Blog
Richland Library Main

Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to Columbia

  • Margaret D.
  • Friday, June 23

On October 28, 1938, First Lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt visited Columbia. Remarkably, we have photographs of this visit in the Walker Local and Family History Center at Richland Library.

Secret Wars
The 22 Murders of Madison May
Staff Picks

Across the Multiverse

  • Savannah G.
  • Friday, June 16
With its incredible animation, soundtrack, and attention to even the most minute details Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a showstopper that left audiences wanting to see more of the spider-verse. This list is for anyone who’s given up on waiting for their own dimensional rift to open up in their backyard. Here are some fantastic titles that will whip you from one world to the next. Just be warned, not all multiverses are full of wise-cracking crime fighting spider people. Some are just filled with spiders.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With The Banned: Flamer

  • Lindsey T.
  • Tuesday, June 27

Flamer by Mike Curato is challenged in the Beaufort County School District in South Carolina. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

Database

Mergent Intellect

Mergent Intellect provides access to a collection of worldwide business information (using D&B’s Hoover’s data.) 

Read More | Access
It Came from the Closet
Queer Fear
Staff Picks

Queer Horror

  • Leighan C.
  • Friday, June 02
Horror isn't just for Halloween.  Shiver through Pride Month with help from these frightful reads and listens by LGBTQIA+ authors and/or featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.  
The Mermaid Princesses
The Jumbies
Staff Picks

Books Featuring Black Mermaids & Sirens

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, May 25
In celebration of Disney's release of the live action version of The Little Mermaid, check out these amazing titles that feature Black mermaids and sirens. Mermaids and sirens are fantastical creatures; however, they have religious and historical importance to the Black community. Some of these titles are light-hearted while others explore more complex themes such as grief, racism, misogyny, slavery, and more. What they all have in common is the celebration of the impact that mermaids and sirens have had on the Black community for centuries. 
The Quiet Tenant.
The Whispers
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for June 2023

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, May 24
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in June 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: You Did It! I Did It!

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, May 23

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is about growing your child's self-esteem and confidence through connection.  

Alba Series. Book 1, Lost
Alba Series. Book 2, The Plan
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
This 12-book series follows the adventures of the feisty and determined Anna. She uses her super-sleuthing and problem-solving skills to battle the mighty superbugs who threaten to destroy her father’s scientific work. 
The Clam
Crabs!
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Magic Belt Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
Looking for action and adventure? The Magic Belt series follows Zak’s quest to save his grandfather’s life. He sets out on a magical quest to collect hidden gems that will unlock the cure for grandfather illness. Zak races against time as he hurdles through obstacle after obstacle. 
Attack at Nightfall
A Cry in the Dark
Staff Picks

Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
The night before his 14th birthday, Zak has a strange dream. A mysterious lady appears before him bearing an important message: "The Dark Master is creating a new talisman, even more powerful than the first. All of mankind is at risk. You must resume your quest and stop him!" she tells him. Together with Mim and a skinny, old mule, Zak sets off to Volcano Island to confront the Dark Master. Will he be able to reach him before it is too late? Will he be able to save humanity?
Chasing Henry
Cobweb the Cat
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Friday, May 12
All About Reading are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
I Am Sam. Emergent Reader 1
Am I Lucky. Emergent Reader 34
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Flyleaf Beginning Readers

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
Flyleaf Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.  
Dark Tunnels
Dog Sledding
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 5 & 6

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 5 and 6 are for new readers ready to tackle multisyllabic words and longer sentences. 
Chase the Wind.
Lost in the Dunes.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 3 & 4

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
 High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 3 & 4 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 5 & 6. 
Cole and Finn
Get the Vet
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books for New Readers

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 1 & 2 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 3 & 4. 
The Bad Hiss
The Check-up
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 2 Series

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 10
Whole Phonics Early Level 2 Series are designed for early readers who are ready to tackle more advanced concepts.  New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Buzz, Buzz
Get Up!
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 1 Series

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 10
Whole Phonics Early Level 1 Series are designed for students who know all the consonant and short vowel sounds. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
A Cap
The Fab Cab
Staff Picks

First Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Off We Go Series

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 10
Whole Phonics Early Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Mr. B
Easy Beauty
Staff Picks

2023 Pulitzer Prizes

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, May 08
Check out the 2023 Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists in the categories of fiction, history, biography, memoir/ autobiography, poetry, and general nonfiction.
Urban Jungle
National Audubon Society Mushrooms of North America
Staff Picks

