Blog
Richland Library Main

SC Science Standards: Plant Growth and Survival

  • Emily J.
  • Friday, October 30
Plants tell an important story about the environment. Take time to explore and investigate the plants in the backyard with your kindergartener. Visit local gardens and discuss the types of plants in the area. Ask questions about how the environment provides plants with the resources they need to survive, water and sunlight
A Snake Falls to Earth
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Middle Grade & Teen Novels

  • Saturday, October 03
Discover the stories, cultures, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these compelling novels for middle grade and teen readers. 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.
Rock Your Mocs
Una Huna
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books

  • Saturday, October 03
Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books. 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: On The Run

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, October 23
iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Whether it's running from danger or running towards adventure, these are stories of friends and family discovering new things about the world and themselves.
Dreamers
Dreamers.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, October 01
Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture. Check out these picture books to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives. And don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels book list!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black Female Illustrators Spotlight

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23
When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. - We Need Diverse Books
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grace for President

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, October 12
Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grace for President), songs and rhymes ( Sunny Day by Elizabeth Mitchell, I Am Special and Young Soul by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo) and activities (Make Your Own Campaign Poster, "If I Were President," Make Your Own "I Voted" Badge & Design Your Own Readers Make Leaders Bookmark)
Blog
Richland Library Northeast

Halloween Egg Hunt: A Social Distanced Trick-or-Treat Tutorial

  • Shinelle P.
  • Wednesday, September 30
Keeping our distance doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun! A Halloween Egg Hunt is a playful way to keep the Halloween spirit, whether you organize a neighborhood event or just hide the eggs around your home for the kiddos to find. This two-for-one tutorial is a great craft for kids and preparation for a fun Halloween event!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Top 10 Challenged Books of 2019

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, September 28
The American Library Association tracked 377 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2019. Overall, 566 books were targeted. Here are the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in 2019.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Sharon Draper

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, October 09
“I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer. Come dream with me."--Sharon Draper
Tears of a Tiger
Blended
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Sharon Draper

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, September 25
Sharon Draper (born 1948) grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she majored in English at Pepperdine University then earned her Masters of Arts in English at Miami University of Ohio. Always an avid reader, Draper taught at Cincinnati public schools.
Electricity in Your Life
Buried Sunlight
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, September 24
How is electricity made? And how does it get to my house? From understanding the basics of electricity to a mystery complete with experiments, this list has all that you need to become an energy expert. And...just in time for Energy Action Month, learn about alternative energy like solar and wind and how to conserve and save energy. Energy expert? You'll be an energy star!
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Toning the Sweep

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
If you've visited the library, you've likely had one of our library staff emphasize the importance of not only reading but that reading builds empathy.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grandma's Tiny House

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, December 07
Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grandma's Tiny House: A Counting Story), songs and rhymes ( Dos Manitos Diez Deditos and 5 Green & Speckled Frogs) and activities (Counting with Nature, Matching with LEGOs & Number Scavenger Hunt).
I Dissent
American Women Activists' Writings
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, September 21
From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
Better Homes and Gardens Wonder Pot
The Official SEC Tailgating Cookbook.
Staff Picks

Food to Fall For

  • Rhonda H.
  • Monday, September 21
Does the chill in the air make you crave hardier fare? Then check out one of these delectable delights!
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Tía Lola Stories Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Monday, September 21
A touchstone series of cultural identity for middle grade readers, these novels center around 11-year-old Miguel Guzman and his sister Juanita, who move from New York City to Vermont with their recently divorced mother. His flamboyant tía Lola arrives just as he’s trying to fit into a mostly white farming community. But her charm and cooking enthrall the family and neighbors, and teach them much about life, family, the Latinx culture, and community.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Latinos/as, Hispanics, LatinX in the Census

  • Mayte Velasco Nicolas
  • Thursday, September 17
The first Latinos in the United States of America settled in Florida in 1565 but the U.S. Census did not recognize this population until 1980--leaving their identity in limbo.
Blog
Richland Library Main

All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, August 31
Many of us have started homeschooling for the first time this year, whether it’s a virtual option through our school districts or we’ve decided to take on the role of classroom teacher ourselves. Richland Library’s Education Studio has reading curriculum to help guide you through your new position as homeschool teacher or reading tutor
Amnesty
Destination Wedding
Staff Picks

31 Outstanding Fiction Books by Indian Authors

  • Mona Verma
  • Monday, September 14
Mark Twain has said, "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. Our most valuable and most artistic materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only!" Apart from travel,the next best way to learn about a country and its people is through its books. India has several accomplished and award winning authors who have weaved magical works of fiction.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Joyce Hansen

