Staff Picks

An Arbor Day Celebration

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.
Staff Picks

Friendship

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.
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Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Going Down Home with Daddy

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.
Staff Picks

Read All about It: Diverse Families in Picture Books

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Ninjas RULE!

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kindness & Caring

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

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!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kelly Starling Lyons

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Kelly Starling Lyons

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.
Staff Picks

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

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.
Staff Picks

Fry Bread, Bi-Bim-Bop, & More!

While we all have our differences, one thing we can all agree on is food! There are so many cultures and countries all over the world that have delicious dishes that everyone can enjoy. From kimchi to tamales, our tastebuds await the next yummy surprise and insight into both familiar and new worlds. Read these stories to learn more about different types of tasty cuisines, the unique characters behind these cuisines, and how these cuisines bring us all together.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

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!
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Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black Female Illustrators Spotlight

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
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grace for President

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)
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Richland Library Northeast

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

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!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

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!
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grandma's Tiny House

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).
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

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.
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Richland Library Main

All About Reading

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
Staff Picks

Reading Curriculum: All About Reading

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.
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote for Families

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.
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Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Crown

Derrick Barnes captures one of the most pivotal moments of a black boy’s life: his first haircut.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Back to School: A Global Journey

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).
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest for Families

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Nikki Grimes

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

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.
Staff Picks

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

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!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tom Feelings

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Tom Feelings

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.
Staff Picks

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

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.
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Richland Library Blythewood

Create Your Own Bubbles + Wand

You can buy commercial bubble solution and plastic wands, or you can make your own for a day filled with both learning and fun.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

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.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Musical Instruments

Create a musical ensemble using everyday materials you can find around your house and yard.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: 50 Years with Frog and Toad

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Friendships Inspired by Frog & Toad

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.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Frog and Toad Are Friends

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).
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Patricia McKissack

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.
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Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Fairy House

What do you get when you combine a scavenger hunt, engineering skills, and imagination? A do-it-yourself fairy house, of course!
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Online

Make Your Own Frog 🐸

Make your own frog in celebration of all the different creatures we get to hear and see during the summer months.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Black History is America's History

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Holding Tight to Family

iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Celebrate family with Lil Alan, the Gaither sisters and the Watsons by sharing their stories, their connection and their love.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Get Up, Stand Up), songs and poems ( Funga Alafia; Warrior; and I Love You Too) and activities (Making Space: Speak Up; Chalk Your Walk; and Yard Signs).
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Richland Library Main

Adventures with Kids: Knee Deep in the Garden

Flowers—even weeds—tell an important story about the climate and ecosystem of an area. These simple activities require very little preparation, but they pack a big learning punch.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

Share these #OwnVoices picture books and middle grade novels together and begin the practice of having regular and honest family conversations about race. Embrace Race offers 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race that will help you get started.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. When it comes to children, adults have the opportunity, through literature and stories, to help children form attitudes which support equity and inclusion, so we have not only an opportunity, but an obligation, to share books reflecting the black experience and written by black authors, with children.
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Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Track Record

Take your Summer Learning Challenge to a whole new level this year by creating your own track record from right where you are.
Staff Picks

In the Garden with Children: Stories and Activities

Columbia's plants and flowers are bursting with color and life, so it's the perfect time to enjoy a good garden story or activity. Want more eaudiobook or ebook recommendations? Call Richland Library Main (803) 799-9084, One of our staff members would be happy to create recommendations just for you.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Tiny T Rex and the Impossible Hug

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug), songs (Open Them, Shut Them; Bounce, Tickle, Hug; and I Have a Little Heart) and activities (Mail a Hug; Whose Hug? Game; and Me Too Game).
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Richland Library Main

Sensory Dough Learning Activities

Using sensory dough to promote learning and play at home is easier than you might think. And you probably already have everything you need to get started.
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Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Sensory Dough

Making sensory dough at home is much easier than you might think, and you probably already have everything you need waiting in your pantry.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: STEAM Picture Books

Full STEAM ahead! Picture books about sciene, engineering, art, and math from Richland library's digital collection. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Celebrating Moms

Whether it's Mama or Mommy, your mom or someone who is like a mother to you, these wonderful family read alouds and listens will help you celebrate the person who helps you feel safe, gives you courage and makes you feel loved. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Check out a great audio collection recommended by the Johanssons (Isla and Emily) as one of their favorite family listens.
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Richland Library Main

All Around Town: 7 Days of Family-friendly Activities

With a little help from our friends around town, here are some daily suggestions for family-friendly activities—both digital and non—from some of our favorite places that just might get you out of your current rut.
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Richland Library Ballentine

Common Backyard Birds

Learn about our most common backyard birds and how to identify the uncommon ones
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Richland Library Main

