Oct 26 10:00 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Public Fall Book Sale

Come get great deals on your favorite reads at the Richland Library Friends and Foundation used book sale to benefit Richland Library programming!

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Oct 25 3:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Private Fall Book Sale

Browse thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs and more. All proceeds support library programs and services.

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Audience(s):

Jul 27 10:00 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Public Summer Book Sale

Come get great deals on your favorite reads at the Richland Library Friends and Foundation used book sale to benefit Richland Library programming!

Event Type(s):

Audience(s):

Jul 26 3:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Operations Center

Private Summer Book Sale

Browse thousands of gently used books, CDs, DVDs and more. All proceeds support library programs and services.

Event Type(s):

Audience(s):

Blog
Richland Library Main

The Origins of South Carolina Pride

Friday, October 20, is the 2023 Famously Hot Pride Parade. How did Pride celebrations in South Carolina begin and who played a role in the origins of the Gay and Lesbian Pride March?
Blog
Richland Library Main

What's your resolution?

No matter what your resolutions are for the new year, we hope that the library can play a part in helping you achieve your goals.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Get Ready to Vote

Know when your local elections are happening, what's on the ballot, and make sure you register before the October 9th deadline!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

"One day," said Wilson. "I will fix the roof on Gigi's house to keep out the wind and snow."--The One Day House by Julia Durango Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering or bringing people together to fix a problem too big for any one person, these stories of community let us know that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Blog
Richland Library Main

On the Streets Where We Live

If you’ve ever walked or biked around downtown Columbia, you’ve probably encountered impatience from drivers waiting for you to clear a crosswalk or pedal through an intersection. The unspoken assumption in this scenario is that streets are primarily for cars, and any other uses take a back seat (so to speak) to this imperative.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Interview with Councilwoman Jesica Mackey

I had the honor of chatting with Richland County Council Vice-Chair, Jesica Mackey, (District 9) about her leadership, community, and the importance of Women's History Month.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Columbia Women: A Walking Tour

Grab your walking shoes for a brief stroll and learn more about a few of the women who have made huge impacts and continue to advance Columbia, the South, and our nation.
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

A Year of Black History Continues Folktales, comics and history ... here we are! Also, Hoopla is allowing 15 checkouts for the month of February, as well as bonus borrows. Hoopla offers many comic book/graphic novels to choose from! Please, enter your email address and password associated with Hoopla.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Let’s Talk Race and Justice Playlist

As Racial Justice Week comes to a close, check out these engaging discussions with past guests, thought leaders and community members that encourage honest dialogue on injustices, anti-racism and diversity.
Staff Picks

Issue-Driven Teen Titles

Issue-driven and thought-provoking topics have become mainstays within contemporary teen books. Check out these selections that tackle subjects like race, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmentalism for titles that will inspire you to take action and stay conscious. Access even more information on these topics and other perspectives using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database.
Staff Picks

Soaring Voices

Many First Nation voices, past and present tell us of their worlds, experiences and dreams. Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

In the Know: City of Columbia Mayoral Forum (2021)

Local residents had an opportunity to get to know each of the candidates before heading to the polls and casting their vote during the Municipal Election on November 2, 2021. During the nonpartisan forum, viewers heard from Tameika Isaac Devine, Sam Johnson, Daniel Rickenmann and Moe Baddourah. The candidates shared their plans to move the City of Columbia forward in a virtual, moderated discussion. Check out this blog for more Mayoral Forum details and resources!
Service

Find a StoryWalk® Near You

Located at public parks throughout Richland County, our StoryWalks® are a delightful way for children — and adults — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time.

Staff Picks

Secret Ingredients ...

