Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: The Asian & Asian American Experience

Reading books is a great way to begin working on becoming more anti-racist, and the words on a page can help provide insight into the thoughts, feelings, fears, pain, hopes, and wishes of another human being. Below is a list of titles about the Asian and Asian American experience, to get you started on having a better understanding of what it means to be of Asian heritage in America and how to be a better and more vocal ally.  Also, take a look at these past Richland Library booklists for more recommendations:
Staff Picks

Women Authors Who Broke the Mold

Women authors have been writing the best thought-provoking novels since the 1960s on. The genre of these authors ranges from Historical Fiction to Fantasy and Science Fiction, some with vampires, dragons, or aliens from space.  C.S. Friedman's title is coming soon. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Staff Picks

20 Best Psychological Thriller Books I Have Read

I am a fan of psychological thrillers. I love the adrenalin filled suspense, the insight into the complexities of the human mind and the ending you never saw coming. There are a lot of books in this popular genre and some are better than the others. Sometimes a book is promising but the ending can be a let down or a disappointment. These twenty books are my personal favorites and they are the best of the best in psychological suspense. Do read, you will be riveted.
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Dark Reads

Hunker down with a few Dark and Gritty reads. 
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Underrated Science Fiction

Here is a list of Science Fiction that is worth reading. Whether your new to the genre or jumping back in, we got you covered!
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Books by Indigenous Authors

Listed below are works by Indigenous authors and their various formats. 
Staff Picks

Swing into Tennis (Game, Set, Match)

A list of Tennis related material has been compiled as you gear up for the courts. Lace up your shoes and tighten your strings, it's time to ace this year's season. 
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Richland Library Cooper

Paving the Way: Celebrating Women's History Month

Few people are labeled the "first", but Navy Lt. j.g. Madeline G. Swegle is not your average sailor. As of July 31, 2020, she's officially the Navy's first Black female tactical air pilot, marking a significant milestone for naval aviation. Find out more about her and check out these books featuring women in uniform; their stories, achievements and determination.

Staff Picks

40 Inspiring Biographies of Remarkable Women

Biographies and memoirs are raw, real and riveting. We can learn so much about the lives of these strong women from books where human stories intersperse with history, culture and the political climate. Do read and get empowered.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.  
Staff Picks

New in Science

Catch up on the latest developments in science with these fascinating new titles.  Among them are books by best-selling science writers Carl Zimmer (Life’s Edge) and Elizabeth Kolbert (Under a White Sky), and by scientists such as Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek (
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Richland Library Sandhills

Career Development: Present Yourself

When it comes to growing your career, self-presentation is key. Read on to learn about the marketing tools you can use to score your next job, cultivate your network, and develop your professional reputation.

Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Fiction Recommendations for YA Readers

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a persons growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to rai
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

Check out the latest biographies and memoirs added to our collection.  Among the titles receiving a lot of buzz are Between Two Kingdoms, a memoir of cancer survival by Suleika Jaouad, and Just as I Am, by screen and stage legend Cicely Tyson, who died on January 28.
Staff Picks

Celebrating Strong Women

Celebrate the amazing women who have made history. From scientists to historians, actors, and writers, we're taking a look at their remarkable achievements.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds is an author and poet who grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Inspired by Queen Latifah and the other rappers he listened to in his youth, he began writing poetry at the age of 9. 

In January 2020, Jason Reynolds was named as the Library of Congress’s national ambassador for young people’s literature, a position designed to encourage young people to develop an interest in reading.

Staff Picks

Black History In Comics

Black history is rich with fascinating people whose names and lives deserve to be celebrated. Some of those stories are included below, representing different eras and walks of life. The power of art in nonfiction comics comes from how artists choose to depict the world and people in it. Experience some of that power for yourself by checking out one of these graphic novels in print or online.
Database

LinkedIn Learning

Expand your knowledge, or explore something new through LinkedIn Learning's 16,000+ web-based courses, covering technical, business, software, and creative topics.

Staff Picks

A Little Something Extra From Hoopla

When Ten Titles Is Not Enough Would you like to check out more graphic novels than 10 a month through Hoopla?  For the month of February you are able to search for titles under More Bonus Borrows.  Check back the first day of March for More Bonus Borrows.  You can then search for only comics under the Format bar on the left side of the screen.  Call your local librarian for more suggestions. (803) 799-9084.
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for March 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in March 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Young Adult Romance Novels

Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these young adult romances!  They're great books for teens and they also have a lot of crossover appeal for adults.  All of the subgenres in adult romance appear in YA romance as well, so you're sure to find something you love here!
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Richland Library North Main

Fatale: Movie Review

After a one-night stand, a successful married man finds himself entangled in a cunning police detective's latest investigation.

