In a city of politicians, public servants and journalists, it comes as no surprise that former federal minister for finance Lindsay Tanner's memoir made the list of Canberra's favourite books in 2011.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Director of Libraries ACT Vanessa Little said she had expected Tanner's Sideshow: Dumbing Down Democracy to feature as one of the favourites, as it discusses issues that are local, and Canberra residents are ''interested in the views of politicians, past and present''.
Coming in at No1, though, was Jamie Oliver's latest release 30 Minute Meals, followed by The Hare with Amber Eyes, by Edmund De Waal, and Anna Funder's first novel, All That I Am.
Kingston librarian Kerri Buckley said many readers had a fascination with cooking, and the idea of gourmet fast food led to the success of Oliver's new cookbook.
''People want something quick and easy, and with Jamie Oliver's name on the front, readers were attracted to the idea of a half-hour meal,'' she said.
Stieg Larsson's trilogy (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest) also made the list, with films produced following their publication.
According to Mrs Buckley, books made into films or television series can become popular overnight, such as the highly acclaimed recent ABC series The Slap, written by Christos Tsiolkas in 2008, which is now in high demand.
With 2.9 million loans throughout Canberra last year, up from 2.6 million the previous year, Ms Little believes library visitor numbers are increasing, as locals are saving money rather than purchasing books.
Picture books were ranked as the most popular items borrowed and DVDs also feature as a main library resource.
Romantic comedy Valentine's Day was the most requested DVD in the past year, followed by season one of ABC's The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and historical drama The King's Speech.
