More Genre Stickers Make for Better Reading - Library Notes

Published on May 20, 2025

More Genre Stickers Make for Better Reading

By Jennifer Walton – Library Engagement Team Lead

If you’ve visited the library recently, you might have noticed a small change on the spines of some of our newest fiction and large print books: two genre stickers. It’s not a mistake! It’s a new approach our libraries are taking to help readers find books that truly match their interests.

Books don’t always fit neatly into one category. A historical fiction can be shrouded in mystery. A mystery can have strong humour elements. And let’s not forget the suspense novels with a splash of fantasy. Romance is one genre that can pop up in almost every other genre. Romantic suspense and ‘romantasy’ (romantic fantasy) are two sub-genres which are increasingly popular right now.

When we label a book with just one genre, we risk oversimplifying it and possibly leading readers to overlook something they would love. Using multiple stickers gives a fuller picture of what a book offers. It helps readers discover titles that match their tastes more accurately, and encourages a sense of curiosity. You might come looking for a mystery and leave with a mystery/romance you never expected to love.

On the flip side, if you’ve ever picked up a book expecting one kind of story, only to find it wasn’t quite what you had in mind, you’re not alone. We hope that two stickers may help eliminate confusion and disappointment from your selection. If you can’t stand romance, you’ll know to skip a book marked with the red heart sticker even if it’s accompanied by the fantasy dragon sticker.

It’s also a great tool for reluctant readers or those trying something new. Someone who says, ‘I don’t like fantasy but I love a good laugh” might change their mind when they find a book labelled humour/fantasy. Likewise, someone looking for historical fiction might be drawn in by a novel that’s also labelled western and find that it opens up a whole new world of reading.

Ultimately, our goal is to connect you with books you’ll enjoy. By adding more genre stickers, we hope to open more doors, spark more interest, and help you discover your next favourite read. Happy browsing – and feel free to ask us if you’re ever curious about a genre you haven’t yet explored!

Try these new double stickered reads – A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney (Fantasy/Romance), A Cold Wind From Moscow by Rory Clements (Historical/Suspense), The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (Mystery/Historical)