President Obama's Favorite Books of the Summer and Asking Your Patrons to Share Their Favorites as Well

President Obama's annual list of his favorite books of the summer just dropped. In the past, authors like SA Cosby have credited this list for catapulting them to bestseller status. Since the list is being circulated everywhere, it is a great conversation starter. 

Since it is almost the end of the Summer, this list is a great way to start having your patrons share what they read this summer. Make a display and an online list where you put up Obama's picks, the titles that circulated most at your library this summer, the most commonly read books for summer reading, etc.... then use my post to help you make this display interactive.

And don't forget, the list from what he read this year (2024) is great but include backlist lists as well. All of these titles are great "sure bet" options that you can use for a "hidden gems," "great reads you may have missed," or similar displays : 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019

I did the searching for you so that you can have the backlist in one place, but the first two lists-- 2024 and 2023-- are from the Obama Foundation Center who will catalog them from now on. 

Now this list is all over popular media regardless of political affiliations; however, I understand that sharing his list could be problematic at some libraries due to the partisan nature of American life. To that end I suggest you do some searching and find other Summer Lists, whether by other celebrities or use the LitHub Ultimate Summer Reading Lists for 2024 which compiled 23 Summer Reading lists and then listed the books that appeared in the most lists in descending order from this that appeared on 10 down to 3. And then add Obama's titles to your lists and displays.

No matter how you do it, the middle of August is a great time to start the conversation with your patrons about what books they most enjoyed over the Summer. That way as Labor Day comes around you can celebrate the books that defined your readers' Summer of 2024 during the symbolic end of the season. 

Not only is it a chance for them to participate actively in your service to them, but it gives you a better sense of what books they are most enjoying, meaning you can make more educated decisions about your purchases and future displays. Plus, NEVER underestimate how much people like being asked to share things they enjoyed AND come see their pucks up in a display at their local library.