Blog
Richland Library Main

AiR Presents: Local Artist Directory!

  • Ashley Warthen
  • Friday, April 30
Let’s give our local artists as much of the spotlight we can! With the pandemic and other issues facing our community, I’m elated to share that One Columbia’s artist directory now lives here on Richland Library.com
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Between the World and Me

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
Angry. Scared. Tired. These are only a few of the words to describe how the Black community is feeling right now and how it has felt for the past four hundred years.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Day of Silence: My Silence, My Story

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 23
The Day of Silence is an annual student-led demonstration meant to raise awareness of bullying and harassment directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students.
Blog
Richland Library Wheatley

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

  • Jessica Daly
  • Wednesday, April 21
Resumes need to be customized for every job; there's no one size fits all. Here are some tips on how to make your resume standout to hiring managers.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Augusta Baker and the Art of Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, March 24
"Storytelling at its best is mutual creation. Children listen and, out of the words they hear, create their own mental images; this opening of the mind's eye develops the imagination." - Storytelling: Art and Technique by Augusta Baker and Ellin Greene
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Five Trailblazing Women of Richland County

  • Brittany S.
    Alex B.
  • Tuesday, April 27
Let's look at five amazing women leaders who not only have made a positive impact all across Richland County, but have broken down barriers while they were at it.
Anansi the Spider
Folk Tales & Fables of Asia & Australia
Staff Picks

Good Folk Tales and Fairy Tales for Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, April 09
In their well-respected book, Storytelling: Art and Technique, Ellin Greene and Augusta Baker tell us: "A good story for telling is one that has something to say and that says it in the best possible way." Check out some of these books to learn more about the traditional art of storytelling and to find folk tales and fairy tales that have something to say and are written in the best possible way!
Blog
Richland Library Main

April is National Poetry Month: Ode to the Onion

  • Kate B.
  • Friday, April 09
What do an onion, a sock, a hummingbird, and ironing all have in common? Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote odes to each of these. Learn more about elemental odes and write one yourself.
The Pros of Cons
Beauty Queens
Staff Picks

Teen Books to Make You Laugh

  • Alison B.
  • Saturday, April 03
Looking for laughs in your reading selection? Try some of these humorous teen titles from an alien-hunting cheerleader (Flying by Carrie Jones) to a convention center mismatched with a percussion competition, fandom con, & taxidermy championship (The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry) that'll have you chuckling and smiling throughout.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart

  • 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.
A Place Inside of Me
Ellington Was Not A Street.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: African American Experiences in Poetry

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 02
"for there is love inside me true love deep down inside of me I am in love with my people"-- A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott These #OwnVoices collections, picture books and novels for older readers explore themes of community and connection, family and faith, racism and resilience. These books give poetic voice to African American experiences and history and should be read and shared by everyone.
Brazen
Drawing Power
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Graphic Novels For YA Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, March 29
Women History Month is a time to celebrate and examine women’s history, issues, and contributions. Our team's contributions this month will be providing a quality booklist every Monday featuring strong female characters, movements, and historical figures.
Blog
Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, May 20
Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Mini-Retreat: Play Birdsong Hero

  • Amy A.
  • Sunday, March 28
Wish you could identify birds by their songs? Try this simple game and turn "someday" into "today" for your bird watching bucket-list daydreams.
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, March 26
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, these girls are the stars of their own stories all while sharing their (mis)adventures, making us laugh and introducing us to their family and friends. These friends of Ramona may be new, but they are sure to find a place on your family's bookshelf and in your family's heart.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Sunday, March 28
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.
Blog
Richland Library Main

SC ELA Standards: Reading for Information Part 3

  • Shannon G.
  • Friday, April 30
Reading for information is commonly paired with nonfiction books. However, some fiction books hold good information about nonfiction subjects in a fictional setting. Because storyline is more complex, children can to gather information over time and wonder what will happen next or how the story ends. Helping your second grader learn to read carefully for details increases comprehension, introduces new vocabulary, and opens interest to related topics.
Other Words for Home
Walk Two Moons.
Staff Picks

Classroom Reads on Hoopla for Middle School

  • Rebecca T.
  • Monday, March 15
Looking for a great novel for your class to read together? Try one of these eBook titles available for download on Hoopla that are perfect for a middle school reader! Materials on Hoopla are available for simultaneous, instant access - meaning every student in your class could read the same eBook at the same time. Each customer may borrow 10 items a month from Hoopla.
Stitches
El Deafo
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Graphic Novel Recommendations for YA Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, March 15
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities "the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential." Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a persons growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to raise aw
Blog
Richland Library Cooper

Paving the Way: Celebrating Women's History Month

  • Rehana H.
  • Sunday, March 14
Few people are labeled the "first", but Navy Lt. j.g. Madeline G. Swegle is not your average sailor. As of July 31, 2020, she's officially the Navy's first Black female tactical air pilot, marking a significant milestone for naval aviation. Find out more about her and check out these books featuring women in uniform; their stories, achievements and determination.
The Truths We Hold
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Staff Picks

40 Inspiring Biographies of Remarkable Women

  • Mona Verma
  • Monday, March 08
Biographies and memoirs are raw, real and riveting. We can learn so much about the lives of these strong women from books where human stories intersperse with history, culture and the political climate. Do read and get empowered.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

  • 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 Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Class Act

