Wake County Public Libraries is expanding a collection designed to engage emerging readers with compelling, age-appropriate content that’s easy to read. The High Interest Titles collection is now available at all library locations.
Books in this collection explore important and engaging topics while using simplified language and structure, making them great for readers who want meaningful stories without overwhelming text. According to School Library Journal, these titles typically include simple sentences, easier-to-understand words, fewer pages and shorter chapters.
“Wake County Public Libraries’ mission is to instill a love of reading and foster the pursuit of knowledge for everyone in Wake County, and the HIT Collection helps make that possible,” said Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans. “We want everyone to feel confident picking up a book and finding a story that speaks to them.”
Wake County Public Libraries launched this collection because many people struggle with reading, which can impact their health, education and economic outcomes. Research shows:
- In two out of five North Carolina counties, at least 25% of residents read below a basic literacy level (Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy).
- Nationally, 54% of adults read below a sixth grade level (ThinkImpact.com).
Following the success of its Young Adult HIT Collection launched in 2024, Wake County Public Libraries has added hundreds of titles for teens and adults—and more are on the way.
Explore HIT titles
Looking for a quick, engaging read?
Check out HIT graphic novels like “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Arthur Conan Doyle, “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson and “The Time Machine” by H.G. Wells. Short on time? Try James Patterson’s “BookShots” for fast-paced stories that pack a punch.
Check out the full collections here:
Learn more at wake.gov/libraries.