New in Science

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, May 04
Ben Wilson is a historian and the subject of much acclaim for previous books such as Metropolis.  Now he has ventured into science with Urban Jungle: The History and Future of Nature in the City, an intriguing look at how hu
Light from Uncommon Stars
Black Water Sister
Staff Picks

AAPI SCI-FI and Fantasy Books Written by Women

  • Kristin A.
  • Tuesday, May 02
Featuring folklore, magic, dystopias, and more, these SCI-FI and fantasy novels are perfect reads for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and beyond.
Magnificent Rebel
Bruno Schulz
Staff Picks

Notable New Biographies & Memoirs

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, April 28
Among the new biographies/memoirs I’m looking forward to reading are Anne de Courcey’s Magnificent Rebel, about shipping line heiress Nancy Cunard’s tumultuous life in 1920s Paris, and New Yorker writer Burkhard Bilger’s Fatherland, about his discovery of hi
Blog
Richland Library Main

Local Woman Charity Adams Recognized

  • Margaret D.
  • Friday, April 28

The United States Department of Defense recently recognized Columbia woman Charity E. Adams (1918 – 2002) for her groundbreaking role as the first African American woman to lead a military unit overseas during wartime.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Ascension: A Book Review

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, April 25

When a mountain almost twice the size of Mt. Everest mysteriously appears in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, a group of scientists and military personnel are sent to investigate in this riveting sci-fi thriller by Scottish author Nicholas Binge. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: It's Okay to Play

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 24

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is about the importance of play.  

The Ferryman
Practice Makes Perfect
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for May 2023

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, April 19
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in May 2023, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Crafting for a Cause: Donations by Sew Divine at Southeast

  • Adele C.
  • Monday, May 08

Crafting can be a fulfilling and enjoyable pastime, but what if you could turn your hobby into something even more meaningful? That's exactly what the Southeast branch of Sew Divine has been doing for years, and they have made an incredible impact on their community through their donations.

Retirement Planning QuickStart Guide
The Good Retirement Guide 2022
Staff Picks

Retirement Ready

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, April 05
Become fiscally fit! Whether you are just starting out at your first job or are approaching retirement age, here are a few books to help navigate the daunting world of investing for the future.  For more resources, be sure to check out LinkedIn Learning's Personal Finance courses, and Morningstar Investment Research Center where you can find a retirement calculator along with thousands of articles and other helpful planning tools.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Pollinator Gardening with Native Plants

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Tuesday, April 18

Come visit the Pollinator Garden at Ballentine to see what one can look like. Read this blog post to learn why it's important to use native plants in your garden!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Remembering Dixie Super Market

  • Margaret D.
  • Tuesday, March 28

From 1937 to 1988 there was a unique supermarket at 1438 Assembly Street where folks from the surrounding neighborhoods could buy local meat and produce.

Wrath Goddess Sing
For the Love of April French
Staff Picks

Books by Trans Authors

  • Tuesday, March 21
Looking for books to add to your #TransRightsReadathon reading list?  This list of books by trans authors has a little bit of everything, from memoir to romance to sci fi to horror! 
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Learning is Never Far Away

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, March 28

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is about spatial awareness.  

Disorientation
Here and Now and then
Staff Picks

If You Liked Everything Everywhere All at Once

  • Kristin A.
  • Wednesday, March 15
With its incredible visuals and heartfelt story, Everything Everywhere All At Once has captured movie-goers hearts (as well as several awards). If you can't stop thinking about this film, then let one of these novels take you on a wild ride! Get ready to immerse yourself in new worlds and alternate realities, and go deeper to explore your relationships and intergenerational traumas. When you are done reading these books, you’ll realize that the universe is so much bigger than you realize. 
The Girls Who Stepped out of Line
Civil Rights Queen
Staff Picks

Her Story: Women Who Changed the World

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, March 06
Women have been changing the world since the beginning, but their work often goes unacknowledged. In honor of Women's History Month, here are just a few titles about remarkable, trailblazing women throughout history. Feel inspired by these stories about women who stood up, spoke out, struggled through, and soared. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Celebrating Martha Cramer

  • Margaret D.
  • Monday, March 06

Almost lost to history, Mrs. Martha Cramer was instrumental in establishing Columbia’s first public library. We at Richland Library owe her a debt of gratitude for spearheading the creation of our current library system more than 125 years ago.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Tribute to Drink Small

  • Margaret D.
  • Wednesday, February 22

Drink Small, a local musical treasure, recently turned 90 years old. Let’s reflect on Mr. Small’s career and legacy.

