Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Sorrowland - A Review

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, July 27
"Going against tended to end more rightly, more justly, than going with. People were wrong. Rules, most of the time, favored not what was right, but what was convenient or preferable to those in charge."
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away
Evelyn Del Rey Se Muda
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, July 17
"Evelyn Del Rey is my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend. 'Come play, Daniela,' she says, just like she always does. Just like today is any other day." --Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina
Dragons in a Bag
Going Down Home with Daddy.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, July 14
Mama smiles sweetly and places her palm against the door. She speaks slowly and politely. “It’s just us, Ma. I called this morning and told you we were coming. Remember?” The woman behind the door barks at Mama, “Course I remember. You called and asked if you could leave the boy with me and I said NO!”--Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: How to Find What You're Not Looking For

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
    Taelor J.
  • Sunday, November 12
Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Shady Baby

  • Cassie G.
  • Wednesday, July 06
From the New York Times Bestselling Duo Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwayne Wade Jr.
Below the Edge of Darkness
Bitch
Staff Picks

Nature is Neat!

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, June 22
According to the super reliable and oh-so-scholarly Urban Dictionary, neature is "a combination of the words neat and nature. Best used to describe how neat nature is." I think this is a very fitting term for our wild and wonderful world and all the creatures that live in and on it. If you are a nature lover (and think it's pretty neat, too) or love being outdoors, or maybe just learning about Earth's many environments and ecosystems these titles are right up your alley.
Black is a Rainbow Color
If You Come to Earth /.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Picture Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL). The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians. Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
Unspeakable
Staff Picks

South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Children's Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL). The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians. Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Magic Fish

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.
The Memory Librarian
Black Sci-fi Short Stories
Staff Picks

Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism

  • Adele C.
  • Friday, June 17
Early late at night I wander off into a land You can go, but you mustn't tell a soul There's a world inside Where dreamers meet each other Once you go it's hard to come back Let me paint your canvas as you dance
The Donkey and the Rock
Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian Folklore Titles for Youth

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read and celebrate the amazing Asian folklore stories about grand heroes, exciting adventures, and fantastical places below! Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Why is Juneteenth Celebrated?

  • Brittany S.
  • Saturday, July 02
Join us as we reflect on Juneteenth with stories that honor the past, illuminate black culture, and commemorate living unapologetically free.
Charming As a Verb
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Young Adult Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL). The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for high schoolers, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians. Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari and the Night Brothers
Staff Picks

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Junior Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL). The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians. Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Her Stories
African Folklore in the New World
Staff Picks

A Tale to Tell Thru Time: BIPOC Oral Literature

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, May 18
Most people's first experience with oral literature or folk literature was most likely a lullaby, nursery rhyme or an urban legend. Oral literature is handed down orally through the word of mouth from one generation to another and serves to communicate ideas, knowledge, cultural practices, emotions, beliefs, and the appreciation of life. Oral literature much like oral tradition is preserved by speaking, listening, and remembering. The following booklist highlights African, African American, and indigenous people oral literature.
Malibu Rising
Dead Dead Girls
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: Fiction Set in CA or NY

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, May 12
The #BroaderBookshelf challenge helps expand your reading habits to discover authors, genres and books you might not otherwise pick up. Read one of these fiction titles to fulfill the "Read a fiction or non-fiction book set in California or New York" prompt. Click on the title to see all available formats.
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards
Flowerheart
Staff Picks

Youth Titles to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, May 12
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness month has been celebrated in the United States each May. Every single year millions of adults, teens, and children face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Books are a great place to start to better understand and build empathy towards those with these lived experiences. Check out the list below for youth titles that have released in the past two years that bring awareness to mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, depression, and more.
Samira Surfs
The Maps of Memory
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11, 12, 13 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
Middle school readers are still figuring out the world while trying to figure out themselves. They may look for books that reflect their experience or give them a window or sliding glass
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 9, 10, 11 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"This is Stuntboy. This guy, right here. Him. You can't tell just looking at him, but he's the greatest superhero you've never heard of." --Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Too Small Tola
Too Small Tola
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Tola is the youngest in her family. And the smallest. And everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small." --Too Small Tola by Atinuke
When Lola Visits
I Talk Like a River
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night." --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Bright Star (read Along)
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"My eyes gaze into space and glimpse trails of light..." --Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions. They are growing their independence along with their attention spans. Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.
Change Starts with Us
On the Go with Mother Goose
Staff Picks