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Richland Library Main

Putting Research into Your Job Search

One of the problems facing first-time job seekers, or those contemplating a career change, is that they may have a general idea of the kind of work they’d like to do but lack detailed knowledge about what this work involves.

Staff Picks

Stay Motivated and Win this Year!

A list of personal development books have been created to assist you on your journey to victory! 2020 is gone and over, but 2021 has 365 brand new ways for you to prove just how resilient you are. We already have a month in the hole, let's take advantage of the next few. You're only a decision away...
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Richland Library Blythewood

Storytelling: A Gift from the Motherland

Storytelling is an African and African American tradition that dates back to well before the 18th century when Africans were brought to America through the Slave Trade. 

Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Romantic Suspense

Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these romantic suspense novels!  Romantic suspense books still have a central romance plot, but they also have a thriller or suspense element that shares the spotlight.
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Richland Library Northeast

Valentine's Heart Cookie Decorating

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide on how to decorate a Valentine's Heart Cookie with Jacquie Bradley, the Butterkreme Queen. 

Staff Picks

LibraryReads for February 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in February 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

Ballentine Staff Picks

Check out some of these great titles recommended by the Ballentine branch staff.
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Richland Library North Main

Faxing Online

Faxing can be done online or through a smart device!

Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Contemporary Romance Novels

Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these contemporary romances.  A contemporary romance is set in the time it was written in, but can be about anything - this list has books about cowboys, cosplayers, yarn store owners, and princes!  (A surprising number of princes.)  
Staff Picks

YA Book Recommendations for Black History Month

28 books that celebrate and explore black culture, communities, social dynamics, and identities. Find great Middle Grade #OwnVoices Black History Month Recommendations here. 
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Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Bring On the Blessings (Book #1 of Blessings series)

When a post-Reconstruction African-American community succumbs to a desperate need for funds and purpose, its mayor puts the small town up for sale and finds a buyer in Bernardine Brown, who believes the town's sale to be a sign from God. 🏠🏠

Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: A Book List Inspired by 1619

Inspired by the New York Times' 1619  audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, each title in this list corresponds to the thematic elements of an episode. For episode 3, listen to our curated playlist in Freegal.  
Staff Picks

Women Making History for Tweens & Teens

From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021.  Let's be clear.  Women have always made history.  Sadly, they have been overshadowed, overlooked or just plain erased from many history books.  But no more. 
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Historical Romance Novels

Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these historical romances!  They're set in a wide variety of times and places (it's not all Regency!), so you're sure to find one that makes your heart sing!
Staff Picks

Booklist: Exploration for fun

Exploration Generation   Do you want to explore history and geography, whenever you want?  Then welcome to a new way of thinking of generations. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

Inspired to Grow Your Relationships?!

We have just the books to help you develop those relationships that matter to you. We've got you covered whether it's with a significant other, yourself, friends and/or family. 
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Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Women of Brewster Place - A Review

Weaving together the truths and the myths of their lives, Gloria Naylor creates a powerful, moving portrait of the strengths, struggles, and hopes of black women in today's America. - Penguin Publishing

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Richland Library Main

Learning About Investing

Learn the basics, develop a personal plan and avoid the pitfalls of trying to get your money to work for you.

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Richland Library Main

2021 Career Makeover Tips!

A results oriented (and dare I say, fun) approach to addressing four key career development areas.

Staff Picks

283,755 Books and Counting

With 283,755 English-language books published to date on World War II, you might think the subject, great and multifaceted as it is, had been thoroughly mined and exhausted by now.  Instead, the war, a perennial favorite topic for nonfiction fans, continues to receive fresh treatment at the hands of historians with new insights gleaned from access to previously unexamined primary sources and archival material.
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: Native American Authors

Looking for a new great read? Try a book by a Native American author. Some of their works will shed light on activism, culture, and history while others expose the challenges of living on reservations or establishing an identity in the modern world. 
Staff Picks

Light Novels: Like Anime and Manga, But Books

Light novels tend to make for light reading - quick, fun page-turners that are easily adapted into and from manga and anime. We have a growing collection of light novels in print and online, listed below.
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Richland Library Main

Who is Wonder Woman?

Magic lassos, invisible planes, and twirling transformations do not a wonder woman make.

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Richland Library Main

Most Popular Historic Images in December 2020

With over 7,000 images in the Local History Digital Collections it can be hard to find those hidden gems. Take a look at what your neighbors found interesting in December, 2020.