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5 Best Cities for Book Lovers — Feed the Need to Read

We turn the page on the best cities for book lovers. You’ll be surprised by which library systems rank highest in the US.

Best Cities for Book Lovers
Photo: Gift Habeshaw

Bookworms rejoice, we’ve uncovered the best cities for book lovers in America! If you revel in perusing the pages of a book with such passion that your blood pumps, if you have books stacked by the nightstand and stashed all around the house, or if you’re currently on your seventh Kindle, you’re part of our tribe.

We began to wonder where our fellow book loving friends lived. So did our friends at Rent.com. They did a solid search of the states and came up with a list of the best cities for book lovers.

There are an estimated 116,867 libraries in the United States and many of these public libraries provide unparalleled service to their local communities through public events and programs.

They did a deep dive into the best libraries in the U.S. and what they offer patrons. But even if you don’t visit the libraries in person and prefer to read digital style, dedicated lovers of fiction and non-fiction alike know that most libraries offer you the opportunity to download your most anticipated tomes.

This is the surprising list they came up with of 5 best cities for book lovers:

5 Best Cities for Book Lovers in America

1. Worthington, OH

Best Cities for Book Lovers
Photo: Tom Hermans

Worthington, Ohio is ranked number one on the list of best cities for book lovers. Located just north of Columbus, this is where you’ll find one of the heartiest library systems in the country.

In addition to having books aplenty, Worthington libraries boast a plethora of useful services where you can check out adventure kits, learn to play the ukelele, borrow air quality at-home monitors or find binge-worthy themed movie boxes.

Additionally, the Worthington libraries offer a variety of events and story-time activities for kids. But, don’t fret fellow adults, there are even speciality adult story-times just for us.

2. Ann Arbor, MI

Best Cities For Book Lovers
Photo: Brad West

Ann Arbor is located in Michigan’s lower peninsula, and is home to world-renowned research programs at the University of Michigan. With a total circulation of 6,907,091, Ann Arbor’s bountiful library system makes it one of the best cities for book lovers in America.

Whether you head to the Downtown Library, the Pittsfield branch, the Malletts Creek branch, the Westgate Branch or the Traverwood branch, these Ann Arbor libraries absolutely have whatever you’re looking for in circulation (and if not, no worries — they can help find what you need).

3. Provo, UT

Best Cities for Book Lovers
Photo: Kace Lott

Serving residents of both Provo and Orem, the Provo City Library was founded in 1905 and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

The Provo City Library is truly a book lover’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for personalized reading recommendations, book blogs or carefully curated booklists, the Provo City Library has reading recommendations for everyone.

Additionally, the Provo City Library is home to an exhibit space and an art gallery, making it a true cultural hub for these rapidly growing Utah cities.

4. Hoover, AL

Best Cities for Book Lovers
Photo: Eliott Reyna

With a tagline of, “We are more than a library,” the Hoover Public Library is more of a community center. Since opening in 1983, the Hoover Public Library has remained steadfast in connecting with the community through its resource system.

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—join the library on the second Saturday of the month for Purl on the Plaza.

5. Naperville, IL

Best Cities for Book Lovers
Photo: Paul Melki

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 country.

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 charges.

Need more perspective to visit the library? According to the Naperville Library, library patrons have saved $9,967,242 so far this year by checking materials out of the library instead of purchasing those same items. Who doesn’t love to see that?

We turn the page on the best cities for book lovers. You’ll be surprised by which library systems rank highest in the US.