Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Popular Historic Images in June 2020

  • Margaret D.
  • Monday, August 03

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 June, 2020.

Transforming Your Life Through Self-care
The Self-care Solution
Staff Picks

Season of Self Care

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, June 30
Although it is important to prioritize your body's health, it is especially important now more than ever. Included below are titles that range from meditation to other alternative ways of healing your mind, body and soul. Take a deep breath and know that you are not in this journey alone. Hope you enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Donating Books During a Pandemic

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Tuesday, July 07

While our libraries are focused on getting our physical materials in the hands of customers, we've temporarily taken a step back from accepting community donations but that doesn't mean there aren't some really great community organizations out there that would love to safely process your book donations. 

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Jump Rope

  • Lynsey C.
  • Friday, August 28

Jumping rope is an iconic summer activity. It is great exercise and has a long and award-winning history in South Carolina. Follow along with this tutorial to learn how to make your own jump rope out of plastic bags and help save the environment at the same time!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Who's Ready for Some Sports?

  • Emily Stoll
  • Friday, June 26

If you're looking for a little dose of sports, our staff has some great titles that may be up your alley.

All My Friends Are Dead
We Should All Be Feminists
Staff Picks

Books You Can Read in a Day

  • Kristin A.
  • Wednesday, June 24
Not ready to tackle another 500 page novel? Looking for a quick read that still packs a big punch? We've got you covered. Each of these great titles is 100 pages or less, but will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. The perfect size for a lazy afternoon on the couch. 
Blog
Online

World Refugee Day: Create Your Own Atypical Doll

  • Diana Farfán
  • Saturday, June 20

Celebrate the strength and courage of refugees worldwide with artist Diana Farfan. In her doll making workshop, she will lead you through the creation of symbolic textile and mixed media characters, exploring the concepts of identity and belonging.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Welcoming Refugees

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, June 20

Celebrated annually on June 20, World Refugee Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which established specific criteria for what a refugee is and is not, as well as the rights and responsibilities of those seeking asylum, and of the nations providing that asylum.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Coming-of-Age Stories for Tweens, Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, June 27

iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. 

Delve into these stories of growing up and self-discovery set in a world filled with judgment and possibility.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films For Free: Nature and Nurture

  • Phillip W.
  • Friday, June 24

This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. 

Americanah
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: 50 Fiction Books to Add to Your TBR Pile

  • Chantal W.
  • Monday, June 15
Here are some fiction titles that focus on the theme of race.  Most of these titles are by #OwnVoices authors, with a few books written by white authors who are exploring the topic of race and trying to understand their biases better.  An #OwnVoices author is defined as typically being "from a marginalized or under-represented group writing about their own experiences/from their own perspective, rather than someone from an outside perspective writing as a character from an underrepresented group." 
Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films For Free: Bollywood Calling

  • Mona Verma
  • Friday, June 24

This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. The five selections this week are from Bollywood.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Let's Talk Race: Podcasts

  • Sarah C.
  • Thursday, June 11

Explore a variety of viewpoints and voices on race with these podcasts. 

The Poet X
Honeyfish
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Poetry

  • Sarah C.
  • Thursday, June 11
Check out these titles to explore race through the voices of poets.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Courage to Soar
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Memoirs and Biographies

  • Mona Verma
  • Thursday, June 11
Biographies and memoirs are raw, real and riveting. We can learn so much about race from these personal narratives where human stories intersperse with history, culture and the political climate. We get perspective and insight into racism and how it impacts the lives of people and brings about social change. These books are also very inspiring and empowering.
The Poet X
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05
Talk about race and the black experience in America with these #OwnVoices titles for teens and adults.
America Divided. Episode 1, The System.
Being Black Enough, or How to Kill a Black Man.
Staff Picks

Racial Equity and Inclusion

  • Allison T.
  • Friday, June 05
Take some time to explore these films that address racial equity and inclusion at a critical time in history.
Blog
Richland Library Main

A Shameful History

  • Margaret D.
  • Wednesday, June 03

As curator to Richland Library’s historic photograph collection, I have come face to face with evidence of South Carolina’s shameful history of police violence and unequal justice for African Americans.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Track Record

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, June 01

Take your Summer Learning Challenge to a whole new level this year by creating your own track record from right where you are.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Popular Historic Images in May 2020

  • Margaret D.
  • Thursday, July 02

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 May, 2020.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Let's Talk About Race

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, June 01

If you're ready to start an honest, courageous conversation and really get to know yourself and your neighbors keep reading. 

