Explorer
The History of Ancient Egypt.
Staff Picks

Booklist: Exploration for fun

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, January 28
Exploration Generation Do you want to explore history and geography, whenever you want? Then welcome to a new way of thinking of generations. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
The Self-care Solution
Badass Affirmations
Staff Picks

Inspired to Grow Your Relationships?!

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, January 28
We have just the books to help you develop those relationships that matter to you. We've got you covered whether it's with a significant other, yourself, friends and/or family.
If It Makes You Happy
The (other) F Word
Staff Picks

Teen Body Positivity

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, January 22
Body positivity encourages self-love and the acceptance of all bodies. These teen books featuring plus size main characters celebrate and remind us that you don't have to be a certain size or shape to be the hero or fall in love.
A Winter's Promise.
The Circle
Staff Picks

Teen Books in Translation

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 14
We live in a globalized world, so why not read like it? These teen titles are from a variety of countries and languages and have been translated into English. Great literature spans the entire Earth, so don't miss out on interesting cultures in these stories of adventure, mystery, history, and more.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Self-Portraits

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, June 24
Take a #brainbreak and create a self-portrait. Whether it's a new year, a new season or a new day, it's always a good time to document who you are.
Cure for the Common Universe
Guy in Real Life
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction About Gamers

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 13
Gaming can lead people to do a lot more than escape into power fantasies about saving the world. The characters in these stories use their skills in the virtual and real world to socialize, find romance, stand up for themselves and others, resist corporate and government control, and yes, save the world.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23
Teeth brushing Music crushing Bass thumping Shoulders pumping Head rotation Jubilation!
Tokyo Ghoul
Vampire Knight
Staff Picks

Light Novels: Like Anime and Manga, But Books

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, January 08
Light novels tend to make for light reading - quick, fun page-turners that are easily adapted into and from manga and anime. We have a growing collection of light novels in print and online, listed below.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Who is Wonder Woman?

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, January 08
Magic lassos, invisible planes, and twirling transformations do not a wonder woman make.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

  • 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.
D is for Dragon Dance
A Gift
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Lunar New Year

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, January 02
On February 12 of this year, Lunar New Year will begin and will introduce the Year of the Ox. Every lunar new year is a time of celebration throughout Asian countries and the Asian American community to bring in the coming twelve months, according to the traditional Chinese calendar or lunar calendar. Lunar New Year typically begins on the lunar calendar's first new moon and ends fifteen days later on the lunar calendar's full moon. Read the stories listed below to learn more about the Lunar New Year celebration!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Take a Reading Challenge

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, December 28
Break out of your reading comfort zone with these book-focused challenges for the new year.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Creative Journaling

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, June 24
Take a break and write. Journaling can help you process your emotions and unleash your creativity.
Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 23
Being mindful, taking a breath and finding your calm can be challenging on a good day. Add in busy schedules, family stresses, worries and world events, it can seem impossible--especially for children who haven't mastered self-regulation. Even good changes like holidays or vacations can make children feel overwhelmed:
Yoshi No Zuikara 1
Perfect World 1.
Staff Picks

New Manga Series of 2020

  • Thomas M.
  • Saturday, December 12
Here are series that launched or received new editions in 2020, expanding manga shelves for readers to escape into a number of genres.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Five Stages of Batman Fandom

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, December 18
No fan ever reads through the same franchise twice, for it's not the same franchise and they're not the same fan.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Inside Out & Back Again

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
Based on the author's own childhood, Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a pivotal year in the life of a South Vietnamese family. Once a wealthy family with two parents, 1975 brings a reversal of fortune for Hà, her brothers and mother.
The Other Mrs.
The Red Lotus
Staff Picks

