While Justice Sleeps
The Newcomer
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for May 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Monday, April 26
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in May 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Our Time is Now
Our Time is Now
Staff Picks

Our Vulnerable Democracy: Past, Present and Future

  • Chantal W.
  • Friday, April 23
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 Main

Day of Silence: My Silence, My Story

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 23
The Day of Silence is an annual student-led demonstration meant to raise awareness of bullying and harassment directed at lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students.
Blog
Richland Library Main

An Interview with Spoken Word Artist Tammaka Staley

  • Phillip W.
  • Friday, June 24
For this post, I spoke to Tammaka Staley, the library's current Artist-in-Residence, and the tenth AiR at Richland Library. She's a poet, spoken word artist and educator. We discuss her background, her approach to her work, and more.
Thyme of Death
Garden Spells
Staff Picks

Herbal Medicine fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 23
As we cultivate our gardens and spruce up the place, why not entertain yourself with some herbal medicinal reads? Fiction, of course! Let's take a break from the dust, dirt, and heat. Time to grab a glass of ice cold lemonade, tea, or infused water and add just a hint of herbal fun to the mix.
Blog
Richland Library Wheatley

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

  • Jessica Daly
  • Wednesday, April 21
Resumes need to be customized for every job; there's no one size fits all. Here are some tips on how to make your resume standout to hiring managers.
The Factory
Atlas Shrugged. Part 1.
Staff Picks

Are There Limits to Human Creativity? (Philosophical fiction)

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, April 21
A list of 30 top philosophical reads--included with these selections are various formats (eAudio, eBook, Blu-Ray or DVD, & Standard or Large print). Enjoy your journey with these philosophical fiction novels that will make you think and analyze the conditions and nature of humans, and maybe gain a different perspective. Some of these titles have been made into motion pictures or turned into TV shows. Feel free to decide if there are limits to human creativity...
Blog
Richland Library Main

Washington Street's Black Business District

  • Margaret D.
  • Tuesday, April 20
Two downtown blocks on Washington Street were once known as Columbia's Black Downtown. View historic photographs of the district from the Walker Local & Family History Center.
Herb Gardening for Dummies
The Integrative Guide to Good Health
Staff Picks

Herbal Guides from the Ground Up

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Great Weather! Awesome Temperatures! Spring Cleaning! Now, How About Your Garden? Dig into These Books to Get Your Herbs Up and Growing.
Pitch
Bad News Bears
Staff Picks

Batter Up for the Next Season of Baseball

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Whether you watch on TV or attend the games in person, it's time to gear up and get your head back in the game. There's a mixture of books, videos, and eOption material for spectators and the aspiring/training athlete. Batter UP!
Martha Stewart's Organizing
Complete Guide to Natural Home Remedies
Staff Picks

Inspiration for Spring Cleaning

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Need a lot of pick-me-up this year to kick off your Spring cleaning? Try some of this titles to inspire your creative cleaning flow! NEXT STOP:
What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat
The (other) F Word
Staff Picks

Health at Every Size

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, April 14
A revolution in size acceptance is upon us. The titles below explore the work of the Health at Every Size (HAES) movement and the concepts of fatphobia, weight discrimination, body image, disordered eating, radical self love, and weight inclusivity. Challenging traditional notions of weight and health, these works may lead you to question what you thought you knew about wellness.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Augusta Baker and the Art of Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, March 24
"Storytelling at its best is mutual creation. Children listen and, out of the words they hear, create their own mental images; this opening of the mind's eye develops the imagination." - Storytelling: Art and Technique by Augusta Baker and Ellin Greene
Does My Head Look Big in This?
First Comes Marriage
Staff Picks

Biographies and Novels that Explore the Arab American Experience

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Tuesday, April 13
Let’s take the time to celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have roots in 22 countries located in the Middle East and North African regions and within all those countries, there are various languages, religions, traditions that are now part of the American story. Explore their stories though verse, memories, and more.
On Fragile Waves
Bestiary
Staff Picks

Recent Magical Realism

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, April 12
When you need a stretch of the imagination, a break from mainstream fiction and predictable mysteries, and like books that are a little weird but not too weird, give one of these newer magical realism releases a try.
Red Sparrow
Three Hours in Paris
Staff Picks

Female Spies

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, April 12
Female spies are more than just the femme fatales shown in moves and television. They must have ingenuity, talent, and more than just a little courage. From tales of real heroines from history, to espionage fiction inspired by the bravery of these women, these stories are full of intrigue, espionage, and thrilling edge of your seat storytelling at its best.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Five Trailblazing Women of Richland County

  • Brittany S.
    Alex B.
  • Tuesday, April 27
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.
Anansi the Spider
Folk Tales & Fables of Asia & Australia
Staff Picks

Good Folk Tales and Fairy Tales for Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, April 09
In their well-respected book, Storytelling: Art and Technique, Ellin Greene and Augusta Baker tell us: "A good story for telling is one that has something to say and that says it in the best possible way." Check out some of these books to learn more about the traditional art of storytelling and to find folk tales and fairy tales that have something to say and are written in the best possible way!
Blog
Richland Library Main