The Fire This Time
Our Black Sons Matter /.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Becoming Actively Antiracist

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, June 01
It is one thing to say, "I'm not a racist", but it is entirely another thing to be an antiracist. It takes active listening, reading to learn (and unlearn), self-reflection, and educating oneself. Here are a few books to help you begin the work of becoming an antiracist. Here are a few more collections that may interest you: Race Matters book list
Blog
Richland Library Northeast

5 Films for Free: Samurai Films

  • Jake D.
  • Friday, June 24

This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. The five selections this week highlight Japanese director's use of samurai culture as a springboard to tell very human stories about honor, duty, selflessness, violence, intrigue and love.

No Exit
And then There Were None
Staff Picks

Locked Room Mysteries

  • Kristin A.
  • Thursday, May 28
A murder has taken place, but the door is locked from the inside and the murderer is nowhere to be found. Do you have what it takes to solve an impossible murder? Practice your social distancing and amateur sleuth skills with these e-books and e-audiobooks, available for free with your Richland Library card, that are certain to have you guessing not only whodunit, but howdunit until the very end.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

5 Films for Free: Birds, Bugs, and Botany

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Friday, June 24

This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. The five selections this week are nature documentaries - just because we're stuck inside doesn't mean we can't still enjoy some of the wonders of our world!

Tell Me a Story My Life with Pat Conroy
Before She Was Helen
Staff Picks

Set in SC

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, May 21
Sometimes it's nice to read something and know exactly where the author is taking you, whether its your favorite restaurant in Charleston, or a dusty road in Six Mile. Try one of these new(ish) titles that take place in South Carolina. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Uncover These Mysterious Titles

  • Emily Stoll
  • Wednesday, May 20

Richland Library staff is recommending some thrillers that are full of loaded questions and may just leave you on the edge of your seat.

Database

Business Insights

Business Insights transforms business research with interactive tools and in-depth analysis of the history, performance, and opportunities of thousands of companies and industries.

Read More | Access
Database

Academic Onefile

This premier periodical resource provides millions of articles from scholarly journals and other authoritative sources with extensive coverage in multiple subject areas.

Read More | Access
Amnesty
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: Asian & Asian-American Authors

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, May 14
You've read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, and Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, now what? Enjoy these amazing fiction and poetry titles by Asian and Asian-American authors, most of which were published within the last year.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Switch up Your Summer Reading List

  • Emily Stoll
  • Thursday, July 02

Are you searching for a reading recommendation this summer? Our staff is ready to introduce some new titles to your home library.

Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Eccentric Leads On A Mission

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, June 24

This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. The five selections this week follow magnetic leads with highly specific goals outside the norm.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Popular Historic Images in April 2020

  • Margaret D.
  • Monday, June 01

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 April, 2020.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Virtual Book Clubs In The Times Of Social Distancing

  • Mona Verma
  • Sunday, May 10

Virtual Book clubs have always been there to connect book lovers across the globe. These online book clubs are gaining more significance now when people are staying at home and they have more time to read. Stuck at home, they also have a deeper desire to communicate and converse with other humans about what they are reading.

Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Family Frailties

  • Leighan C.
  • Friday, June 24

The 5 films chosen for this week highlight the fraught (and sometimes downright scary!) relationships that exist in families.  After watching these, you'll be happy that you're quarantined with your own people, and not these fictional clans!

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Crafty How-To: Canvas and Thread Wall Art

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 27

Learn how to make piece of art for your wall! This craft is suitable for anyone who can safely hold a needle and use a ruler!

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Common Backyard Birds

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 27

Learn about our most common backyard birds and how to identify the uncommon ones

Americanah
How the García Girls Lost Their Accents
Staff Picks

15 Multicultural Fiction Titles in Ebooks

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, April 21
Reading Multicultural fiction is like travelling vicariously to faraway lands. The characters may differ from us in ethnicity and yet we connect with them as regardless of race, human emotions are universal and similar. Do browse these titles which can be accessed electronically from home. They range from the explosive bombshell of a book, "My Sister, The Serial Killer" to the tale of two friends who grew up in India but now live across oceans in "Sister Of My Heart"
Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Who are the real monsters?

