Birds
Bateman's Backyard Birds
Staff Picks

Great Bird Books for Kids

  • Jenny D.
  • Saturday, August 13
Tweet! Tweet! Get outside and learn about the birds you see every day and many more. Explore the world of birds and become an expert with this selection of books for kids of all ages.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away
Evelyn Del Rey Se Muda
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, July 17
"Evelyn Del Rey is my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend. 'Come play, Daniela,' she says, just like she always does. Just like today is any other day." --Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina
Black is a Rainbow Color
If You Come to Earth /.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Picture Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL). The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians. Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
The Donkey and the Rock
Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian Folklore Titles for Youth

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read and celebrate the amazing Asian folklore stories about grand heroes, exciting adventures, and fantastical places below! Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards
Flowerheart
Staff Picks

Youth Titles to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, May 12
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness month has been celebrated in the United States each May. Every single year millions of adults, teens, and children face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Books are a great place to start to better understand and build empathy towards those with these lived experiences. Check out the list below for youth titles that have released in the past two years that bring awareness to mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, depression, and more.
When Lola Visits
I Talk Like a River
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night." --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Bright Star (read Along)
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"My eyes gaze into space and glimpse trails of light..." --Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions. They are growing their independence along with their attention spans. Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.
The One Day House
No Voice Too Small
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 04
"One day," said Wilson. "I will fix the roof on Gigi's house to keep out the wind and snow."--The One Day House by Julia Durango Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering or bringing people together to fix a problem too big for any one person, these stories of community let us know that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Finding the Right Book for Your Child

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, May 26
Choosing books for your child is a bit like a match-making process. Not all children will love the same books. To help you find the right match, we’ve curated some recommendations to try on and see what fits.
No More Plastic
Reuse This Book!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 18
"She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and decided to make a change."--No More Plastic | Alma Fullerton Discover how pollution and litter damage the air, land and seas and what you can do each day to take care of our planet. Earth day is every day when you read one of these books. Find more great stories when you Read All About It: This Land is Our Land.
Blog
Richland Library Main

That's Gross!

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, April 18
Does your kid love reading about, talking about, asking questions about "gross" things like poop, mud, and slime? You've come to the right place.
Southwest Sunrise
Wonder Walkers
Staff Picks

Read All About It: This Land is Our Land

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, April 15
"This land was made for you and me."--This Land is Your Land | Woody Guthrie Whether it's camping with family or finding tiny, perfect things right in your own neighborhood, these stories will remind you of the wonder and beauty that's all around us. Earth day is every day when you read one of these wonderful picture books. Find more great stories when you Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth.
Jabari Jumps
Violet Shrink
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Jabari Jumps Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, April 14
Visit Richland Library's Jabari Jumps StoryWalk® at Caughman Road Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and find your courage to try something new. Next, check out some of these good books to continue the stories at home! Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Soul Food Sunday
Food
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tasty Treats

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 04
Check out these tasty treats that look good enough to eat--I mean, read. Whether it's a delicious thick red stew shared with neighbors, a food truck rodeo or applesauce in your hair, these books offer a veritable buffet of cuisines and experiences to share together. (Some of these books even offer recipes so you can make food with your friends and family!)
I Am Brown
The Electric Slide and Kai
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: The Black Joy in Picture Books

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, February 09
"Black children lose teeth, learn to walk and talk, start Kindergarten, and tussle with siblings just as all children do, so books portraying them in these and all scenarios is not just appropriate, it should be the norm." - Kelly J. Baptist, author Below are Joyful books that reflect the everyday happenings in the lives of young black children.
We Shall Overcome
Soul Food Sunday
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2021

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, February 01
The following picture books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2021. Want to learn more about diverse books? Check out this blog post. Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location!
We Shall Overcome
The Electric Slide and Kai
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: Picture Books of 2021

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, January 08
Each year #OwnVoices authors and illustrators work to close the gap and insure that the black and brown community is equally represented in the literary world. Below you can find a list of picture books published in 2021 written and/or illustrated by African Americans.
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Mommy's Khimar (read Along)
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, January 07
"Night after night, Little Star took tiny nibble after tiny nibble of the Big Mooncake."--A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions. They are growing their independence along with their attention spans. Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.
Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar
Pete the Cat's Groovy Bake Sale
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Children's Fiction 📚

