What’s your favorite color? Skills can only develop if they are practiced. Reading books that introduce colors allows children to practice learning in a fun way.

Orange you glad it's fall? The colors and sounds of fall inspire many moments to play and learn.  Your children know what an apple is, but do they know the word orchard?  Reading books, talking about what is all around and remembering to have fun harvests a crop of eager and wise learners.

One of my favorite books to read during this time of year is Ruth Krauss’s The Carrot Seed, about a little boy who plants a seed and everyone around him says, “It won’t come up.” Ah, but it does come up and then some.  Some days it feels like our children “won’t come up”, but with some daily reading they are sure to “come up!” Children that are read to twenty minutes a day build early literacy skills, improve their listening and are prepared for kindergarten. Share some of these Spring stories and activities with the growing readers in your life!

Giants of history and unsung heroes shine in the books listed below.  Read how these African Americans changed America for the better. Take a glimpse into history and learn tolerance through their stories, this month and every month.

Summer is still going strong, but school is just around the corner. Soon, the stores will be filled with backpacks and lunchboxes. I love all those displays. They make me nostalgic for the days of number 2 pencils. Those that are going to school for first time may be feeling a mix of excitement and dread at the sight of all those supplies. The best way to capitalize on the excitement and downplay the dread is to talk and read about school, and even play school. Knowing what to expect goes a long way. And, the library will go a long way to help support you through the school year with good books and resources. So, don’t forget to get my favorite school supply – a library card.

Thinking about homeschooling? Whether you are a long-time pro or just starting out, the Richland Library has a wealth of resources to offer.  You might be surprised at how many ways Richland Library can enhance your homeschool journey. We are more than books and movies, although we have plenty of those too!

Written for 3rd through 6th grade students, this is a handy resource for elementary school level research about the states. The It's My State series is a great source of quick and reliable information that identifies what is common to and unique about each state in the USA. Written for 3rd through 6th grade students, it is a handy resource for elementary school level research about the states. Also included in this resource: Cultures of the World and Superchef series.

This full-text source of education scholarship provides coverage for a wide range of topics, including adult education, continuing education, literacy standards, multicultural/ethnic education, secondary education, teaching methods and much more. In addition, Education Full Text provides in-depth coverage of special education, with over 50 journals dedicated to this important topic.