CRIME and thriller novels have been revealed as the most popular genre among library users.
Figures show the top 10 most borrowed books of 2014/15 were all from this genre, with plots including gruesome murders, assassination attempts and suspense-filled criminal investigations.
The most popular library book in Scotland was Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin, with Personal by Lee Child the second most popular title and Entry Island by Peter May coming in third.
Mr Rankin said: "It is lovely to find out how popular Inspector Rebus is in our libraries. I've used libraries throughout my life. They are worlds of adventure, centres of free and inexhaustible knowledge and hubs of the community. My life would be the poorer without them."
The data from the Public Lending Right (PLR) office showed that authors Robert Galbraith, James Patterson and David Baldacci also featured in the Scottish top 10.
Across the UK as a whole, Patterson was the most borrowed author for the ninth year running, while Personal by Child was the most borrowed book for 2014/15.
PLR gives authors the legal right to receive payment from the government each time their books are loaned through the public library system.
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