A new year is upon us. If you’re like me, you’re probably planning out your 2025 reading goal, deciding what books should be on the top of your TBR, and looking forward to all the new releases. From emerging sub-genres to innovative ways to connect with other readers, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of exciting possibilities. Here are some bookish trends we can look forward to in the new year.

1. Niche subgenres are on the rise.

While sub-genres like romantasy and cozy fantasy continue to increase in popularity, 2025 will help put a spotlight on other subgenres such as climate fiction (cli-fi), which explores the consequences of climate change in the future, and solarpunk, which shows an optimistic outlook of the future with sustainable technology.

Along with the growth of these subgenres, I’m looking forward to 2025 bringing more niche book clubs. Online book club platforms like Fable continue to grow in popularity, allowing readers to create their own book clubs and find other people interested in the same niche genres.

Diving into a new genre you’re not familiar with can feel like a big investment, but with the Libby app and your local library, you don’t have to worry about spending money on a book that may or may not be your cup of tea.

2. New online book communities will connect readers.

As more people demand customizable features, meaningful social interactions, and social responsibility from the companies behind online platforms, many are choosing to seek new homes for their book tracking, reviewing, and content needs.

BookThreads is a subgroup within the Threads app from Meta that many social media users are migrating to. From personal experience, the algorithm is incredible if you’re looking for niche book content.

For tracking and reviewing books, StoryGraph and Fable continue to grow due to their unique features and out of support for the female entrepreneurs who created them.

3. Fitness-focused reading will heat up.

While I love nothing more than cuddling up with a good book under a mountain of blankets, I also know how important it is to remain active. Audiobooks have always been a great way to read while working out since visually reading a book can be challenging if you’re on the move.

This year, Peloton introduced a Kindle integration that allows you to read your ebooks on Peloton bike and tread’s large screens. In 2025, I think we’ll see more fitness companies exploring options like this.

While ereader stands and remote-control page turners initially gained popularity for coziness (i.e., with hands under blankets and laying any way you’d like), I’ve also seen many creative people on TikTok using a combination of walking pads, ereader stands, and page turners to get their steps in while reading.

4. Sprayed edges will make a comeback.

In 2024, more books with sprayed edges popped up in bookstores, with some of the major retailers dedicating entire displays to these gorgeous works of art.

While sprayed edges aren’t new, the resurgence of this trend is sure to inspire more beautiful deluxe editions in 2025.

Personally, I’m a sucker for a pretty book. To keep my spending in check, I read these beautiful books in Libby first to make sure I like what’s on the inside, too, before I make a purchase.

5. Audiobooks will continue to increase in popularity.

The Libby app also saw a significant increase in audiobook checkouts compared to last year and I don’t think this trend will stop any time soon. I’ve been mostly an ebook reader, but in 2024, I read more audiobooks than any other book format.

As life continues to get busier, audiobooks are a great way to stay on top of your TBR and spice up everyday tasks like driving and household chores. If you haven’t hopped on the audiobook train yet, check out this list of the most popular audiobooks on the Libby app.

And don’t forget, you don’t need to pay for a subscription service to enjoy audiobooks! Your local library has no shortage of choices for you to borrow on Libby.

Trend-forward resolutions

If any of these trends sound interesting to you, here are some reading resolutions you can might consider for 2025:

✔️ Check out a book from a subgenre you haven’t read yet from your local library.

✔️ Join a new online book community, such as Fable or BookThreads.

✔️ Get your movement in while reading! Listen to an audiobook while you walk or try reading while on a stationary bike or treadmill.

✔️ When you see a beautiful book that you haven’t read yet, check it out from the library first and then add it to your trophy bookshelf if you loved it.

✔️ Make an audiobook your co-pilot on your daily commute.

No matter what trends you’re most excited to explore in 2025, make sure you download Libby so you can borrow books for free through your local library all year long.

Happy reading in the New Year! 🎉