Americana literature is made better with stories told from Hispanic perspectives. Here are some fresh stories for our growth. Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.
Staff Picks

Japan 2021 for Olympics 2020

We now get to see Japan, her culture and history after seeing China and Korea present their cultures in previous Olympic Games. What do you want to learn about first, anime, manga, the language, the food, and the places they all come together in? Looking for more, and in different formats? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Staff Picks

Tokyo Olympics 2020

Tokyo Olympics 2020 games are about to begin! The trials for the USA team members are going on now. You can pick and choose which parts of the games you watch, the gymnastics, track and field, soccer, equestrian, or one of the new sports like surfing. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Civic Engagement is Civic Power

Are you interested in being more involved in your community? Find out why it's important to be civically engaged and more!
Staff Picks

Movies for Workers' Day

The first day of May has been celebrated as International Workers' Day since 1889 when labor activists were demonstrating and organizing for the eight-hour-day. The following list is made up of dramatic features, documentaries, and educational series on the labor movement, unionizing, leftist political activism, economic inequality, and working conditions. Mostly focused on American culture and history, it nontheless includes films set around the globe, helping to illustrate the shared struggles of workers everywhere.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Celebrating National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, and although it may strike you as something that was only recently adopted, it has actually been observed since 1956.
Staff Picks

Our Vulnerable Democracy: Past, Present and Future

One of the many things that we learned in the year 2020 is that democracy is a fragile thing. How do we as regular citizens combat white supremacy? How do we go about demanding that the institutions that are the foundation of our democracy and government be fairer and actually represent all of us and not just some of us?
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Five Trailblazing Women of Richland County

Let's look at five amazing women leaders who not only have made a positive impact all across Richland County, but have broken down barriers while they were at it.
Blog
Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.
Blog
Richland Library Main

COVID-19 Resource Review

Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, but don't know where to look? Check out these resources!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Get Your News with U.S. Newsstream

If you have grown weary of paywalls impeding your access to reliable news (or of “free” subscriptions that offer only limited access, at the cost of surrendering some personal information), consider using U.S. Newsstream to essentially bypass paywalls and find the latest on US politics, COVID-19 vaccines, and world news.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Becoming a Poll Manager

The 2020 election was one for the books with the record breaking poll numbers and poll worker shortages due to COVID-19. But with a little training, I was able to not only use my voice by voting, but also to help others participate in the power of using theirs by becoming a poll manager.
Staff Picks

Elections and Issues Information for Teens

Every vote matters and every voice counts. Make sure your voice is heard by learning more about the political process, political figures, and challenging issues in the titles below. Access even more information on these topics using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database, or dig into some fantastic fiction on important social subjects.
Staff Picks

Elections in the United States

Brush up on your knowledge of voting and elections in the United States using these resources.
Blog
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)
Blog
Richland Library Main

Your Privacy + The Census 

The easiest way to prevent a Census worker from knocking on your door is to fill out your Census online now. But what if you are worried about your privacy?
Blog
Richland Library Main

Latinos/as, Hispanics, LatinX in the Census

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

Voting in Columbia, a historical perspective

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, granting the right to have a voice in our society. For anyone deprived of these rights, the struggle to secure them has been worth the fight. Explore some historic touchpoints that converge around the evolution of the right to vote in Columbia.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Census Through The Centuries

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?
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy. This right has not always been guaranteed or given to every citizen. Discover the history and the people who fought and continue to fight for the power of the vote. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Power of the Vote

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 North Main

Stand Up and Be Counted! : Four Facts for Census 2020

Census 2020 ends on September 30 and it isn’t too late for you to take part! Read on to find out how you can participate and learn a few facts to help understand why a complete count is so important.
Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Vote Absentee in the General Election

While voters in South Carolina could place their vote via absentee ballot in the primary in June, simply due to the presence of the virus, this is not the case for the general election in November. Voters have to meet certain criteria and there are guidelines for who can vote absentee and how.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Why Should I Care About the Census?

We are long-gone from traditional households, traditional family make-ups. More than a melting pot, we have become an all you can eat salad bar.

May 13 9:00 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Main

Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic

The Tax Clinic serves taxpayers who earn less than 250% of the federal poverty standard, including people who speak English as a second language. The deadline is approaching to file for missing 2020 stimulus payments and tax refunds, Tax Clinic at the USC Rice School of Law can help!