My Son John
The New Jim Crow
Staff Picks

Help! My Adult Child Talks Like a Communist!

  • Keith B.
  • Tuesday, April 05
In Leo McCarey's Red Scare cult classic, My Son John, John (Robert Walker) comes home from college with a raft of radical ideas. His devout Catholic mother Lucille (Helen Hayes) and American Legion member father Dan (Dean Jagger) become increasingly uneasy, unable to relate to John's leftist views. In one of the best, and most certainly melodramatic depictions of the possible gulf between generations caused by political differences, Lucille begins informing on John to the FBI agent played by Van Heflin.
The Bridge
Thirteen Reasons Why
Staff Picks

Suicide In Teen Fiction

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, April 01
According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Silence will not make the problem go away.
Rolling Thunder Revue
Don't Look Back
Staff Picks

Like the Wind Blowin' Through 1703 Taylor St.

  • Keith B.
  • Friday, April 01
Did you leave a Bob Dylan concert mystified, unsure of what you just heard? Did you find his voice rough and his manners rowdy? Were you intrigued by his literary lyrics and the fanatical spectacle? Take a deeper dive into Dylanology with this selection of materials. Bob Dylan Setlists for Shows at The Columbia Township Auditorium 2022-03-29
The Memory Police
The Good Son
Staff Picks

Without Borders: Books in Translation

  • Kristin A.
  • Tuesday, March 29
Books have no borders. Without reading translated books, we only experience a tiny sliver of the literature that the world has to offer. Authors are writing incredible books in a variety of languages throughout the world, but only a very small percentage are translated into English. By reading books published in other countries, you are able to delve deep into that author's culture in a way you wouldn't otherwise be able to do without a passport. So broaden your bookshelf and try one of these translated books today.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Great Big Family Quarantine

  • Lindsey T.
  • Monday, March 28
Quarantine can be difficult if you're not a single-person household. Here are some answers to common questions about quarantining as a family.
Hard Reboot
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Staff Picks

Robots, Love, and Queer People!

  • Garrett W.
  • Monday, March 28
Books for teens and adults featuring robots, space flight, and rogue artificial intelligence.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Interview with Councilwoman Jesica Mackey

  • Brittany S.
  • Wednesday, March 30
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.
Your Money or Your Life
Get Good with Money
Staff Picks

Personal Finance Books By Women

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, March 20
The history of money is full of barriers to women. For example, until 1974, American banks could refuse to issue credit to unmarried women and require a husband's signature for married women. Today, many of those barriers have been broken and anyone can attain financial freedom. For Women's History Month, here is a list of personal finance books packed with good advice, all authored by women.
Everything is Illuminated
Fahrenheit 9/11
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #9 - Starting with 'Eva Luna')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 15
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Columbia Women: A Walking Tour

  • Heather B.
  • Monday, March 14
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.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Why Banning LGBTQ+ Books Hurts All Kids

  • Matthew C.
    Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, March 16
Removing LGBTQ+ literature from libraries doesn't remove them from the world, but only deprives readers of the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Budgeting for a New Salary

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, March 09
When your income changes substantially, it’s time to revisit the way you manage your money. Read more for some tips on how to reassess!
Eloise at the Plaza
Emma.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #8 - Starting with 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 08
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Cooper

In Defense of Short Stories

  • Charlotte D.
  • Friday, June 30
Short stories sometimes get a bad rap - but these collections just might change your mind about the writing form.
The Girls Who Stepped out of Line
The Unwomanly Face of War
Staff Picks

Her Story: Women Heroes of WWII

  • Kristin A.
  • Thursday, March 03
Women have always served their countries in many ways during wartime, but the sheer scope of World War II demanded more of them than ever — and they answered the call. Around the world, women served as military nurses, pilots, resistance fighters, codebreakers, spies, and served in other roles. For decades, their stories went untold. For Women's History Month, we're celebrating these courageous women and the important role they played during this time. Thrilling and inspiring, these books will shed new light on the women who answered the call to serve their country.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood.
Driving Miss Daisy.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #7 - Starting with 'Deenie')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 01
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Blackout Book Review

