Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Ultimate Guide
The Aromatherapy Companion
Staff Picks

Aromatherapy Makes Sense

  • Lisa G.
  • Tuesday, November 09
aromatherapy: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being “Aromatherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatherapy. Accessed 9 Nov. 2021. Check out these materials to get started with aromatherapy!
Braiding Sweetgrass
The Botany of Desire.
Staff Picks

If You Like...Braiding Sweetgrass

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, November 08
📚Below you'll find a variety of books that share a theme or more with Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Enjoy!🌱
Goodnight Mommy
Audition
Staff Picks

Halloween Hangover Movies

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, November 05
Halloween is over, but the scares don't have to be! Enjoy these nailbiters, some old and some new, but all thrilling. Slashers, ghouls and beasts abound in these horror shows. Each of these titles is scary in their own way, so grab some popcorn and pretend it's still October.
The Promise
A Passage North
Staff Picks

2021 Booker Prizewinner

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, November 05
South African novelist/playwright Damon Galgut has won the 2021 Booker Prize, England's most prestigious literary award, for his epic novel The Promise, the intergenerational story of an Afrikaner farming family torn apart by an unfulfilled bequest of the family matriarch.  (Galgut has twice before been shortlisted for the prize.)
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Native American Heritage Month

  • Zsuzsanna C.
  • Monday, November 07

There are 9.7 million Native Americans belonging to 562 federally recognized nations or tribes that live in the US, each with a unique history.

All That She Carried
A Little Devil in America
Staff Picks

2021 National Book Award Finalists

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, November 02
The 2021 National Book Award finalists in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature have recently been announced.  While you're waiting to learn who the winners will be (to be announced on 17 November), check out these finalists from our collection. 2021 National Book Awards
The Bird Way
The Genius of Birds
Staff Picks

For the Birds

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, November 02
Check out these great reads about our fine feathered friends and those who love to watch them!
It's Getting Scot in Here.
Cockatiels at Seven
Staff Picks

That's So Punny!

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, November 01
If you're looking for a bit of comedic relief, here are a few titles that will either make you groan, or make you laugh out loud and say "that's so punny!"
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Native Plants at Ballentine: Crane-Fly Orchid

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Saturday, September 03

Native Plant Spotlight: Crane-Fly Orchids

Did you know that South Carolina has several species of native orchids? They're not as flashy as the tropical orchids you typically see for sale in grocery stores or at garden centers, but it is fun to stumble across them when you're walking in the woods. 

The Last Thing He Told Me
Malibu
Staff Picks

Sandhills Staff Picks

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, October 27
Curious to know what our staff read, watch, and listen to? Well you’re in luck, because we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you!  Bonus: You can use one of these titles to fulfil the #BroaderBookshelf 2021 prompt to "Read a book suggested by a Library staff member".  
Guild Boss
Just Haven't Met You Yet
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for November 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, October 27
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in November 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Sandhills Staff Picks of 2021

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, October 27

Curious to know what our staff read, watch, and listen to? Well you’re in luck, because we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you!  Bonus: You can use one of these titles to fulfil the #BroaderBookshelf 2021 prompt to "Read a book suggested by a Library staff member".  

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: The Death of Vivek Oji

  • Ronisha J.
  • Thursday, June 23

"The Death of Vivek Oji is a propulsive, titanic book. Emezi doesn't simply tell stories; they create genres, making new stories, new characters, feel as forever as thunder, clouds, and betrayal." -Kiese Laymon

Home Before Dark
Let the Right One in
Staff Picks

35 Horror Reads For Halloween

  • Mona Verma
  • Sunday, October 24
These terrifying novels will get you in the mood for Halloween. If you are looking for spine tingling fear and dread, creepy chills and the thrill of feeling spooked, do check out these titles which include timeless horror classics mixed with contemporary scary fiction. Warning: After reading one or more of these books you may want to sleep with your lights on!
No One is Talking About This
Call Me by Your Name
Staff Picks

If you can't make it to the Charleston Literary Festival . . .

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, October 21
This year's Charleston Literary Festival, running from 5-14 November, features a stellar lineup of speakers, with an admirable mix of fiction and nonfiction authors, ranging from icons such as Paul Auster and Walter Isaacson to recent stars such as Yaa Gyasi and Patricia Lockwood. But if you can't make it to the festival, don't worry - Richland Library features many titles by the participating authors.  Check out the list below; given the variety of the author list, you're sure to find something to intrigue you.
Dear Martin
Black Enough
Staff Picks

Introducing: Nic Stone

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Wednesday, October 20
Author Nic Stone is a YA favorite, and it's no surprise, as her debut novel, Dear Martin, openly and honestly tackles the reality that teens (especially Black teens) face on a daily basis. This book, which is also one of Time Magazine's 100 Best YA Books of All Time, has led to other great titles that you are sure to enjoy reading. Below are the many titles written by Stone, as well as other titles that include her work that are available for check out from Richland Library!
The Most Fun We Ever Had
Honey and Spice
Staff Picks