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, September 25
Joyce Hansen is the author of many novels and nonfiction works for children and young adults. Her books are a mixture of contemporary and historical fiction, and she has also written and contributed to several works of non-fiction focused on African American historical subjects. Ms. Hansen currently lives in the midlands of South Carolina, and continues to write for youth.
The Heart Calls Home
But That's Another Story
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Joyce Hansen

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, September 11
Joyce Hansen is the author of many novels and nonfiction works for children and young adults. Her books are a mixture of contemporary and historical fiction, and she has also written and contributed to several works of non-fiction focused on African American historical subjects.
Great Women Artists
Indian Architecture
Staff Picks

Indian Art

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, September 10
Explore the world of Indian art and its vast history, interpretations, and celebration of culture.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Census Through The Centuries

  • Dusty R.
  • Tuesday, September 29
Because of the “72 year rule,” the 2020 Census will not be available for genealogists until 2092. When it is released, will your descendants be able to find you in the 2020 Census?
All About Reading, Level 1, Teacher's Manual
All About Reading, Level 2, Teacher's Manual
Staff Picks

Reading Curriculum: All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Looking an easy to follow reading curriculum? All About Reading is a one-stop shop for quality reading materials. Find all of these titles and more in Richland Library's Education Studio. Questions? We are here to help. Contact the Richland Library Education Studio and we'll help you find the best materials to suit your needs.
Lillian's Right to Vote
Election Collection
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy. Sharing books together is a great way to introduce our civic responsibility, the history and the power of the vote. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Power of the Vote

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy. Richland Library's staff is working to make sure that every resident has the information and resources they need to successfully engage in the political process, ensuring their voice is heard.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Dreamers

  • 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 everyday and systemic racism.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Mariko Tamaki

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, September 04
Mariko Tamaki was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing often deals with the inner turmoil of teenagers, especially in titles such as Skim and This One Summer, both illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, as well as Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, illustrated by Rosemary Valer-O’Connell. Tamaki’s protagonists are marked by her talent for writing authentic flaws and personal conflict.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Mariko Tamaki

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, September 06
Mariko Tamaki was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing often deals with the inner turmoil of teenagers, especially in titles such as Skim and This One Summer, both illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, as well as Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, illustrated by Rosemary Valer-O’Connell. Tamaki’s protagonists are marked by her talent for writing authentic flaws and personal conflict.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Crown

  • DJ Barber
  • Thursday, June 23
Derrick Barnes captures one of the most pivotal moments of a black boy’s life: his first haircut.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Power of Protest

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Injustice calls for action. If you are ready to take a stand, Richland Library is here connect you with resources and knowledge.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Back to School: A Global Journey

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24
Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Back to School: A Global Journey), songs and poems ( Yo Te Amo and There's a Dog in School) and activities (DIY School Accessories: Homework Caddy, Pompom Bookmark and Paper Bag Book Cover).
Lift As You Climb
Dreams of Freedom
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, August 22
Inspire your future leaders with these stories of people who made a difference. Discover how these activists found their voice, fought for their rights and used the power of protest to create change. You can also take action with our DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nikki Grimes

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24
Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. She writes so that children will see themselves in literature.
Kamala Harris
Almost Zero
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 21
Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. Ms. Grimes has said that reading and writing helped her get through her darkest times as a child. Helping children process grief through stories is a significant part of her writing. She wants children to see themselves in literature.
Front Desk
Yes! We Are Latinos
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Immigrant & Refugee Stories in Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 21
Children and families immigrate or flee their country because of war, hunger or the dream of something greater. But life in their new home isn't always easy and everyone isn't always welcoming. Read these stories to find out how they figure it out, make friends and how they embrace their new life while holding firm to who they are.
In the Spirit of the Studio
Staff Picks

Back to School... at Home: The Book List

  • Laura Rogers
  • Friday, August 21
It is time to set up space for your school year. Starting at home? Check out these great titles that will inspire you to create a space that is fun and functional for you and your children. Study, explore, create, and make the grade!
When They Call You a Terrorist
John Lewis
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, August 20
Black protest has power. The power to change minds, laws, even nations. Black protest shapes history and leaders. Learn more about the triumphs and the struggles of black protest and activism by checking out these titles today. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans
Endling #1
Staff Picks

If You Like Wings of Fire, then try...