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23
Are you looking for #Blackgirlmagic for Black History Month? If so, Blackout is the book for you! Take a look at my review of the novel and see if entices you to read it.
Sister Outsider
Light From Uncommon Stars
Staff Picks

LGBTQ eAudiobooks We Loved

  • Zita R.
  • Tuesday, February 22
Hoopla and Overdrive have lots of LGBTQ titles to listen to as Audiobooks but here is a short and fun list of Staff Picks that Richland Library workers loved listening to this past year.
The Crimson Petal and the White.
Crucible
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #6 - Starting with 'The Crimson Petal & The White')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, February 22
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
How to Be Fine
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead
Staff Picks

Mental Health Month

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, February 21
If you are feeling depressed, lonely, or are just having a bad day, try one of these titles and let reading briefly take you out of reality. Whether you are looking for something to make you laugh, an out-of-this-world sci-fi, or need a little self-help action, we've got you covered. For personalized recommendations, click here. You are not alone. These resources may help you:
Dune
Dune.
Staff Picks

What to Read If You Like: 'DUNE'

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, February 18
So, you've finally seen the movie and/or read the book. Great! Check out the rest of the Dune series or other series of similar themes! Be careful with how much spice you consume...
Mister Miracle
Naomi Season One.
Staff Picks

Black Superheroes (2022 Update)

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, February 16
Following 2019's list of Comics With Black Protagonists, here are some recent releases featuring black superheroes. Some are from big, established universes, while others star in their own fantasy series.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Switching to LECA: Another Way to Grow Houseplants

  • Brianna K.
  • Tuesday, March 15
In the fall of 2021, I decided to change my houseplants' growing medium from soil to LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate). At that time, I had over 30 houseplants and found it challenging to keep up with their watering schedules and pest control. Then, one day, I came across a video on YouTube about LECA.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Love & Money

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 04
There are no perfect solutions in love or money, but there are some simple ways to increase your chances of success.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Signs of Segregation from Columbia's Past

  • Margaret D.
  • Monday, February 21
Discover places in downtown Columbia that once held signs of segregation through these "then and now" images constructed from historic photographs in our archives.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Count of Monte Cristo (2002.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #5 - Starting with 'The Code of the Woosters')

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, February 11
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life. 📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC) Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Anansi Does the Impossible!
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, February 10
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

Narrative Nonfiction: The Truth Can be Stranger Than Fiction

  • Kate B.
  • Thursday, February 10
If you’re a fan of novels, narrative nonfiction is a great way to introduce yourself to nonfiction reading or broaden your reading repertoire. Narrative nonfiction is a true story (hence the nonfiction part) written in the style of a novel (hence the narrative part).
Orwell's Roses
A Little Devil in America
Staff Picks

2021 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalists

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, February 10
The finalists for the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Awards were recently announced. Given annually since 1976, they are the only major book awards selected by critics. The winners will be announced in March. Check out the following finalists from our collection, in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography, poetry, and criticism. (The list also includes the finalists for the NBCC's John Leonard Prize for Best First Book.)
Blog
Richland Library Main

Hybrid Work: It’s Here to Stay

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, February 09
The consensus in the business/HR community is that hybrid work arrangements, involving working both in the office and remotely, will remain in place even after the coronavirus pandemic is finally in the rear-view mirror.
Ace of Spades
Ace of Spades
Staff Picks

Teen Dark Academia

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, February 04
Dark academia is on the rise. Not sure what it is? Think tweed blazer and plaid skirt uniforms, sprawling gothic architecture campuses and boarding schools, and mysteries with dark and morbid origins. Whether it's joining a secret society, witnessing a murder, or caving under the immense pressure of classes, these students might have to risk it all to accomplish their goals.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Black-Owned Newspapers in Columbia

  • Margaret D.
  • Tuesday, February 01
Over the years, there have been several newspapers published in Columbia covering news and events for Black readers. Let’s take a look at some of these titles and find out where you can access them.
Not the Witch You Wed
Count Your Lucky Stars
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for February 2022

