5. Everything is F…… / Mark Manson
6. Nine Perfect Strangers / Liane Moriarty
7. Barefoot Investor: 2019/2020 / Scott Pape
8. Hard Way / Lee Child
9. Bad Luck and Trouble / Lee Child
10. 488 Rules for Life / Kitty Flanagan
