Special Book List: 125 Books We Love

Discover Our Anniversary Book List

As part of our 125th anniversary, The New York Public Library released our 125 Books We Love list to celebrate some of the titles that have inspired us to #LoveReading. That's a lot of books—but don't worry! We're here to help you explore the list and find your next great read.

retro library card with stamp that reads: 125 Books We Love

There are so many ways to explore the 125 Books We Love list and celebrate how much you #LoveReading. Below find out how you can discover these titles: recommended reading selections from our librarians, books in different formats, a brand new book club you can join from anywhere, and more.

Read the 125 Books We Love List on Our SimplyE App

Find a selection of books from the 125 Books We Love list on SimplyE, the Library's free e-reader app that makes it easy to borrow e-books and audiobooks.

Screenshot of the SimplyE interface featuring e-books and audio books from the 125 Books We Love list.

The Librarian Is In: Monthly Book Club

Our The Librarian Is In podcast hosts Frank and Rhonda are inviting listeners to read along with them as they select books from the list for their new monthly book club. Their next book club pick will be The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson.

Podcast hosts Frank and Rhonda standing smiling up at a mic.

DIY Craft: 125 Books We Love at Home

Use our free download to make your very own 125 Books We Love portable list! Craft includes a printable list and step-by-step instructions to make your very own library card pocket.

Images of the 125 Books We Love list printed out and being cut with scissors.

125 Books We Love: Accessible Formats

Almost all of the books on the 125 Books We Love list are available from the Andrew Heiskell Library in talking books and/or braille on the BARD Mobile app, provided free through the National Library Service.

Visually impaired young man and librarian using a tablet to read a book.

7 Books to Help Lapsed Readers Get Back into Reading

These books will draw you in, excite you, and set you back on the reading path.

Three book covers side by side: Me Talk Pretty One Day, Life After Life, The Devil in the White City.

5 Books that Are Hidden Gems Ready to Be Discovered

These books on our 125 Books We Love list are flying just a bit below the radar.

Side-by-side of three book covers: The Argonauts, The Virgin Suicides, Up in the Old Hotel.

19 Women of Color on the Books that Made Them Fall in Love with Reading

Melissa Harris-Perry interviews a congresswoman, a progressive prosecutor, and 17 more incredible women who shared the books that turned them into readers.

Three book covers side by side: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Their Eyes Were Watching God

Why It's so Hard to Find Leslie Feinberg’s 'Stone Butch Blues'

If you're having a hard time getting your hands on a print copy of this seminal text, here's why. Plus, recommended reading based on 'Stone Butch Blues'

Cover of 'Stone Butch Blues,' featuring Leslie Feinberg, displayed next to a stack of library books.

Neil Gaiman: What Book Made You #LoveReading?

To celebrate the launch of the list, Neil Gaiman recounted his love of books and libraries—and invited you to do the same. Share your memories with us!

All the Reasons to #LoveReading

Hear are just some of the great responses we received when we asked you what book made you #LoveReading.

A valentine with red, white, and pink hearts that says: What book made you #lovereading?