At a Glance
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s recommendation spurred a 529% surge in e-book downloads of Heated Rivalry.
- 86% of those downloads happened after the mayor’s endorsement.
- The library’s free offer will run through February 14.
During a Sunday news conference amid a heavy winter storm, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged residents to stay home and highlighted the library’s free access to the novel Heated Rivalry. The recommendation sparked an unprecedented spike in digital downloads.
Mayor’s Recommendation
At the press event, Mamdani explained that the snow made staying indoors a natural choice. “The snow is coming down heavily across our city and I can think of no better excuse for New Yorkers to stay home, take a long nap, or take advantage of our public library’s offer of free access to Heated Rivalry on e-book or audiobook for anyone with a library card,” he said.
The mayor’s comment was immediately reflected in the library’s usage statistics, showing a sharp rise in e-book activity.
Library Response
The New York Public Library (NYPL) responded by making an unlimited number of copies of Heated Rivalry available on its app the following Saturday. According to the NYPL, the book has been downloaded more than 5,000 times since that day, while the six-book Game Changers series has seen over 13,000 downloads.
“We expect this number to continue to climb,” said library spokesperson Lizzie Tribone. “The e-book and audiobook versions of Heated Rivalry and all the other books in the Gamechangers series will be available for free via the NYPL through Valentine’s Day on February 14.”
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sunday, winter storm | Mayor Mamdani recommends free e-book access |
| Saturday, following | NYPL releases unlimited copies of Heated Rivalry |
| Today | Downloads exceed 5,000 for the title |
| Ongoing | Series downloads total 13,000 |
Impact on Book Popularity
Heated Rivalry is part of a series by Rachel Reid that tells the story of a secret romance between two closeted gay hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Since the HBO adaptation debuted in November, the novel has surged in popularity, causing temporary stock shortages on Amazon, Bookshop, and Barnes & Noble in early December.
The series’ success illustrates how media cross-overs can drive book sales. The NYPL’s free offering has amplified that effect, making the novel more accessible during a period when many residents are confined indoors.
Broader Reading Trends
The surge in e-book downloads highlights a larger trend in reading habits. According to YouGov, while the median American read two books in 2025, 40% read no books at all. In 2023, a survey reported that only 13% of 13-year-olds read for fun on a near-daily basis, down from 17% in 2020 and 27% in 2012.
These statistics suggest that initiatives like the NYPL’s free access can play a significant role in encouraging reading, especially among demographics that traditionally show lower engagement.
Conclusion
Mayor Mamdani’s spontaneous recommendation turned a winter storm into an opportunity for community engagement through literature. The NYPL’s swift action and the public’s enthusiastic response demonstrate how public institutions can leverage digital platforms to promote reading. As the library’s offer continues until February 14, it remains a timely reminder that books can bring people together, even when the weather keeps them indoors.