35 Best Psychological Thrillers of 2020

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, December 05
If you enjoy novels of psychological suspense and are looking for new books to read in this genre, here are 35 titles for you. Gone Girl was a bestselling novel which catapulted this genre to new heights of popularity and made way for many more books which have some permutation and combination of suspense, mystery, terror and complex characters who may or may not be mentally stable. Here is a collection of the best thriller novels published in 2020.
The Cassandra Curse
The Crossover
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, December 04
Children at this age are branching out into longer books. Novels can echo their real life experiences, but they can also tell new stories, boosting their imaginations and building their empathy. Books for tweens can be their way of fitting in or standing out. These books can also offer comfort during this time of transition and help them discover who they might grow up to be.
Find Fergus
The Bear Went over the Mountain
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, December 04
Preschoolers are primed for discovery and books are no exception. Treating books with loving care is something preschoolers are also beginning to learn. They will take pride in their growing library when you give the gift of books.
Grown
Don't Look Back
Staff Picks

Great Mysteries for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Looking for a juicy mystery to sink your teeth into? Curl up with one of the books below and follow the twists and turns to the very last page. Looking for more great teen books? Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Pet
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

Award Winning Books for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Culled from state, national, and professional awards, the titles below were chosen by teens, teachers, librarians, and reviewers as the best in young adult literature. From memoirs and biographies (Hey Kiddo, The Great Nijinsky, Ordinary Hazards) to literary and inventive fiction (Pet, Clap When You Land, Dig) and popular titles (Frankly in Love, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me), you’re sure to find something you lo
Raybearer
Flame in the Mist
Staff Picks

Science Fiction and Fantasy for Younger Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
From classic fairy tale fantasies (The Goose Girl), to distant futures and distant worlds (Cinder, Unearthed, Skyward), these books have all the action, adventure, and heart that will keep younger readers turning the pages. Looking for more great teen books? Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Witch Hat Atelier. Volume 1
Spy X Family 1.
Staff Picks

Great Recent Manga For Teens

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, December 02
If you know a manga addict who's on the lookout for a great new series to burrow through, give these series a try. From the gentle fantasy of Delicious In Dungeon, Witch Hat Atelier, and Flying Witch to the action/horror of Demon Slayer and The Promised Neverland, there's plenty to stimulate the imagination. Readers looking for something more realistic will enjoy the relationship drama of Blue Flag as well as the cuteness of Tomo-chan Is A Girl and Shortcake Cake.
Dragon Hoops.
Be Gay, Do Comics!
Staff Picks

2020's Hottest Comics & Graphic Novels For Teens

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, December 02
From superheroes to memoirs to D&D campaigns, the past year was full of great graphic novels for teens. Some are standalone while others lead to series, making gift ideas as compact or stacked as your recipient would like.
Punching the Air
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Teen Audiobooks the Whole Family Will Love

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Audiobooks are a wonderful way to connect as a family through interesting and diverse stories. Whether you're traveling in the car, cooking dinner at home, or relaxing in the living room, pressing play can bring you all together. These teen selections ranging from a full-cast reading of an action-packed space adventure (Aurora Rising) to a powerful story in verse about a wrongfully incarcerated boy (Punching the Air) will be sure to have something the whole family will enjoy.
Beauty and the Beaks
Gus, the Pilgrim Turkey
Staff Picks

Thanksgiving Books to Share with Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, November 23
Sharing a Thanksgiving story as a family is a fun and meaningful way to spend some time preparing for the holiday. Here are some books you will want to gobble up.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Dishes to Make Date Night Sizzle 🔥

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, November 20
Local Chef David Grillo (Cantina 76) and his wife Cheryl serve up dishes to make date night sizzle at home. Kick off your evening with a traditional Sangria followed by the main course—Arroz Con Pollo.
Tree
Wishtree
Staff Picks

An Arbor Day Celebration

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, November 19
Arbor Day (the first Friday in December) is the beginning of tree planting season in South Carolina. Celebrate safely by finding moments to walk among the trees and appreciate their quiet majesty. Reading can also deepen our knowledge of even every day subjects. This curated selection of books offers titles for everyone - stories about the importance of trees, the science and even hands-on activities.
A Duke by Default
You Had Me at Hola
Staff Picks