Picks from Reese's Book Club 🌞

  • Megan M.
  • Wednesday, October 20
Check out these selections from Reese Witherspoon's popular book club. The April 2024 pick is The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo 
K-pop Confidential
Wicked Fox
Staff Picks

For Fans of K-Pop

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, October 19
Are you a BLINK? ARMY? NCTzen? ONCE? Or just curious about the K-Pop phenomena sweeping the globe with catchy beats, synchronized dancing, idol personas, and more? Do you love swooning over romantic and thrilling K-dramas? Explore the world of Korean pop music and the city of Seoul with the titles below as teens audition to debut, train vigorously, balance fame, date secretly, and chase their dreams.
Haikyu! Vol. 01
A Map to the Sun
Staff Picks

Thrilling Sports Graphic Novels and Manga

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, October 15
Even non-sports fans will get swept up in the tension, drama, and emotions of these books. They’re all slam dunks...or touchdowns...or goals...you get the point. Enjoy! 
Hatchet
Alida's Song
Staff Picks

Remembering Gary Paulsen (May 1939 - October 2021)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, October 14
            Gary Paulsen, a well-known YA fiction author, passed away on the morning of October 13, 2021.  A list has been created to recognized the amazing contributions he has made to many readers throughout the world. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Remembering the Palmetto State Fair

  • Margaret D.
  • Thursday, October 14

Generations of Black Columbians attended the Palmetto State Fair, held each fall at the State fairgrounds in Columbia. Let’s look back at a brief history of this fair.

Blog
Richland Library Wheatley

Is A Four-Year College the Best Choice For You?

  • Jessica Daly
  • Monday, November 15

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic challenged traditionally held notions of almost every aspect of our lives – work and education not least among them. Read on to find out if a four-year degree is worth it, and if not, what are your options?

Blog
Richland Library Lower Richland

Author Spotlight: Junji Ito

  • Bryan B.
  • Friday, June 24

Junji Ito might just be the most important scare-crafter in Japan. Learn what frights he can offer you inside.

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Clean Getaway by Nic Stone (A Review)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, June 23

How to Go on an Unplanned Road Trip with Your Grandma:
    Grab a Suitcase: Prepacked from the big spring break trip that got CANCELLED.
    Fasten Your Seatbelt: G'ma's never conventional, so this trip won't be either.
    Use the Green Book: G'ma's most treasured possession. It holds history, memories, and most important, the way home.

What Not to Bring:
    A Cell Phone: Avoid contact with Dad at all costs. Even when G'ma starts acting stranger than usual.

Isolde
Exposed
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Translations)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Translated titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Feed
Conjure
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Poetry)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Poetry titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Nightchaser
Bounty
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Romance)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Romance titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Less
Cygnet
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some General Fiction titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
It
Pivot
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Horror)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Horror Fiction titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Deathless
Heartless
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Fantasy)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Fantasy titles that are only one word.   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Legendborn
Speak
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Young Adult)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some fiction titles that are typically marketed to young adults.   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Cod
Craftivism
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Nonfiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some non-fiction titles that are only one word. (Some have subtitles but we're not counting those.)    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Have S'more Fun: How to Start Camping

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, October 06

Camping is a refreshing pastime that can help us disconnect or reconnect in all the right ways. There's a lot to know, so here are some basic guidelines to get started!

The Final Girl Support Group
The Exorcist
Staff Picks

Nightmarish Reads

  • Kristin A.
  • Tuesday, October 05
Get into the spooky season with one of these great horror tales. Just make sure that the lights are all on and the windows are all secure, and whatever you do, don't answer the knock at front door. 
Battle Royale
The Hunger Games
Staff Picks

If You Like... Squid Game

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, October 01
Squid Game has taken the streaming world by storm. The mixture of gruesome survival games, social commentary, and colorful cast of characters means there's never a dull moment. Check out some of the titles below that are related to themes from the show.
Tacos, Tortas, and Tamales
Las Christmas
Staff Picks

A Taste of Latin America: 40 Cookbooks to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, September 25
September 15 to October 15  is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month in America.  This month is chosen as a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico's independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

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

  • Alex B.
    Brittany S.
  • Thursday, September 30

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!

For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts
Once Upon a Quinceañera
Staff Picks

30 Great Reads for National Hispanic Heritage Month (Non Fiction/Memoirs)

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, September 22
September 15 to October 15  is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month in America.  This month is chosen as a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico's independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Explore the 47: A Reflection

  • Keith R.
    Lindsey T.
  • Sunday, September 26

How was it visiting all 47 South Carolina state parks? Let me tell you right now! 

Future Tense Fiction
Clap when You Land
Staff Picks

Secret Ingredients ...

  • Helene F.
  • Tuesday, September 21
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.
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
Lost City Radio
Staff Picks

35 Outstanding Fiction Books For National Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, September 21
September 15 to October 15  is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month in America.  This month is chosen as a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico's independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Talk It Up: How to Self-Promote

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, September 22

Self-promotion is essential to career development, but many people are hesitant to talk themselves up. Read on to discover why this is a challenge and how to tackle it.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Sean Qualls

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, September 24

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

Artist and Children's book illustrator Sean Qualls finds inspiration everywhere.

