It's a big day at The New York Public Library as we celebrate our 125th Anniversary! The Library serves millions of New Yorkers and visitors from around the world, and our values of trust, respect, and free and open access to knowledge and opportunity are as essential today as they were when NYPL was founded in 1895.

To mark this milestone year, and celebrate the power of reading, we've compiled a list of our 10 most-borrowed books—ever. In the words of New York Public Library President Anthony W. Marx, "This list tells us something about New Yorkers over the last 125 years—what moves them, what excites them, what stands the test of time."

Top 10 Checkouts of All Time

So what are the most checked-out books in Library history? They include four picture books, two dystopian novels, a Pulitzer Prize–winner, a classic children's story, the first book in one of the most popular series ever and—the oldest on the list—a self-help book. Are you suprised by any books on the list? Any titles you're suprised not to see? How many have you read?

• Learn more about our top 10 checkouts (including an intriguing honorable mention) and how they were determined 

The Snowy Day: Limited-Edition Library and MetroCards

The Library's most borrowed book (racking up nearly a half million checkouts) is Ezra Jack Keats's beloved picture book The Snowy Day, first published in 1962. To honor our 125th anniversary and the top checkout, New Yorkers can now get a limited-edition library card and, in 10 stations, a limited-edition MetroCard, both featuring Keats's memorable artwork from The Snowy Day.

• Learn more about the 125th anniversary library card

• Learn more about the 125th anniversary MetroCard

Buckle up for an exciting anniversary year which will include include special book lists, author talks,  public programs, the reopening of a Midtown branch, and more.

• Learn more about how the Library is celebrating 125 years