The Girl with All the Gifts
Y, the Last Man, Book One. Issue 1-10
Staff Picks

If You Liked... The Last of Us

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, February 21
Trekking across post-apocalyptic landscapes. Surviving in a broken world. Watching morality corrode as infection compromises everything. Never giving up on the one person you can trust. These are just some of the themes evoked by The Last of Us, and you will also find them in the reading experiences below.
System Error
The Knowledge
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Information)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 20
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
SP4RX
Sapiens
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Graphic Novel)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, February 17
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies. South
Attracting Native Pollinators
Staff Picks

Gardening for Butterflies

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, February 15
Learn how to garden for all kinds of wildlife - butterflies, bees, birds, and more - using these books! 
The Inner History of Devices
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Social Issues)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 13
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Made for Love
Access Denied
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, February 10
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Walk the Vanished Earth
Clean Air
Staff Picks

It's the End of the World (as We Know It)

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, February 06
If you are a fan of HBO's The Last of Us, explore these newer apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic fiction titles that will keep you entertained until the next episode drops. Want more? Click here to get your personalized reading recommendations.
Blog
Richland Library Main

History of Richland Library

  • Margaret D.
  • Wednesday, October 18

To mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Main Library at 1431 Assembly Street, I decided to take a look back at the Richland Libraries of years past.

The Memory Librarian
The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Sci-Fi)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 06
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Paper Quilling Craft

  • Brianna K.
  • Monday, February 06

Learn the art of Paper Quilling and create something for someone you care about.

The Empathy Diaries
Man of the Hour
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Biography)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, February 03
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Dear Librarian
The DEFA Film Library's (East) German Film Collection.
Staff Picks

Love your library!

  • Lisa G.
  • Wednesday, February 01
As we celebrate our library's 30th anniversary this month, we thought we would highlight some streaming videos about libraries. Check out these awesome titles. Happy Valentine's Day!
Creepy Cat. Vol. 01
Night of the Living Cat. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Cat Manga To Get Your Paws On

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, February 01
We're not kitten about these manga! Check out the coziest, the creepiest, and the scariest stories featuring librarians' favorite animal--cats.  
Swipe to Unlock
Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Business)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, January 30
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Woman in the Dunes
Goodnight Punpun. Vol. 03
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Japanese Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
The Sorrow of War
She Weeps Each Time You're Born
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Vietnamese Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki
If I Had Your Face
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Korean Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
A Thousand Steps into Night
Counterfeit
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Asian Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
Number the Stars
Hitler Youth
Staff Picks

Tween Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, January 27
The United Nations observes January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day as it's the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Six million Jews died through systemic persecution under the Nazi regime 1933-1945. Now more than ever, it's crucial to talk to kids about important events in history. Check out these books for kids aged 9+ for age appropriate fiction and nonfiction books about the Holocaust.   Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website for more information: https://www.ushmm.org/ 
Machines of Loving Grace
The Most Human Human
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, January 27
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Legends & Lattes
Half a Soul
Staff Picks

Cozy Fantasy

  • Kristin A.
  • Wednesday, January 25
Looking for a low-stakes and comforting book? A cozy fantasy may be just what you're looking for. Featuring goodhearted characters, supportive friends, magical elements, and often even found family, cozy fantasies are a great palate cleanser between epic fantasy reads, or just when you are looking for a heart-warming book to curl up with.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Books & Biscuits

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, January 27

What could be better for our biscuit-loving bibliophiles than reading recommendations that pair perfectly with your favorite Rambo's Fat Cat menu items? 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Be Business Smart: How to Pitch Your Business

  • Diane Luccy
  • Wednesday, January 25

If you are a small business owner and don't already have an elevator pitch for your business, you should!  "An elevator pitch sums up the unique aspects of your business or personal brand and gets a conversation started." --Adam Uzialko, Business News Daily, 6/29/2022

Jun 26 6:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Main

Vista Book Group

Join us for a book group discussion of this month’s title, Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March

Event Type(s):

Clubs and Groups

Audience(s):

Adults

May 22 6:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Main

Vista Book Group

Join us for a book group discussion of this month’s title, Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

Event Type(s):

Clubs and Groups

Audience(s):

Adults

Apr 24 6:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Main

Vista Book Group

Join us for a book group discussion of this month’s title, The Mountains Sing by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai’

Event Type(s):

Clubs and Groups

Audience(s):

Adults