All the Feels
Once More Upon a Time
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for October 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, September 21
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in October 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Unbowed
The Basics of Ecology
Staff Picks

🌍World Environmental Health Day [September 26, 2021]🌍

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, September 20
Here is a list to jump-start your dive into learning more about the biosphere you live in, and the ecosystems surrounding you (and also living within you). In addition, for those that are familiar with environmental science, there are additional books to expand your knowledge while possibly making an activist out of you.
Cackle
The Complete Autumn & Winter Cookbook
Staff Picks

Fall Feels

  • Morgan R.
  • Sunday, September 19
It's fall, y'all! (I had to say it) and that means whether you are gearing up for Halloween, are getting your apples peeled, sliced, and ready to bake, or are just enjoying the crisp morning air, we've got some good reads for the season. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

South Carolina's Homes for Unwed Mothers

  • Margaret D.
  • Wednesday, September 15

In a time not so long ago, unwed girls and women who found themselves “in trouble” had few options. Women with an unplanned pregnancy would face the frightening prospects of raising their child without support, finding a family member to take in their child, obtaining a back-alley abortion, or, if they were lucky, disappearing to a home for unwed mothers to deliver their child in secrecy.

The Ice Pirates
Against All Flags
Staff Picks

Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19th

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, September 14
Ahoy! Get ready to sail the briny deep you landlubbers!   Enjoy this list of Pirate movies to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th.
A Thousand Ships
The Penelopiad
Staff Picks

Mythological Retellings

  • Kristin A.
  • Friday, September 10
Mythology and folklore are full of strange characters, bizarre circumstances, grand journeys and revenge plots gone horribly wrong. And while the classics will always remain the classics, every so often a writer comes along with a fresh take that can make us see a familiar story in a completely different way. They place these legends in new times and places.
The Only Plane in the Sky
After the Fall
Staff Picks

Fall and Rise: 9/11, 20 Years On

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, September 07
As the nation prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, consider these titles from our collection to learn more about what happened on that day, both from the perspective of the immediate aftermath and from more-recently published accounts that incorporate new information.  This mix of histories, memoirs, and grap
Antiracist Baby
The Talk
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race (as a Family...)

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 27
Having "The Talk" can feel daunting.  Whether it's sexuality, staying safe or race--it can be difficult to know where to begin. By talking about these important topics early and often, parents and caregivers can increase the whole family's comfort and skill in conversation, making these discussions part of their family culture.  
The Women with Silver Wings
2013 Instrument Rating Test Prep
Staff Picks

Aspiring Female Pilots

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, August 25
✈️Zara Rutherford, a 19-year old Belgian pilot, may become the world's youngest female pilot to fly around the world to date. Currently the title is held by Captain Shaesta Waiz, an Afghan refugee, who completed the trip in 2017 at age 30. Rutherford mentioned a huge reason for doing this flight was to help encourage more girls/young women to go into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)✈️
Cowboy Bebop
2001, a Space Odyssey
Staff Picks

Cowboy Bebop's Cinematic Influences

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, August 25
The opening to each episode of Cowboy Bebop contains the text, "They must create new dreams and films by breaking traditional styles. The work, which becomes a new genre itself, will be called Cowboy Bebop." The anime series mixed genres such as westerns, science fiction, martial arts, and blaxploitation to create a unique blend that's still cool to this day. With a live-action adaptation right around the corner, fans might be interested in watching some of the films that directly inspired the anime.
Blog
Richland Library Wheatley

Understanding The Great Resignation and Making The Most Of It

  • Jessica Daly
  • Wednesday, August 25

Have you heard of The Great Resignation? If you haven't yet, you probably will soon. It's a post-pandemic movement affecting the job market and your ability to find a job. Read more about it here and find out how to make it work for you. 

The Many Lives of Mama Love
Say You're One of Them
Staff Picks

Picks from Oprah's Book Club

  • Megan M.
  • Tuesday, August 24
Check out this list of Oprah's Book Club picks.The most recent Oprah pick is The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin 
Under the Whispering Door
No Words
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for September 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, August 24
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in September 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Black Sun
A Little Hatred
Staff Picks

NPR's 50 Best Sci-fi and Fantasy of the Decade

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, August 23
📚NPR ran a Summer online poll to see what the top 50 Sci-fi and Fantasy reads were for the decade. Their list included multiple book series and some standalone novels.  📚Below you will find all the books in each series. Most of the formats listed are in physical books, but be sure to click on the titles if you prefer another format such as eBook, eAudio, and/or Audiobooks. 📚Find your next adventure! 
Detransition, Baby
Good Boy
Staff Picks

Fresh LGBT Titles for 2021

  • Amber J.
  • Thursday, August 19
Check out the newest LGBT titles!  Available for toddlers to adults.