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, June 24

This is a list of films that are a kaleidoscope of life that happens to everyday people like us.  Each film is available to stream for free with a Richland Library card.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Because Libraries are Always Here for You

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Sunday, April 19

In honor of National Library Week (April 19 - 25, 2020), we decided that there's no better way to celebrate than by shining a light on the courageous and innovative work our colleagues around the country are doing during this unprecedented time. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

In Need of a Good Laugh?

  • Emily Stoll
  • Thursday, April 23

Enjoy a good laugh with these comedic book, music and movie recommendations from Richland Library staff.

Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Comfort Food Comedies

  • Sara M.
  • Friday, June 24

The five selections this week are comedies, because laughter may not always be the best medicine but it can certainly distract you from the fact that you're running out of toilet paper!

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
North on the Wing
Staff Picks

Backyard Naturalist

  • Allison T.
  • Wednesday, April 15
Now that we're all stuck at home, we've probably paid a lot more attention to the creatures in our own backyard. Maybe we've become a bit more curious about their lives. Here are some ebooks to find out more.
99 Homes
Adventureland
Staff Picks

Just One Person's Hoopla Watchlist

  • Allison T.
  • Monday, April 13
I love to make lists of things to watch after I've read a good review or seen a performance by an actor or work by a director that I enjoyed. These are films that caught my eye and made it on my Hoopla list. Hope you find something to add to your list to watch that you didn't know about before!
Turn Right at Machu Picchu Rediscovering the Lost City One Step at a Time
The Most Beautiful Walk in the World A Pedestrian in Paris
Staff Picks

Armchair Travel

  • Kristin A.
  • Friday, April 10
Did you know that your Richland Library card could be used as a passport? Travel the world without ever leaving your couch with a few simple clicks. Use your tablet or phone to download these titles and soon you'll be wandering through fields of lavender in Provence, hiking the Pacific Crest trail, or preparing fresh pasta in Italy. Just don't forget to send us a postcard!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Popular Historic Images in March 2020

  • Margaret D.
  • Tuesday, May 05

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 March, 2020.

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Finding Meaning in Weird Times

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, April 08

We're in the midst of a crisis, but for the luckier ones, it might just feel like a really weird time. How do we make meaning and find a purpose when the best thing we can do is stay put?

Seeing Stars
Life of the Party
Staff Picks

National Poetry Month

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, April 01
April is National Poetry Month  and while we are currently #AloneTogether, we can still enjoy some of the simple things in life, like a great poem to take us out of the now and into the artistic world of a poet's mind. Check out Cloud Library, Overdrive, and Hoopla for even more great poetry that you can download instantly.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Join Forces with Staffing Agencies for Successful Employment

  • Sylvie G.
  • Friday, April 10

Now more than ever, you don’t have to go it alone to find essential and life-sustaining work. You can partner with staffing agency recruiters whose job it is to find potential employers seeking your specific valued skill set and experience.

 

Chappelle's Show. Season 3.
Key & Peele. Season 1.
Staff Picks

Reality Break: Funny TV on Hoopla

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, March 31
They say laughter is the best medicine, so why not take a break from reality by trying one of these TV comedies available on Hoopla and laugh the day away. Also, check out The Last O.G. with Tracy Morgan, and Search Party with Alia Shawkat. 
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Drawing
Creative Pep Talk
Staff Picks

Reality Break: Get Creative Edition

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, March 27
Stuck at home? Starting to go a little stir-crazy? Why not use this time to learn a new skill like how to repair a flat bicycle tire, or get lost in a new-found hobby like paint pouring? Take a moment for some self-care action by making your own sugar scrub, or declutter your space so you can focus on what's important. Check out this small sampling to get those creative juices flowing, break out of the Netflix binge, (maybe change out of your pajamas?) and let yourself experience something new!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Learning Computer Basics at Home

  • Megan M.
  • Wednesday, December 08

In-person classes are postponed, but that’s no excuse to stop learning! Check out these digital resources for learning computer basics.