Great Books for Babies | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Change starts with learning about the world."--Change Starts with Us by Sophie Beer Snuggled in your lap, babies love books with photographs, simple, bright illustrations, rhyming and the sound of your voice. Find your little one's new favorite story from our list of books to share.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Code Name Verity /.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 16, 17, 18

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, May 06
The transition of the late teen years can be both joyful and confusing. Reading about someone like yourself or escaping into someone else’s shoes are both great ways to learn about the world around you. Check out some of our favorite reads for older teens in the list below. Happy exploring!
Akata Witch
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 13, 14, 15

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, May 06
Looking for some great fiction for younger teens and don’t know where to start? Check out the list below for an overview of some of our favorites. With mysteries, romances, fantasies, nonfiction, and more there’s something for every reader!
The One Day House
No Voice Too Small
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 04
"One day," said Wilson. "I will fix the roof on Gigi's house to keep out the wind and snow."--The One Day House by Julia Durango Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering or bringing people together to fix a problem too big for any one person, these stories of community let us know that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Blog
Richland Library Main

An Amazing Children's Author: Jane Yolen

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, May 05
Jane Yolen has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the twentieth century due to her command of folklore, fantasy, and myth. Her storytelling reaches a vast audience, from the youngest board book reader to the young adult.
Blog
Richland Library Main

On the Streets Where We Live

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, April 27
If you’ve ever walked or biked around downtown Columbia, you’ve probably encountered impatience from drivers waiting for you to clear a crosswalk or pedal through an intersection. The unspoken assumption in this scenario is that streets are primarily for cars, and any other uses take a back seat (so to speak) to this imperative.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Finding the Right Book for Your Child

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, May 26
Choosing books for your child is a bit like a match-making process. Not all children will love the same books. To help you find the right match, we’ve curated some recommendations to try on and see what fits.
The Beauty That Remains
Freaking out
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Lily W.
  • Monday, April 25
A recent study from the CDC found that 37.1% of teenage students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, often due to issues such as “school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, family loss or illness, and reduced access to health care.” However, the report also found that “poor mental health, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors were less prevalent among those who felt close to persons at school and were virtually connected with others during the pandemic.”
Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity.
Grace and Fury
Staff Picks

Siblings in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, April 21
Siblings, love them or hate them (or perhaps a little of both), are a part of many of our lives. The interpersonal relationship of growing up with another family member is rich, sometimes messy, but often times contains unconditional love. Check out these teen titles below that feature strong sibling relationships.
Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID

  • Anika Thomas
  • Wednesday, May 25
When the 2020 lockdown began to lift and our new normal beckoned for us to finally leave our homes I didn’t know what to do or what to expect. Information changed so rapidly, it made it hard for me, as a parent, to create consistency in my approach to COVID-19 so I reverted to basics. Here are some things I learned.
No More Plastic
Reuse This Book!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 18
"She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and decided to make a change."--No More Plastic | Alma Fullerton Discover how pollution and litter damage the air, land and seas and what you can do each day to take care of our planet. Earth day is every day when you read one of these books. Find more great stories when you Read All About It: This Land is Our Land.
Blog
Richland Library Main

That's Gross!

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, April 18
Does your kid love reading about, talking about, asking questions about "gross" things like poop, mud, and slime? You've come to the right place.
Southwest Sunrise
Wonder Walkers
Staff Picks

Read All About It: This Land is Our Land

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, April 15
"This land was made for you and me."--This Land is Your Land | Woody Guthrie Whether it's camping with family or finding tiny, perfect things right in your own neighborhood, these stories will remind you of the wonder and beauty that's all around us. Earth day is every day when you read one of these wonderful picture books. Find more great stories when you Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Decision Day 2022

  • Brittany C.
  • Friday, April 15
The weather is getting warmer, spring break is here, and high school seniors are starting to get that bittersweet feeling.
Jabari Jumps
Violet Shrink
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Jabari Jumps Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, April 14
Visit Richland Library's Jabari Jumps StoryWalk® at Caughman Road Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and find your courage to try something new. Next, check out some of these good books to continue the stories at home! Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
My Son John
The New Jim Crow
Staff Picks

Help! My Adult Child Talks Like a Communist!