April is National Poetry Month: Ode to the Onion

  • Kate B.
  • Friday, April 09
What do an onion, a sock, a hummingbird, and ironing all have in common? Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote odes to each of these. Learn more about elemental odes and write one yourself.
Crying in H Mart
The Best We Could Do
Staff Picks

25 Essential Books About Asian American Identity and Experience

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, April 06
It is really unjust and unfortunate to see the sharp rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. Books are a great way to educate oneself about the Asian American experience. Racism can be combated by reading these human stories and understanding that we are all more alike than different.
Ernest Hemingway
Across the River and into the Trees
Staff Picks

One True Sentence

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, April 06
With Ken Burns's highly anticipated three-part documentary on Ernest Hemingway currently airing on PBS, now is a good time to dive into the works of this most celebrated of 20th century American literary masters, whose writing style profoundly influenced (for better or worse) many authors who followed him and whose literary sensibility is still something of a touchstone. In addition to Hemingway's own fiction, nonfiction, and correspondence, the following list includes the definitive multivolume biography by Michael Reynolds, as well as Mary Dearborn's critically acclaimed 2017 bio.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Story of the Big Apple Night Club

  • Margaret D.
  • Monday, August 21
The Big Apple nightclub was once a swinging spot in downtown Columbia where the music could be heard for blocks around and the dancers took to the floor and started a national dance craze. Let’s take a look back at the exciting story of the Big Apple.
Artemis
Reynard the Fox
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Antihero's and Villains as the protagonist

  • Mahogany S.
  • Thursday, April 01
Do you believe there's always an "other" side to each story? Well here they are. Read some titles that talk about the perspective of the villain or an antihero. Some are tricksters and some are downright murderers. All are darkly enjoyable. Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Brazen
Drawing Power
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Graphic Novels For YA Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, March 29
Women History Month is a time to celebrate and examine women’s history, issues, and contributions. Our team's contributions this month will be providing a quality booklist every Monday featuring strong female characters, movements, and historical figures.
Blog
Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, May 20
Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.
Blog
Richland Library Main

4 Reasons Why Remote Work Will Continue After Covid-19

  • Christopher Barstow
  • Monday, March 29
Millions of Americans were required to work remotely in 2020 due to Covid-19. Although there has been a growing demand for decades for flexibility in how and where people work, it wasn’t until the pandemic forced the widespread use of tools like Zoom, that the public perception of virtual work with its many benefits for both employees and employers was truly understood.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Mini-Retreat: Play Birdsong Hero

  • Amy A.
  • Sunday, March 28
Wish you could identify birds by their songs? Try this simple game and turn "someday" into "today" for your bird watching bucket-list daydreams.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The White Tiger: A Book Review

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, March 27
There has been a resurgence of interest in Aravind Adiga’s book The White Tiger as Netflix recently released a movie of the same name based on this 2008 Booker prize-winning exemplary work of fiction.
Blog
Richland Library Main

COVID-19 Resource Review

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, October 14
Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, but don't know where to look? Check out these resources!
The Intimacy Experiment
The Music of Bees
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for April 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, March 23
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in April 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
The Making of Asian America
Internment
Staff Picks

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

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, March 19
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:
The Paradise Snare
Bloodlist
Staff Picks

Women Authors Who Broke the Mold

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, March 19
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.
Snap
And then There Were None
Staff Picks

20 Best Psychological Thriller Books I Have Read

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, March 17
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.
The Malevolent Volume
Unspeakable Acts
Staff Picks

Dark Reads

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, March 17
Hunker down with a few Dark and Gritty reads.
Buzz Kill
The Eagle Has Landed
Staff Picks

Underrated Science Fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 16
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!
45-love
55 Dynamic Agility & Conditioning Drills for Tennis
Staff Picks

Swing into Tennis (Game, Set, Match)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, March 11
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.
Blog
Richland Library Cooper

Paving the Way: Celebrating Women's History Month

  • Rehana H.
  • Sunday, March 14
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.
The Truths We Hold
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Staff Picks

40 Inspiring Biographies of Remarkable Women

  • Mona Verma
  • Monday, March 08
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.
The Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
Staff Picks

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

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“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.
The Disordered Cosmos
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2020
Staff Picks

New in Science

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, March 05
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 (
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Career Development: Present Yourself

  • Emily Barber
  • Monday, May 10
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.
Love from a to Z
Love from A to Z
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Fiction Recommendations for YA Readers

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, March 03
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
Between Two Kingdoms
Undaunted
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, March 01
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.
The Woman Who Smashed Codes
Lighting the Fires of Freedom
Staff Picks

Celebrating Strong Women

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, March 01
Celebrate the amazing women who have made history. From scientists to historians, actors, and writers, we're taking a look at their remarkable achievements.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01
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.
Nelson Mandela
Staff Picks

Black History In Comics

  • Thomas M.
  • Thursday, February 25
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.

Read More | Access
Miles Morales
Falcon
Staff Picks

A Little Something Extra From Hoopla

  • Helene F.
  • Wednesday, February 24
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.
The Windsor Knot
Wild Sign
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for March 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, February 24
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!