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends' and neighbors' children were reading or being read in 2021? Long story, short. It was a good year to be Mo Willems.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Top Checkouts of 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, December 30
2021 ushered in a year of stellar new releases from old favorites, a barrage of debut authors, and lots of titles that broadened our bookshelves (and minds) and filled up our streaming queues. Here's a look at the top 10 books, movies, and songs by age group and format.
Database

WORD Force

WORD Force - A Literacy Adventure for K-2 Students is an interactive digital learning course which takes students on an adventure thr

Read More | Access
I Am a Bird
They Call Me River
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: I Am a Bird Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, November 12
Visit Richland Library's I Am a Bird StoryWalk® at Doko Meadows Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and get your family soaring and gliding while enjoying a great story. Next, check out some of these good books to continue the fun at home!
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Me & Mama

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
In Cozbi A. Cabrera's Coretta Scott King Award-winning Me & Mama, the day begins with Mama sings "bright as sun" to welcome her young child to a brand new, exciting day.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: How Do You Wokka-Wokka?

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, October 27
Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (How Do You Wokka-Wokka?), songs and rhymes ( Peel Banana | Drama Warm Up, Banana Banana Meatball Song by Blazer Fresh and If All of The Raindrops by Old Town School of Folk Music) and activity (Learn 5 dance sequences choreographed by Barbara Howse-Diemer)
Black is Brown is Tan
Black is Brown is Tan.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Multiracial Families in Picture Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, October 01
Families across the world might look different from yours or have different customs, and they might even have different challenges that you might not know much about or fully understand. Some of these families might consist of people from different races, however, at the root of it all, is love. Below is a list of beautiful and thoughtful picture books about multiracial families that you and your family are sure to enjoy and learn from!
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Selina Alko

  • 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. Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia with a Turkish Jewish father who spoke seven languages and taught painting, and a Jewish mother who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, Selina Alko was surrounded by the melody of words and stories from different places and varied visual possibilities.
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.
This is the Rope
Alma and How She Got Her Name (read Along.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Family History in Picture Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, September 03
Learning about the people who came before you can be a fascinating, exciting, and emotional adventure. It helps you gain more knowledge about your family, as well as who you are. Below are wonderful picture books about different families and what makes them special and unique.
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.
Blog
Richland Library Northeast

Buttermilk Pecan Ricotta Pancakes

  • Caroline B.
  • Thursday, September 02
Ricotta cheese and beaten egg whites create a light, fluffy batter that will make you crave breakfast anytime. Our buttermilk pecan ricotta pancakes combines the flavors of vanilla, nutmeg and lemon to create a delicious breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.
How Do You Wokka-wokka?
Tap Tap Boom Boom
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: How Do You Wokka-Wokka? Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, August 16
Pick up a copy of How Do You Wokka-Wokka?, one of our StoryWalk® titles, at one of our Richland Library locations and get your family moving and grooving while enjoying a great story. Next, check out some of these good books to continue the fun at home! Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

DIY: Viruses Science Activity

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Wednesday, March 23
In this experiment, you will follow directions and learn how important it is to protect yourself from viruses by washing your hands.
The Olympics, A Very Peculiar History
Olympic Track and Field
Staff Picks

Tokyo Olympics 2020

  • Helene F.
  • Tuesday, July 13
Tokyo Olympics 2020 games are about to begin! The trials for the USA team members are going on now. You can pick and choose which parts of the games you watch, the gymnastics, track and field, soccer, equestrian, or one of the new sports like surfing. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Rainbow Stew
Fry Bread
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Rainbow Stew Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Saturday, June 19
Visit Richland Library's Rainbow Stew StoryWalk® at Hyatt Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and get your family soaring and gliding while enjoying a great story. Check out this list below for more inspiration to get you moving, growing and cooking together!
A Story About Afiya
A Story About Afiya
Staff Picks

#OwnVoice Picture Books for Caribbean Heritage Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, June 14
Caribbean Heritage Month celebrates and honors the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in government, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Caribbean Heritage Month was first officially observed on June 5th 2006. The following recommended titles are all from OnwVoice authors.
Black is Brown is Tan
The Case for Loving
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 10
Celebrate Loving Day by sharing stories of families brought together by love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
The Proudest Blue
Mommy's Khimar
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Children's Books Featuring Muslim Characters

