Library Residents
The library’s residency program connects the community with local working artists and entrepreneurs.
Artist-in-Residence:
Richland Library’s Artist-in-Residence Program aims to connect the community with local working artists and to provide creative and educational opportunities to the community in a way that supports cultural and artistic exchange.
Created in 2015, the residency program gives artists, performers and makers of all types and disciplines the ability to work freely in their own studio space, share their works and artistic process with the community and provide learning opportunities and programs for library customers.
Become an Artist-in-Residence
Current Resident:
Angela Gallo
Dance Artist & Choreographer
January 5 - June 12, 2026
Office Hours:
Tuesday and Sunday, 2 - 4 p.m. at Richland Library Main
A nationally recognized dance artist, choreographer, and educator, Angela M Gallo is the Artistic Director of Sapphire Moon Dance Company. She is Dean and Professor of Dance Emeritus at Coker University, an instructor in the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive in Miami, and has taught at Peridance Center, New York Dance Center, the Hartford Ballet School, Greater Hartford Academy for the Arts, the University of Michigan and Southeastern School of Ballet.
Angela received an MFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Michigan and a BFA in Theatre and Dance from Central Connecticut State University. She is also a nationally certified Pilates teacher.
Angela's choreography and dance film works explore themes of identity, transformation, memory, and resilience. She is a dedicated advocate for somatic awareness, holistic wellness, and equitable access to the arts. During her residency, Angela plans to offer a dynamic range of workshops and movement experiences designed to engage diverse age groups and promote creativity, along with physical, mental, and emotional wellness. These workshops are rooted in dance, somatics, Pilates, and creative exploration.
Past Residents:
LaToya Thompson
Entrepreneur-in-Residence:
The library's Entrepreneur-in-Residence supports, mentors, and educates new entrepreneurs and budding start-ups through office hours and public programs—building an ecosystem that sustains the development and growth of future entrepreneurs in the region. The program also aims to connect entrepreneurs with peers who have successfully designed, launched, and run a new business venture.
Deanna S. Taylor, Ed.D. is an entrepreneur, educator, and consultant with more than 20 years of experience supporting education systems, community organizations, and small businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of Interactive Learning Solutions, LLC, where she provides strategic consulting, program evaluation, and professional learning focused on workforce development and sustainable growth. Deanna is also the founder of Salubrious Kitchen, a community-centered preserves and jellies line that blends food entrepreneurship, education, and locally sourced ingredients to reduce waste and honor cultural traditions. Her work is grounded in mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs as they test ideas, refine their vision, and build businesses rooted in real community needs. As Richland Library’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Deanna brings a practical, encouraging approach to one-on-one coaching and workshops designed to help entrepreneurs move from idea to income with confidence and clarity.
Made possible thanks to funding:
Past Residents:
Noelle Jones
Tom Ledbetter
Donna Davis
Allen Brown
Writer-in-Residence:
Noted children’s author, Dinah Johnson, served as the library's first Writer-in-Residence from September 2015 - November 2016.
The South Carolina native held weekly office hours at Richland Library Main--interacting with aspiring authors of all ages. Known for her poetic stories, including Black Magic, Johnson gathered inspiration from her surroundings during her residency and applied it to numerous projects.