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 14
For fans craving adventure, talking animals and dragons (of course), check out one of these new middle grade fantasies today. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Spin
Black Enough
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Lamar Giles

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, August 14
Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books. He sold his first short story at age 21. He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Lamar Giles

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, August 14
Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books. He sold his first short story at age 21. He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R. Giles before his debut young adult novel, Fake ID, was published by Harper Collins in 2014. Giles has gone on to publish two middle grade and five young adult novels while simultaneously editing and contributing to multiple young adult and middle grade anthologies.
I Saw Your Face
Soul Looks Back in Wonder
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tom Feelings

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, August 07
Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Tom Feelings

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Wednesday, August 12
Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud.
All the Water in the World
Water
Staff Picks

All the Water in the World: Children's Books about Water

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, August 07
Raindrops, rivers, oceans, ice. Water, in all its different forms, is all around us. While some of us are lucky to have reliable access to water, for many others, the search for clean water is a daily struggle. Dive into some of these books to help your children understand the power of water, the importance of keeping our waterways clean and the global issues of water scarcity and conservation.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost and Patina

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23
In my opinion Jason Reynolds's work connects to everyone but especially kids in the same type of urban background that he himself is from. His style of writing draws people in regardless of age or race and that is something that I love in an author.
Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Create Your Own Bubbles + Wand

  • Kelly H.
  • Monday, August 03
You can buy commercial bubble solution and plastic wands, or you can make your own for a day filled with both learning and fun.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: New Kid

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
  • 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 everyday and systemic racism.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, July 31
Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages. She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016). Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020). Ms. Okorafor continues to make her mark in the world of young adult and adult literature drawing on her African roots to imagine a truly brave new world.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Colorism in Genesis Begins Again

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, June 23
While there are lots of books, articles, and videos that highlight how to talk about race, Genesis Begins Again brings forward a new conversation surrounding the topic of colorism.
Akata Witch
Black Panther. Long Live the King
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages. She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016). Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020). Ms.
My Rainbow
Neither
Staff Picks

Read All About It: LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
Read the rainbow and discover these LGBTQIA+ picture books that show us love is love and that we are truly free to be you and me. Looking for more good books? Get personalized reading recommendation lists  from children's literature experts.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Painting on the Patio

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25
Watch artist Keith Tolen's painting process as he creates a unique portrait. Then head outside and try out some plein air painting for yourself.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Musical Instruments

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25
Create a musical ensemble using everyday materials you can find around your house and yard.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: 50 Years with Frog and Toad

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, July 30
iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad celebrate fifty years of friendship this summer and honestly, their loving relationship couldn’t be timelier, as we all search for deepening our friendships and relationships during this time of isolation and social distancing.
Hank's Big Day
Pierre & Paul
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Friendships Inspired by Frog & Toad

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, July 24
In this new world of social distancing and self-isolation, we’re all finding out how important it is to have good friends. We hope you enjoy these charming stories of friendships, inspired by Frog and Toad. Fans of Frog and Toad may want to check out our DIY Storytime: Frog and Toads Are Friends.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The March Trilogy

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
On Friday, July 17, 2020, the world felt a little dimmer, as we lost Civil Rights leader and hero Congressman John Lewis. This was an immense loss that seemed to take away a light that shined so brightly, but we will always have this light.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Frog and Toad Are Friends

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24
Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Frog and Toad Are Friends), songs and poems ( Jambo; Hello, Friends; and I Am a Little Toad) and activities (Search and Find Jar).
What is Given from the Heart
The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 17
In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books for children and teens. When asked, “Why do you write?” Ms. McKissack said, “I write because there is a need to have books for, by, and about the African American experience and how we helped to develop this country." Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 31
In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books about black people for black children and teens. Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.
Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Don't Lose Your Marbles

  • Kelly H.
  • Friday, August 28
A few simple materials and an imagination are all you need to join the growing sport of competitive marbles!
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY: Pressed Flowers

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, July 14
From saving wedding bouquet flowers to just clipping a few blooms from your yard, pressed flowers make for an easy way to create beautiful art.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Visible Mending

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Friday, June 24
Do your favorite jeans have a rip? Do you have a shirt you're bored with? Don't throw them out! Learn how to mend and embellish your clothing - and save money, too.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Fairy House

  • Caitlin W.
  • Monday, July 13
What do you get when you combine a scavenger hunt, engineering skills, and imagination? A do-it-yourself fairy house, of course!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Conversation Starters

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, July 10
Books to help you gain a better understanding of race and inclusion.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost Boys

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
The present and past collide in this children's novel about race, fighting for justice, and how the two impact young people.
Blog
Online

Make Your Own Frog 🐸

  • Kelly Kinard
  • Tuesday, July 07
Make your own frog in celebration of all the different creatures we get to hear and see during the summer months.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Black History is America's History

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, July 04
iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Black history is America's history and it's a history that each American should know.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Create Your Own Macramé Hemp Bracelet

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, June 29
Keep the kids busy with this simple activity that requires a minimal amount of materials, does not create a huge a mess and can been done somewhat independently!