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, August 07
New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, is now joined by Jerry Craft’s powerful Class Act.
Love from a to Z
Love from A to Z
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Fiction Recommendations for YA Readers

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, March 03
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a persons growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to rai
Blog
Richland Library Eastover

#Brainbreak: Solar S'mores Oven

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Monday, February 06
This week's #brainbreak is all about solar energy. I know...we are supposed to be taking a break from learning, but I promise it will be fun!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05
Let’s show out children a world where everyone does not look the same, worship the same, or even think the same—and that this is the beauty of the world. Let’s teach them that in spite of our differences, we’re more alike than different, and learning brings us closer together. Let’s join together and Read WOKE Across America!
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01
Jason Reynolds is an author and poet who grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Inspired by Queen Latifah and the other rappers he listened to in his youth, he began writing poetry at the age of 9. In January 2020, Jason Reynolds was named as the Library of Congress’s national ambassador for young people’s literature, a position designed to encourage young people to develop an interest in reading.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Undefeated

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
Unforgettable. Undeniable. Unflappable. Unafraid. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe this Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-Winning book by author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Kadir Nelson.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: A Story About Afiya

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, March 11
DIY Storytimes are curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook, songs and activities. Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the sweet story of Afiya and her dress, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet, James Berry, with fresh illustrations by Anna Cunha.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Stamped: Who Were They Really?

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05
The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. Racist ideas are woven into the fabric of this country, and the first step to building an antiracist America is acknowledging America's racist past and present.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

African Americans in Art: Beverly Buchanan

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, February 27
There is much more to Black history than civil rights activists and inventors. This project explores the cultural contributions of African American artist, Beverly Buchanan, and gives you the opportunity to make your own artwork inspired by her! Beverly Buchanan was born in Fuquay, North Carolina, but grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is best known for her shack structures which explore the Southern vernacular through architecture
Tess of the Road
Damsel
Staff Picks

There's Always Room for Dragons in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, February 16
Fantasy stories are full of interesting magical creatures, but nothing holds a flame to the fire-breathing behemoths that are dragons. From treasure hoarders to city destroyers to faithful companions and more, check out the young adult books below for stories of fierce and fiery drakes.
Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Storytelling: A Gift from the Motherland

  • Crystal M.
  • Monday, February 15
Storytelling is an African and African American tradition that dates back to well before the 18th century when Africans were brought to America through the Slave Trade.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Stamped: This is Not a History Book

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Monday, February 15
"This is not a history book...." There's so much packed in that one profound statement that Jason Reynolds reiterates at the beginning of Stamped: Antriracism, Racism, and You by Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.
I Want More Pizza
Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?
Staff Picks

Budgeting and Money Saving Skills For Teens

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, February 12
Financial skills are key to taking control of your destiny. Money you save today could make a lasting difference in the future. Budgeting for personal goals are great habits to build. Adults may not like to admit it, but many of them wish they could turn back time and read up about this! The books listed below offer good advice for saving and budgeting. There are many digital books on money management available for instant checkout over on Hoopla.
The Meet-cute Project
Together, Apart
Staff Picks

New Teen Romances

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, February 10
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If you're feeling the love in the air or want something sweet to make your heart melt, swoon over these teen picks below.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Faxing Online

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 08
Faxing can be done online or through a smart device!
Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Fire Safety

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
It's always a good time to talk about fire safety. Share these books with your child and discuss what to do if there's a fire in your home or in their school. Reading together will make them feel safe and confident that they know what to do in case of an emergency. If you want to know more about firefighters and how they keep us safe, check out Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks.
What Do Firefighters Do?
Fire Engine.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
Firefighters work hard to keep us safe. Find out more about how they keep us safe, what they wear to keep them safe and the equipment they use (especially fire trucks) by reading these fiction and nonfiction titles about these first responder heroes. If you want to know how to keep yourself safe around fire, check out Read All About It: Fire Safety.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: One Crazy Summer

  • 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.
Blog
Richland Library Eastover

Name 3 Things

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Friday, June 24
This is a quick game you can play with a family member during your #brainbreak to get your brain recharged and ready for more learning.
Blog
Richland Library Eastover

#BrainBreak - DIY Pop-it Fidget Toy and More!

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Wednesday, February 03
So, I went down a rabbit hole of Tiktok's full of fidget toy ideas. Some easy and some not. Thus, I thought I would share a few that caught my eye to help you get through those long zoom classes and give you the #brainbreak you oh so deserve.
Barracoon
The Best American Magazine Writing 2020
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: A Book List Inspired by 1619

  • Richland Library
  • Tuesday, February 02
Inspired by the New York Times' 1619 audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, each title in this list corresponds to the thematic elements of an episode. For episode 3, listen to our curated playlist in Freegal.
Standing on Her Shoulders
Because I Was a Girl
Staff Picks

Women Making History for Tweens & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, February 01
From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021. Let's be clear. Women have always made history. Sadly, they have been overshadowed, overlooked or just plain erased from many history books. But no more.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Women Making History

  • Alison B.
    Heather M.
  • Monday, February 01
From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021. Discover unsung heroes and (good) troublemakers in these books and appreciate the impact that women have made.
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, January 28
2021. We made it, but not without a heaping dose of anxiety and fear. If worry is affecting you, you can bet it’s also affecting your little one.