Libraries to list the most popular books borrowed 

Lily Davis, 10, reading one of her favourite books Diary of a Wimpy Kid at the Ballarat Library. Photo: Simon O'Dwyer
Any avid reader knows the worst thing about a good book is finishing it, and understands the curse of the seemingly perpetual hunt for the next fix, the next great read.
Today  marks the start of Library and Information Week and the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) hopes a list of the top 10 books borrowed at more than 150 Australian libraries across four categories will momentarily ease that burden.
"We're all interested in what everybody is reading," said association  chief executive Sue McKerracher.
A wide range of genres were borrowed and read by Australians between February and April, with thrillers, crime, humour, fantasy, science fiction, cookery, biography and contemporary literature all getting a look-in.

Ms McKerracher said while it was  "slightly disappointing" British and American authors took out the number one spot in all four categories – adult fiction, adult non-fiction, children's books and young adult fiction – Australian writers feature prominently in all but one group.
"I think we punch above our weight, but it was disappointing in the young adult genre, because we've got some fantastic young adult writers in Australia," she said.
There were only two Australian writers in that category, and Ms McKerracher put the Americans' dominance down to heavy investment in marketing.
"Clearly, we don't have that kind of investment available for our writers."
She was, however, thrilled with the children's book category, which featured six books by Australians, including two humorous series by dream-team Andy Griffiths and illustrator Terry Denton.
Another book in the pair's phenomenally popular Treehouse series was awarded Book of the Year at last week's Australian Book Industry Awards, the first time a children's book has taken out the top prize.
Meanwhile, adults voraciously consumed popular and critically acclaimed Aussie fiction titles like The Rosie Project, Burial Rites and The Narrow Road to the Deep North, and our obsession with food showed in the non-fiction category with three of Jamie Oliver's cookbooks making the top 10.
The survey showed print books were  still going strong, with e-books borrowed from libraries making up fewer  than 5 percent of loans.
Ms McKerracher said the future was hopeful for print, despite earlier fears of its downfall with the arrival of e-readers.
"The feeling now is that, yes, we're all going digital, but actually print is still a very attractive medium and people are using multiple formats.
"They'll have an audiobook when they're in the car, an e-book when they're going on holiday and a print book when they're in the bath."
Ms McKerracher said the lists showed Australians were reading for pleasure, and, unsurprisingly, she reckons that's a good thing.
"It's very good for our souls and contributes to our general sense of wellbeing."
MOST BORROWED ADULT FICTION TITLES
 1. Never Go Back by Lee Child
 2. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
 3. The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connolly
 4. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
 5. Eyrie by Tim Winton
 6. The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan
 7. Inferno by Dan Brown
 8. The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
 9. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
10. A Wanted Man by Lee Child
MOST BORROWED CHILDREN'S BOOKS
 1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney
 2. 13-Storey, 26 Storey and 39-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
 3. Geronimo and Thea Stilton series by  Elisabetta Dami
 4. Spot series by Eric Hill
 5. The Wrong Book by Nick Bland
 6. Just! series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton
 7. Once by Morris Gleitzman
 8. Peck Peck Peck by Lucy Cousins
 9. Selby series by Duncan Ball
10. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

12 Reasons To Date a Reader

Adapted from the crew at the Huffington Post…12 Reasons To Date a Reader

1. You know they’re fine spending time on their own. People who read can entertain themselves for hours without you. Yes, you might get ignored for a couple of days when the new Game of Thrones novel comes out but a person who can hang out with themselves and a book won't get upset when you work late.

2. They’re empathetic. Studies have shown that people who read fiction are particularly empathetic towards others. This makes total sense … readers can put themselves in any character's shoes. When you're reading, you're constantly empathizing, trying to understand why a particular character is acting in a particular way.

3. They’re a critical thinker. They’re someone you can talk through a tough decision with, and know they'll give real thought to all the moving parts. People who read have stronger analytical skills, so a reader will be better equipped to assess a situation and find the right solution.

4. They has a sense of perspective. Thier crummy commute is nowhere near as bad as what's going on in The Handmaid's Tale, provided their commute did not involve being transported to a totalitarian society and forced to bear children for other couples.

5. They’re easily entertained. Setting them free in a bookstore or stopping to browse at one of those streetside book stalls is their idea of heaven. All a reader needs for an adventure is a place to sit and a good story.

6. They’ll be able to teach you things. Readers accumulate a lot of random facts, and they can usually explain things in a clear, concise way. A reader is the best person to have on your team for a pub quiz.

7. They’re curious. Someone hungry for more out of life -- more stories, more information, more experiences. 

8. They’re probably a good listener. Anyone who can spend hours and hours reading someone else’s stories will be just as interested in what you have to say.

9. They’re easy to buy gifts for…..and we’ve got you covered!

10. They have a great memory for detail. Your favourite drink? Your mum's birthday?  Covered. Reading improves your memory.

11. They’re involved in the world, and I don't just mean whatever fictional universe they’re immersed in at the time. People who read are more likely to vote, attend cultural events and be more engaged in their communities.

12. And the best thing about dating a reader? They'll probably encourage you to pick up a book yourself, so you can reap all the benefits reading has to bring.