  • Keith B.
  • Tuesday, April 05
In Leo McCarey's Red Scare cult classic, My Son John, John (Robert Walker) comes home from college with a raft of radical ideas. His devout Catholic mother Lucille (Helen Hayes) and American Legion member father Dan (Dean Jagger) become increasingly uneasy, unable to relate to John's leftist views. In one of the best, and most certainly melodramatic depictions of the possible gulf between generations caused by political differences, Lucille begins informing on John to the FBI agent played by Van Heflin.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Dinner Table Talks: Missing Daddy and Dad Bakes

  • Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
    Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, June 06
Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.
Soul Food Sunday
Food
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tasty Treats

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 04
Check out these tasty treats that look good enough to eat--I mean, read. Whether it's a delicious thick red stew shared with neighbors, a food truck rodeo or applesauce in your hair, these books offer a veritable buffet of cuisines and experiences to share together. (Some of these books even offer recipes so you can make food with your friends and family!)
Hungry Hearts
With the Fire on High
Staff Picks

Teen Food Books

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, April 01
Do yourself a flavor and check out some of these teen titles featuring delectable eats that will have your mouth watering. From traveling abroad to study culinary arts in Spain (With the Fire on High) to working the locally owned women-run ice cream stand (Stay Sweet) to competing on a reality TV food competition (Where There's a Whisk), you'll be in foodie heaven.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Great Big Family Quarantine

  • Lindsey T.
  • Monday, March 28
Quarantine can be difficult if you're not a single-person household. Here are some answers to common questions about quarantining as a family.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Interview with Councilwoman Jesica Mackey

  • Brittany S.
  • Wednesday, March 30
I had the honor of chatting with Richland County Council Vice-Chair, Jesica Mackey, (District 9) about her leadership, community, and the importance of Women's History Month.
Everything is Illuminated
Fahrenheit 9/11
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #9 - Starting with 'Eva Luna')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 15
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Witch Hat Atelier. Vol. 01
The Legend of Zelda. Twilight Princess. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Manga For Tween Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, March 11
Manga (Japanese comics) offer endless worlds and types of stories for audiences, but where should younger readers begin? The list below includes titles for tween readers who are curious about manga.
Eloise at the Plaza
Emma.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #8 - Starting with 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 08
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Soulswift
Undead Girl Gang
Staff Picks

Teen Hidden Gems

  • Alison B.
  • Sunday, March 06
You've read the bestsellers and the trending titles on social media, now try some young adult books that flew under the radar and you may have missed. Discover a new favorite in these teen books that deserve more love.
And We Rise
Freedom Swimmer
Staff Picks

Teen Historical Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, March 01
Bridge the gap between past and present in these latest teen historical fiction novels. From disappearances in 1400s Korea (The Forest of Stolen Girls) to a diverse reimagining of Little Women in 1863 (So Many Beginnings) to dreams of an aspiring 1950s Broadway actress (Mazie), no matter what year you're in, you'll find something to keep you turning pages.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood.
Driving Miss Daisy.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #7 - Starting with 'Deenie')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 01
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
The Crimson Petal and the White.
Crucible
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #6 - Starting with 'The Crimson Petal & The White')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, February 22
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Count of Monte Cristo (2002.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #5 - Starting with 'The Code of the Woosters')

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, February 11
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Anansi Does the Impossible!
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, February 10
A Year of Black History Continues Folktales, comics and history ... here we are! Also, Hoopla is allowing 15 checkouts for the month of February, as well as bonus borrows. Hoopla offers many comic book/graphic novels to choose from! Please, enter your email address and password associated with Hoopla.
I Am Brown
The Electric Slide and Kai
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: The Black Joy in Picture Books

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, February 09
"Black children lose teeth, learn to walk and talk, start Kindergarten, and tussle with siblings just as all children do, so books portraying them in these and all scenarios is not just appropriate, it should be the norm." - Kelly J. Baptist, author Below are Joyful books that reflect the everyday happenings in the lives of young black children.
Black Boy Joy
Rebound
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: The Black Joy in Middle Grade Books

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, February 09
The experiences of young black children is not all rooted in trauma. No child wants to constantly read about oppression, hardships and struggles. There is Joy in being black and it is important for children to not just seem themselves in books but see themselves in a positive light. The books below are simply about Black kids just living!