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, June 05
Take a look at the titles below to learn more about the Muslim religion and to read captivating stories about the Muslim Experience. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
When Sue Found Sue
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Dinosaurs & Fossils

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 03
Dig into these books all about dinosaurs and fossils. Discover how we learned about dinosaurs from their bones and what they left behind. Find out about paleontologists like Mary Anning and Barnum Brown. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Our Favorite Day of the Year
The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, June 01
The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020 . This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens. Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location.
Get Outside Guide
Backyards for Kids
Staff Picks

Homeschooling in the Summer

  • Laura Rogers
  • Monday, May 24
Homeschooling can take place year-round. If you are wanting to get in some school days this summer, try unit studies. Pick a hot summer topic and explore it together. Bugs, camping, backyard science... the summer is full of great opportunities for learning!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

DIY Egg Carton Flower Bouquet

  • Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, May 11
Ready to plant the seeds of creativity in your kiddo? Grab these common household items and usher in a burst of color and creativity.
Maya Lin
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian & Asian American Biographies for Children

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, April 30
Celebrate the amazing accomplishments and stories of Asians and Asian Americans of yesterday and today, by reading the wonderful and powerful titles below. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
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.
Back to Front and Upside Down!
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Younger Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Saturday, March 27
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 person's growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to ra
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, March 26
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, these girls are the stars of their own stories all while sharing their (mis)adventures, making us laugh and introducing us to their family and friends. These friends of Ramona may be new, but they are sure to find a place on your family's bookshelf and in your family's heart.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Sunday, March 28
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.
1, 2, 3. Play with Me!.
1, 2, Trees!.
Staff Picks

Playaway Launchpads for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 24
Have you tried our Playaway Launchpads for children yet? These tablets are pre-loaded with content for children, designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface. No need to worry about download time and or Wi-Fi. There are all kinds of tablets to try - interactive learning, stories, math, science, STEAM, short movies, languages - there is something of interest to every child. Fun for road trips or just an afternoon at home - try one today.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05
Let’s show out children a world where everyone does not look the same, worship the same, or even think the same—and that this is the beauty of the world. Let’s teach them that in spite of our differences, we’re more alike than different, and learning brings us closer together. Let’s join together and Read WOKE Across America!
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: A Story About Afiya

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, March 11
DIY Storytimes are curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook, songs and activities. Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the sweet story of Afiya and her dress, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet, James Berry, with fresh illustrations by Anna Cunha.
Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Fire Safety

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
It's always a good time to talk about fire safety. Share these books with your child and discuss what to do if there's a fire in your home or in their school. Reading together will make them feel safe and confident that they know what to do in case of an emergency. If you want to know more about firefighters and how they keep us safe, check out Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks.
What Do Firefighters Do?
Fire Engine.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
Firefighters work hard to keep us safe. Find out more about how they keep us safe, what they wear to keep them safe and the equipment they use (especially fire trucks) by reading these fiction and nonfiction titles about these first responder heroes. If you want to know how to keep yourself safe around fire, check out Read All About It: Fire Safety.
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, January 28
2021. We made it, but not without a heaping dose of anxiety and fear. If worry is affecting you, you can bet it’s also affecting your little one.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23
Teeth brushing Music crushing Bass thumping Shoulders pumping Head rotation Jubilation!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23
Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.
D is for Dragon Dance
A Gift
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Lunar New Year

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, January 02
On February 12 of this year, Lunar New Year will begin and will introduce the Year of the Ox. Every lunar new year is a time of celebration throughout Asian countries and the Asian American community to bring in the coming twelve months, according to the traditional Chinese calendar or lunar calendar. Lunar New Year typically begins on the lunar calendar's first new moon and ends fifteen days later on the lunar calendar's full moon. Read the stories listed below to learn more about the Lunar New Year celebration!
Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 23
Being mindful, taking a breath and finding your calm can be challenging on a good day. Add in busy schedules, family stresses, worries and world events, it can seem impossible--especially for children who haven't mastered self-regulation. Even good changes like holidays or vacations can make children feel overwhelmed: