Staff Picks

Being You: Body Positivity and Self-Image for Children

Picture books with a body positive message can be great tools for developing healthy self-image in children. When we celebrate and accept all bodies, we embrace diversity. With stunning illustrations that truly capture what makes each of us different and unique, these reads will help you feel free to be you!
Staff Picks

Big Transitions for Little Humans

Life is full of transitions: big or small, they are all important in the life of a child. Books are a great way to introduce children to new ideas, concepts, and experiences. Transitions including going to a new school--or going to school for the first time--and moving houses, cities, and states are huge milestones in a child's life and can be made more understandable and relatable through this list of picture books at Richland Library. If you have questions or would like to place books on hold, call the Children's Room at Main at (803) 929-3434. We're always happy to help you!
Staff Picks

Books Featuring Black Mermaids & Sirens

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.
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

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.
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Magic Belt Series

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.
Staff Picks

Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

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?
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: All About Reading

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.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Flyleaf Beginning Readers

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.
Staff Picks

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

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.
Staff Picks

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

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.
Staff Picks

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

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.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 2 Series

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).
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 1 Series

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).
Staff Picks

First Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Off We Go Series

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).
Blog
Richland Library Main

Crafting for a Cause: Donations by Sew Divine at Southeast

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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2023

Congratulations to the illustrators and writers featured in this year's edition of Kids in Print!
Staff Picks

Trailblazers: Inspirational Women Throughout History

“Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.” —Nancy Pelosi This booklist features books that share the stories of amazing women; their strength and courage to overcome barriers and bravery that helped pave the way for future generations of females.
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Richland Library Main

Tae Keller's Mihi Ever After

Newbery Winner Tae Keller has a new book for middle-grade readers about girls who dream of being princesses.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Paper Quilling Craft

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

International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Young Readers

“There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick. Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love.”― Stars of the Night: The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport by Caren Stelson | illustrated by Selina Alko
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Richland Library Main

What's your resolution?

No matter what your resolutions are for the new year, we hope that the library can play a part in helping you achieve your goals.
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Richland Library Main

Top Checkouts of 2022

2022 was chock-full of throwback picks from old favorites, a swath of romance and thrillers, and some pretty solid streaming queues for all ages. Here's a look at the top 10 books, movies, and songs by age group and format.
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Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Indigo Dreaming

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.
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Early Elementary

Did you know that reading every day from an early age helps expand your child’s attention span? The early elementary ages are a great time to develop those skills by reading both novels and picture books aloud to your child. Whether reading independently or together, being surrounded by books will nurture their reading and will help them go from beginning to read to reading fluently.
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

Children at this age are branching out into longer books. Novels can echo their real life experiences, but they can also tell new stories, boosting their imaginations and building their empathy. Books for tweens can be their way of fitting in or standing out. These books can also offer comfort during this time of transition and help them discover who they might grow up to be.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Death, Loss & Grief

"Son, life is full of holes. You may want to close them up to keep out the storm. But make sure to leave room for that rainbow to find you." --Music is a Rainbow by Bryan Collier