15 Must-Read Diverse Romance Novels

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, November 17
Love comes in all colors. Do browse this list of excellent Romance novels with beautiful storylines, witty conversations and interesting plot twists.These love stories represent the diversity in the real world. If you have not heard of these diverse Romance authors yet, do read their books as they are very talented writers.
Firefly. The Complete Series
Stranger Things.
Staff Picks

Friendship

  • Helene F.
  • Saturday, November 14
Friendships near and far Connecting with friends and family, we are able to listen to each other's experiences. Let these items show us that we are not alone in how it feels to be human. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Let's Talk Race: A Culinary Conversation

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, November 12
"The man and the woman who became enslaved enslaved the palate of those who enslaved them. From feijoada, to jambalaya, we flipped it on ’em. And we keep flipping it on ’em." --Michael Twitty
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Going Down Home with Daddy

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, July 14
This 2020 Caldecott Honor book gently and proudly tells the story of Lil Alan and his family as they return to his father’s childhood home in the South to celebrate traditions and family history.
I Can Make This Promise
How Tia Lola Came to Visit Stay
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Diverse Families in Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, November 07
Family is what holds these stories together as the characters experience life-changing moments, face difficult truths and each other. 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.
One Family
Black is Brown is Tan
Staff Picks

Read All about It: Diverse Families in Picture Books

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, November 07
Celebrate all kinds of families and their love for one another by reading these wonderful picture books with your very own family. 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 Main

iRead: Ninjas RULE!

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, November 06
iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Ninjas are AWESOME! They are stealthy, strong and full of surprise. Discover the real ultimate power of ninjas--both fact and fiction--and read some super stories along the way.
Blog
Richland Library Main

SPIRE Reading Curriculum

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, January 06
Looking for reading resources for your student or child? Read about the SPIRE program that is available at Richand Library's Education Studio.
I Walk with Vanessa
Each Kindness.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kindness & Caring

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, November 03
Everyone can show kindness and everyone needs a little kindness. Waving hello, offering to help someone carry a heavy load or making a card for a friend can brighten someone's day. Let these books inspire you to find ways to let people know that you care. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Let's Pretend This Never Happened : A Book Review

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, October 31
Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson is a completely hilarious, inappropriately outrageous and a truly courageous memoir. Miss Lawson details events from her unconventional childhood in Wall, Texas where she grew up poor with her sister Lisa, her loving mom and her eccentric yet endearing dad.
Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings
Way Past Worried
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, October 27
Sharing books about feelings gives children the language to name their emotions. These stories can also give children the opportunity to explore feelings and imagine how they might behave if they were a character in the story. Talking about emotions with a trusted caregiver builds a solid foundation of mental health. Check out some of these great read-alouds and start your conversation today!
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Spooky Stories

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, October 23
Fears--real and imagined--abound in these scary stories featuring a missing mother, killer buttons, a ghost and a suspicious rabbit. (And we won't tell if you decide to sleep with the light on...)
Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring
I Lived on Butterfly Hill
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels

  • Children's Room
  • Wednesday, October 14
Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture. Check out these chapter books and novels to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives. Don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books list!
What to Eat when You're Pregnant
Nurture
Staff Picks

Educating and Preparing Yourself for Childbirth

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, October 14
Congratulations on your new addition! Listed below are a few informative books for the expecting mother and family. These topics range from what to eat while you're pregnant to the various birthing types. It's always good to brush up on some of the latest advice from current moms, but during this season of COVID it's more important than ever. Hopefully, some of these titles can be useful for you, or a loved one.
Going Down Home with Daddy
Going Down Home with Daddy.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kelly Starling Lyons

  • Rebecca K.
  • Friday, October 09
Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression. She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Kelly Starling Lyons

  • Rebecca K.
  • Monday, October 12
Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression. She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Learning at Home: Multisensory Spelling

  • Emily J.
  • Monday, October 19
Many times, children have trouble identifying the separate letter sounds or phonemes in words. Fingerspelling is a handy multisensory strategy to help children learn how to spell. They learn to pull apart words into separate sounds (segmenting) and to associate a letter’s sound with the letter’s written form.