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, January 26
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in February 2022, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
A Lot Like Adiós
Have We Met?
Staff Picks

Romance Novels by Authors of Color

  • Morgan R.
  • Saturday, January 22
Whether you are looking for something to read while getting cozy by the fire, or catching some rays at the beach, these books are sure to heat things up.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Let’s Talk Race and Justice Playlist

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, September 25
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Intersection of Race & LGBTQI2SA+ Liberation | Celebrating Racial Justice Week

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, January 20
Quite often it is assumed that the LGBTQI2SA+ community is exempt from the discussion of systemic racism. Unfortunately, these assumptions could not be further from the truth. Racism and discrimination as it applies to LGBTQI2SA+ community is evident in access to health care, housing, and even social media platforms like dating websites.
Blog
Richland Library Eastover

Flower Pot “Whatever You Want” Dish

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Wednesday, January 19
This project is easy, fun, and enjoyable to make. I made sure to use the phrase, “Whatever you want” because the possibilities of what you can create with this project are endless…believe me.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Publishers In South Carolina

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, January 25
Over 20 publishing and self-publishing contacts representing many genres and formats from across The Palmetto State!
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Staff Picks

RM's Reading List

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 13
Kim Namjoon, also known by his stage name RM, is the leader of the worldwide famous K-pop group BTS. Beyond being a talented rapper, creative songwriter/producer, team mentor, and impressive dancer, he is also an avid reader. Below is a list of reading recommendations he has shared spanning across genres and countries of origin.
Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: The Music Doc

  • Phillip W.
  • Friday, June 24
This list is only scratching the surface - if you find that these pique your curiosity, take a moment to look around our catalog and see what else you might find!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Know Before You Share

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, March 14
These days we have access to more information than we've ever had before - which means we have access to more wrong information than we've ever had before.
Song of Solomon
Americanah
Staff Picks

Picks from Levar Burton's Book Club

  • Megan M.
  • Tuesday, January 04
Check out this list of picks from Levar Burton's Book Club.The latest pick is Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
The Girl with the Louding Voice
Black Sunday
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: African Authors

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, January 04
Fulfill the prompt, "Read a book by an author from an African nation" with one of these engaging books. Find out more information about the #BroaderBookshelf challenge here. Need more suggestions? Fill out a Personalized Reading Recommendation form. It's a quick and easy way to find your next favorite read.
Moon of the Crusted Snow
No Exit
Staff Picks

Stone Cold Thrillers

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, January 03
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a crime book. Whether you’re in the mood for chilling psychological suspense, Nordic Noir, or a good old fashioned detective story, there’s a little something for everyone in this reading list. Check out some of the best snowy page-turners below.
The School for Good Mothers
The Overnight Guest
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for January 2022

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, December 29
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in January 2022, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Bad Boys for Life
The Croods, a New Age
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Films 🎬

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends and neighbors were watching in 2021? Us too! From animated films to superhero favorites, books-to-movies and beyond, library customers got their fill of films this year.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

2022

  • Zsuzsanna C.
  • Thursday, December 30
Patricia Highsmith
Redeeming Justice
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, December 29
Notable new releases include Chinese artist/activist Ai Weiwei’s 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows and Indian economist (and prolific author) Amartya Sen’s Home in the World. Carole Angier’s
Children of Blood and Bone
Firekeeper's Daughter
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Teen Audiobooks 🎧

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends and classmates were listening to in 2021? Us too! Series seem to take top marks across teen formats this year--with lots of checkouts of The Grisha Trilogy and A Court of Thorns and Roses Series as well as older favorites like the Twilight series and The Hunger Games.
Anxious People
The Vanishing Half
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Adult Audiobooks 🎧

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends and neighbors were listening to in 2021? Us too! No surprises here. The Four Winds, The Vanishing Half, and The Midnight Library took top honors across all adult fiction formats this year but there are lots of other titles to check out too.