Staff Picks

"Where are your drama books?"

What makes a "drama" book? The Teen Center is used to this question, but the answer shifts from person to person. As best we can tell, "drama" as a teen fiction category includes some combination of the following:contemporary settingflawed main characterbullyinggossipmysterycrimecharacters who are put through a series of ordealsreal consequencesThe list below represents teen fiction that fits these descriptors. One thing's for sure: these books are made to be shared like hot gossip.

Oct 26 10:00 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Public Fall Book Sale

Come get great deals on your favorite reads at the Richland Library Friends and Foundation used book sale to benefit Richland Library programming!

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Oct 25 3:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Private Fall Book Sale

Browse thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs and more. All proceeds support library programs and services.

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Jul 27 10:00 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Public Summer Book Sale

Come get great deals on your favorite reads at the Richland Library Friends and Foundation used book sale to benefit Richland Library programming!

Event Type(s):

Audience(s):

Jul 26 3:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Private Summer Book Sale

Browse thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs and more. All proceeds support library programs and services.

Event Type(s):

Audience(s):

Staff Picks

2023 Best Middle Grade and Teen Books featuring Diverse Characters or Experiences

Selected by Richland Library staff, these books represent some of our favorite stories (and non-fiction) featuring diverse characters published in 2023--plus a few older titles that we wanted to make sure you didn't miss. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Gift Guide: Books for Your K-Pop Obsessed Teen

In a same vein as the "British Invasion" cultural phenomenon of the 1960's, Korean culture has significantly influenced Gen Z's tastes and trends . From K-dramas (Korean soap operas), K-beauty (Korean beauty products), to K-pop (Korean pop music), Korean cultural influence has been all the rage with the youth. If you have a young person in your life who loves K-pop, these might be some good titles to extend that interest into reading.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Queer Authors and Intersectionality: A Reading List

This blog post introduces some queer authors who explore intersectionality. Whether you are looking for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, or graphic novels, this reading list will provide works that resonate.
Staff Picks

Children's Horror | 2023 Releases

In the mood for something a little scary? Check out these 2023 releases to find the perfect title for this Halloween season!
Staff Picks

Spooky Comics For Tween Readers

Spooky season is here, and with it comes - whoa, hey, I didn't mean to scare you. Here, let's turn on some more lights. These horror comics have frights and spectacle, but they're not quite as intense or gratuitous as more mature comics out there.
Staff Picks

Honoring Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary: Youth Titles

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop emerging from the streets of the Bronx in New York City. Over the last 50 years Hip-Hop's influence has reached music lovers world wide, creating a culture and life style of its own. These titles bring the music and rich culture of Hip-Hop to life for young audiences.
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Where is Thumbkin? Here I Am!

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills. This month's school readiness skill is about building your little one's social skills through conversation.
Staff Picks

Back to School Titles for Teen Readers

Starting a new school year is filled with so many new adventures and feelings. Check out these titles for teen readers to help prepare for the upcoming academic year!
Staff Picks

Back to School Titles for Younger Readers

Starting a new school year is filled with so many new adventures and feelings. Check out these titles for younger readers to help prepare for the upcoming academic year!
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Do You Need Directions?

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills. This month's school readiness skill is about growing your child's knowledge of early math concepts like direction, size and shape.
Staff Picks

Big Transitions for Little Humans

Life is full of transitions: big or small, they are all important in the life of a child. Books are a great way to introduce children to new ideas, concepts, and experiences. Transitions including going to a new school--or going to school for the first time--and moving houses, cities, and states are huge milestones in a child's life and can be made more understandable and relatable through this list of picture books at Richland Library. If you have questions or would like to place books on hold, call the Children's Room at Main at (803) 929-3434. We're always happy to help you!
Staff Picks

"Where are your boy books for teens?" - Fantasy

If you are looking for books with male protagonists across a variety of genres, then this series of booklists has plenty to recommend. This list features books about magic, kingdoms, and supernatural beings.
Staff Picks

"Where are your boy books for teens?" - Contemporary

If you are looking for books with male protagonists across a variety of genres, then this series of booklists has plenty to recommend. This list features books that take place away from spies, spaceships, and superheroes. Sometimes the real world is just more interesting.
Staff Picks

"Where are your boy books for teens?" - Sci Fi & Dystopian

If you are looking for books with male protagonists across a variety of genres, then this series of booklists has plenty to recommend. This list features books about strange worlds, scientific phenomena, superpowers, and surviving the end of the world.
Staff Picks

"Where are your boy books for teens?" - Sports

If you are looking for books with male protagonists across a variety of genres, then this series of booklists has plenty to recommend. This list features books about athletes and the role sports play in their lives.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Safety Keith's Bucket List (Part 1)

Now that everything is back to normal, I offer you some of South Carolina’s iconic places and events that you should visit throughout the year.
Staff Picks

The Selden K. Smith Holocaust Collection, Part 1

Richland Library welcomes items from the personal Holocaust collection of Dr. Selden K. Smith. Housed primarily at Richland Library Main the collection includes over 250 items.
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Big Words & Big Dreams

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills. This month's school readiness skill is about growing your child's proficiency with your home language.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With The Banned: Flamer

Flamer by Mike Curato is challenged in the Beaufort County School District in South Carolina. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned.
Staff Picks

Books Featuring Black Mermaids & Sirens

In celebration of Disney's release of the live action version of The Little Mermaid, check out these amazing titles that feature Black mermaids and sirens. Mermaids and sirens are fantastical creatures; however, they have religious and historical importance to the Black community. Some of these titles are light-hearted while others explore more complex themes such as grief, racism, misogyny, slavery, and more. What they all have in common is the celebration of the impact that mermaids and sirens have had on the Black community for centuries.
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: You Did It! I Did It!

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills. This month's school readiness skill is about growing your child's self-esteem and confidence through connection.
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

This 12-book series follows the adventures of the feisty and determined Anna. She uses her super-sleuthing and problem-solving skills to battle the mighty superbugs who threaten to destroy her father’s scientific work.
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Magic Belt Series

Looking for action and adventure? The Magic Belt series follows Zak’s quest to save his grandfather’s life. He sets out on a magical quest to collect hidden gems that will unlock the cure for grandfather illness. Zak races against time as he hurdles through obstacle after obstacle.
Staff Picks

Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

The night before his 14th birthday, Zak has a strange dream. A mysterious lady appears before him bearing an important message: "The Dark Master is creating a new talisman, even more powerful than the first. All of mankind is at risk. You must resume your quest and stop him!" she tells him. Together with Mim and a skinny, old mule, Zak sets off to Volcano Island to confront the Dark Master. Will he be able to reach him before it is too late? Will he be able to save humanity?
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: All About Reading

All About Reading are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Flyleaf Beginning Readers

Flyleaf Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 5 & 6

High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 5 and 6 are for new readers ready to tackle multisyllabic words and longer sentences.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 3 & 4

High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 3 & 4 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 5 & 6.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books for New Readers

High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 1 & 2 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 3 & 4.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 2 Series

Whole Phonics Early Level 2 Series are designed for early readers who are ready to tackle more advanced concepts. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic).
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 1 Series

Whole Phonics Early Level 1 Series are designed for students who know all the consonant and short vowel sounds. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic).
Staff Picks

First Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Off We Go Series

Whole Phonics Early Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic).
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: It's Okay to Play

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills. This month's school readiness skill is about the importance of play.