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.
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.
Current Resident
Donna Davis
June - July 2026
Meet with Donna | Find An Event
Donna Davis, a seasoned entrepreneur and CEO of D.W. Davis Consulting, LLC, specializes in empowering individuals to overcome barriers and achieve growth in life and business. With a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology and a Master's in Human Resource Development from Clemson University, she combines her education and experience to deliver transformative programs and coaching.
Donna retired from the state of South Carolina after nearly 30 years of service, including her role as the Director of the Office of Health and Nutrition, where she honed her leadership and program development skills. Additionally, she is a Certified Public Manager, further demonstrating her commitment to excellence in leadership and organizational development. Her expertise includes grant writing, program development, and leveraging AI to optimize business strategies. She leads workshops such as "Grant Writing with AI" and "Email Marketing with Authentic Voice" and conducts monthly coaching sessions that focus on emotional resilience and strategic planning for entrepreneurs.
As a member of the International Association of Artificial Intelligence Consultants and author of "I Wish She Knew," Donna is passionate about helping entrepreneurs thrive through practical tools and holistic strategies tailored to their needs.
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.