Managing Children’s Emotions 

Eight things you can do today to help your entire family understand, process and cope with this new, temporary normal.
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Richland Library Edgewood

Indoor / Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

Coming up with ways to keep young children entertained while stuck at home is challenging. Try these two scavenger hunts for a nice change of pace.
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Richland Library Main

How to Do a Storytime

Four easy steps to help you keep reading, singing, playing and talking every day.
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Richland Library Main

Your Daily Dose of Children's Authors & Illustrators

From readings to art clubs to book-based activities, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite authors and illustrators who are going digital to help you and your family join in on the fun.
Staff Picks

Under Construction: Books about Building

Looking for books for your little construction worker? This book list will satisfy your curious reader and help build her vocabulary one block at a time. Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location.
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Books for Young Readers

Looking to expand a young reader's knowledge of brave women? Check out this selection of board books, picture books, and short biographies that are sure to spark conversations about the women and girls (real and fictional) who inspire us all to dream big. Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location.
Staff Picks

Mermaids!

If your little one has dreams of swimming alongside merfolk. Dive into these titles about mermaids. A little magic goes a long way when you read to your child every day! Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location.
Staff Picks

Fairies!

Flutter your wings and fly along with this list of books guaranteed to bring a little magic your way.
Staff Picks

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

When I was a child my mother always dyed my applesauce green on St. Patrick's Day. It tasted great alongside clover-shaped sandwiches! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your own way with help from this list of stories, recipes, crafts, and more. Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location.
Staff Picks

The Magic of Mac Barnett

Picture books push and stretch a child's imagination, breathing magic into the everyday. And Mac Barnett is a master of this magic. Ready to sprinkle some magic into your child's world? Try some of my favorite books by Mac Barnett.
Staff Picks

The Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019

The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019. This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens.
Staff Picks

Contemplative Picture Books

These picture books feature introspective characters and themes, allowing young and developing readers to explore not only their thoughts, but the world around them. These range from simple poems on top of beautiful photographs and illustrations, to wordless expressions of art and narrative.
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Picture Books

Enjoy these diverse and wholesome books, each sharing a message of inclusiveness and acceptance. Subjects range from non-traditional families to a child's budding gender identity, and even a true story about a family of penguins.
Staff Picks

Toys, toys, and more toys!

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers Explore titles about making toys, the importance of play, and great picture books that show the magic of simple playthings.
Staff Picks

Talking with Children About Dementia

Books are one of the best ways to open the door on a topic and start a conversation with your children about tough issues like a dementia diagnosis. While there are many books out there, below are some of our staff's recommendations to help get the conversation started for your family. For more on dementia, visit RichlandLibrary.com/Access.
Staff Picks

Pumpkin Spice for Kids

Make your little one a pumpkin spice steamer to sip alongside these reads just right for pumpkin time. Pumpkin Spice Steamer for Littles Warm a cup of your favorite milk (soy, dairy, coconut, or almond), add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla flavoring. Make sure the milk is not too hot and serve it up with a good book!
Staff Picks

Homeschooling: Ancient History

Studying the ancients this year? Ready to build a pyramid of LEGO's? Want to stage your own Olympic Games? Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing on a clay tablet? Carve your way through these ancient history books and create hands-on lessons for all ages. History curriculum is fun and FREE at your library.
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Richland Library Main

What Was Our Son Trying to Say?

How connecting with other parents helped us discover Columbia's wealth of organizations committed to helping children with language development, reading, and much more.
Staff Picks

Picture Books you Can Sing and Dance to

Enjoy these books that have songs or dances woven throughout the stories. Some are new twists on old classics. The syncopation and rhyming can liven up any home storytime session. Also, it gives you a reason to sing and dance with your little ones. Come by the Sandhills location for more suggestions!
Staff Picks

Celebrating Local African American Writers

Celebrate local African American writers by checking out some of these titles from Richland Library's Local Author Collection. These authors offer something for everyone--from science fiction to cookbooks. Discover a new favorite or get inspired to write your own story.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Toddlers

When your little one starts walking, all bets are off! He's ready to explore and move; sitting still is not his forte. Here are a few books that are sure to catch his attention and grow his love of reading with you. Reading at least three books each day will prepare your child to be ready to learn to read when the time comes, will instill a love of books, and will give you precious, memorable moments of bonding. Be sure to ask your local librarian for even more suggestions! You can check out 60 books with your library card.
Staff Picks

Books for Very Beginning Readers

Do you have a budding reader? This list is for new readers who are just starting to grasp the concept of matching letters to sounds. Make reading a fun part of everyday life and you will see your child's skills flourish. Your local librarian can give you even more recommendations, and you can check out up to 60 books with your library card!