Road to Riverdale Volume 1
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Staff Picks

Comics Connections For Live-Action Series

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, March 23
A lot of popular shows are inspired by or spun off into graphic novels these days, including the titles below. Explore the comics roots and adaptations of several hot live-action shows via Hoopla. These titles are immediately available for digital checkout with no wait times!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Resources for Jobseekers During COVID-19

  • Sylvie G.
  • Friday, August 07

Our Business and Careers team put together this great list of resources to help you find employment now, prepare you for online applications and interviews, and equip you with tools to earn supplemental income or find out if you qualify for unemployment.

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Working Remotely Like a Boss

  • Sarah Shuster
  • Thursday, March 26

Look no further for tips for working remotely and tools you can use to connect with your team.

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Hyperbole and a Half
Staff Picks

E-Books Guaranteed to Make You Laugh

  • Kristin A.
  • Friday, March 20
In this time of uncertainty we are all in need of a good belly-rolling, tears streaming down our cheeks, gasping for breath laugh. Practice your social distancing with this list of e-books, available for free with your Richland Library card, that are certain to whisk you away to a world of comedic comfort all without ever leaving your couch. 
Chocolat
Emma
Staff Picks

Girls' Night In!

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, March 20
Chill out with some fun, easy romantic comedies.  All the titles below are PG or PG-13, and are available 24/7 on Hoopla with no wait list! Did you know that you can view Hoopla on your computer, phone, tablet, or TV?  Watch using the Hoopla app for smart devices, AppleTV, Chromecast, FireTV, or Roku.  Need help?  Contact us at 803.799.9084 or Ask Us online.
The Complete Phonogram
Mind MGMT Omnibus. Part 1
Staff Picks

How To Find Big Comics On Hoopla

  • Thomas M.
  • Thursday, March 19
Whether you're in the mood for a nice, long comic on Hoopla or are simply looking to maximize your last checkout for the month, here are some search terms that will go the distance in the search field: “Book One,” “Omnibus,” “Complete,” and “Deluxe Edition.” Some great examples of the results are listed below. Settle in and enjoy!
The Art of Anthem
The Art of Splatoon 2
Staff Picks

Art Books For Gamers On Hoopla

  • Thomas M.
  • Thursday, March 19
Go beyond the surface of your favorite videogames with these art books and visual guides, often including commentary from the original creative teams.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Whatcha Got Cookin'? 👩🏽‍🍳

  • Chantal W.
  • Monday, March 23

Perhaps one of the things you can do with all this extra time on your hands is devote yourself to learning to prepare a new dish, cooking with the kiddos, and enjoying a leisurely home cooked meal with the family. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

I Want My MTV - That is, I Want My Mystery Television 📺 !

  • Chantal W.
  • Thursday, March 26

Stuck at home and didn't have a chance to load up on your favorite mysteries, thrillers, and crime drama TV on DVD or don't have access to streaming services such as Hulu, Netflix, and the like? Then you should definitely think about giving hoopla, one of our Stream and Download services, a try!  #WatchFreely

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Support for Small Businesses

  • Sarah Shuster
  • Wednesday, December 15

Small and local businesses are working through COVID-19 with creativity. We've pulled together a list of assistance and resources for small business owners, and several ways the community can help during this time.

Jedi Search
A Crash of Fate
Staff Picks

Visit a Galaxy Far, Far Away

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, March 18
With a new game, the entire Skywalker Saga streaming online, and even more in the works, it's the perfect time to jump into the Star Wars Universe (without leaving home!).  Below are some of my personal favorites, from both current canon and the 'Legends' titles.  May the force be with you!
American Honey
Death in Paradise [DVD]. Season 1
Staff Picks

Staff Picks: Sandhills

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, March 18
Enjoy this collection of books, music, movies, and more from the staff at Richland Library Sandhills. 
Minority Leader
Dare to Lead
Staff Picks

Leadership for the New Decade

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, March 18
Workplaces are rapidly changing, from how we communicate, to our physical spaces, to how we are evaluated and promoted. Try one of these titles on leadership for this new decade. Also, check out our eresources for thousands more titles- Overdrive, CloudLibrary and Hoopla!
I'm Judging You
The Silence of the Girls
Staff Picks

Reality Break: eaudio Edition

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, March 16
Reality got you down? Take a break from the news and the COVID-19 panic with these eaudiobooks available for free with your Richland Library card. The best part- you don't even have to leave your house, so social distance yourself and get lost in a good (eaudio)book! 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Stuck at Home? 👀

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, March 30

14 things that just might get you through an extended homestay