Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Sunny and Lu

  • Cassie G.
  • Wednesday, October 14

Imagine finding the sound of rhythm in everything that goes on in the world. Now imagine doing it with Swag. That’s what Sunny and Lu bring to you as the last two books of Jason Reynolds Track Series. They both work to find the right rhythm on the team but Lu adds a dab of Swag to the mix. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Kelly Starling Lyons

  • Rebecca K.
  • Friday, October 09

Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression.  She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: On The Run

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, October 02

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

Whether it's running from danger or running towards adventure, these are stories of friends and family discovering new things about the world and themselves.  

Blog
Richland Library Northeast

Halloween Egg Hunt: A Social Distanced Trick-or-Treat Tutorial

  • Shinelle P.
  • Wednesday, September 30

Keeping our distance doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun! A Halloween Egg Hunt is a playful way to keep the Halloween spirit, whether you organize a neighborhood event or just hide the eggs around your home for the kiddos to find. This two-for-one tutorial is a great craft for kids and preparation for a fun Halloween event!

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Sharon Draper

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, September 25

“I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer. Come dream with me."--Sharon Draper

Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Toning the Sweep

  • Jocelyn P.
  • Wednesday, September 23

If you've visited the library, you've likely had one of our library staff emphasize the importance of not only reading but that reading builds empathy.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Tía Lola Stories Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, September 18

A touchstone series of cultural identity for middle grade readers, these novels center around 11-year-old Miguel Guzman and his sister Juanita, who move from New York City to Vermont with their recently divorced mother.  His flamboyant tía Lola arrives just as he’s trying to fit into a mostly white farming community. But her charm and cooking enthrall the family and neighbors, and teach them much about life, family, the Latinx culture, and community.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Joyce Hansen

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, September 11

Joyce Hansen is the author of many novels and nonfiction works for children and young adults.  Her books are a mixture of contemporary and historical fiction, and she has also written and contributed to several works of non-fiction focused on African American historical subjects.  Ms. Hansen currently lives in the midlands of South Carolina, and continues to write for youth. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Mariko Tamaki

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, September 04

Mariko Tamaki was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing often deals with the inner turmoil of teenagers, especially in titles such as Skim and This One Summer, both illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, as well as Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, illustrated by Rosemary Valer-O’Connell.  Tamaki’s protagonists are marked by her talent for writing authentic flaws and personal conflict.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Diverse Friendships

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, August 28

How can Irene and Charles work together on their poetry project? They don't know each other...and they're not sure they want to.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nikki Grimes

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, August 21

Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry.  She writes so that children will see themselves in literature. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Lamar Giles

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, August 14

Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books.  He sold his first short story at age 21.  He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R. Giles before his debut young adult novel, Fake ID, was published by Harper Collins in 2014.  Giles has gone on to publish two middle grade and five young adult novels while simultaneously editing and contributing to multiple young adult and middle grade anthologies.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Finding Your Character's Voice

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, August 10

One of the hardest parts of the writing process is the blank page staring back at you.  Writing a monologue is a good way to get your creative juices flowing and find your character's voice.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Tom Feelings

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, August 07

Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost and Patina

  • Cassie G.
  • Wednesday, August 05

In my opinion Jason Reynolds's work connects to everyone but especially kids in the same type of urban background that he himself is from. His style of writing draws people in regardless of age or race and that is something that I love in an author.

Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Create Your Own Bubbles + Wand

  • Kelly H.
  • Monday, August 03

You can buy commercial bubble solution and plastic wands, or you can make your own for a day filled with both learning and fun.

Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: New Kid

  • Jocelyn P.
    Heather M.
  • Saturday, August 01

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 everyday and systemic racism.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, July 31

Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages.  She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016).  Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020).  Ms. Okorafor continues to make her mark in the world of young adult and adult literature drawing on her African roots to imagine a truly brave new world.  

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Colorism in Genesis Begins Again

  • Ashley S.
  • Wednesday, July 29

While there are lots of books, articles, and videos that highlight how to talk about race, Genesis Begins Again brings forward a new conversation surrounding the topic of colorism.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Painting on the Patio

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25

Watch artist Keith Tolen's painting process as he creates a unique portrait. Then head outside and try out some plein air painting for yourself. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Musical Instruments

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25

Create a musical ensemble using everyday materials you can find around your house and yard.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 17

In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books about black people for black children and teens.  Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.

Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Don't Lose Your Marbles

  • Kelly H.
  • Friday, July 17

A few simple materials and an imagination are all you need to join the growing sport of competitive marbles!

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

DIY: Pressed Flowers

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, July 14

From saving wedding bouquet flowers to just clipping a few blooms from your yard, pressed flowers make for an easy way to create beautiful art.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Fairy House

  • Caitlin W.
  • Saturday, July 11

What do you get when you combine a scavenger hunt, engineering skills, and imagination? A do-it-yourself fairy house, of course!

Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost Boys

  • Jocelyn P.
  • Wednesday, July 08

The present and past collide in this children's novel about race, fighting for justice, and how the two impact young people.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

The Art (and Science) of Fireworks

  • Rhonda H.
  • Saturday, July 04

Do you love fireworks? We do too. It's fun and easy to create your own paper version of a fireworks display. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Black History is America's History

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 03

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

Black history is America's history and it's a history that each American should know.    

Blog
Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Macramé Hemp Bracelet

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, June 29

Keep the kids busy with this simple activity that requires a minimal amount of materials, does not create a huge a mess and can been done somewhat independently! 

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Jump Rope

  • Lynsey C.
  • Friday, June 26

Jumping rope is an iconic summer activity. It is great exercise and has a long and award-winning history in South Carolina. Follow along with this tutorial to learn how to make your own jump rope out of plastic bags and help save the environment at the same time!

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Holding Tight to Family

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 26

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

Celebrate family with Lil Alan, the Gaither sisters and the Watsons by sharing their stories, their connection and their love.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Coming-of-Age Stories for Tweens, Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 19

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

Delve into these stories of growing up and self-discovery set in a world filled with judgment and possibility.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

Adventures with Kids: Knee Deep in the Garden

  • Emily J.
  • Monday, June 15

Flowers—even weeds—tell an important story about the climate and ecosystem of an area. These simple activities require very little preparation, but they pack a big learning punch.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05

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

When it comes to children, adults have the opportunity, through literature and stories, to help children form attitudes which support equity and inclusion, so we have not only an opportunity, but an obligation, to share books reflecting the black experience and written by black authors, with children.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, May 30

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

"May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States."--The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, apaics.org

 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Funny Families

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 22

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

Is your dad driving you crazy or your mom's making you mad?  Maybe your little brother's a bother and your big sister is such a pain? 

Take a breath, grab your Richland Library card, and spend some time with these funny families instead.  

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

5 Films for Free: Birds, Bugs, and Botany

  • Melissa S.
  • Friday, May 22

This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. The five selections this week are nature documentaries - just because we're stuck inside doesn't mean we can't still enjoy some of the wonders of our world!

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Fast Friends

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 15

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

Whether it's true blue friends or even a new friend, friendships deeply impact our lives.  They teach us about the world and about ourselves.  Sometimes we're not ready to learn the lesson until that friend is gone.

Discover your own fast friends in this week's iRead picks featuring two middle grade novels and one teen title.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: World at War

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 08

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

These new middle grade novels and graphic novel explore the world at war.  Revealing that even in our darkest hour, we can still find the light.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

  • Children's Room
  • Wednesday, April 29

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

Check out a great audio collection recommended by the Johanssons (Isla and Emily) as one of their favorite family listens.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Searching for Home

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, April 25

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

In these stories, religious differences or war drive each of these young women away from the country they know and force them to find a new home.

Blog
Richland Library Main

All Around Town: 7 Days of Family-friendly Activities

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Friday, April 24

With a little help from our friends around town, here are some daily suggestions for family-friendly activities—both digital and non—from some of our favorite places that just might get you out of your current rut.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Common Backyard Birds

  • Melissa S.
  • Wednesday, April 22

Learn about our most common backyard birds and how to identify the uncommon ones

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Raymie Nightingale Trilogy

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, April 18

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

Check-out these books by one of our favorite authors, Kate DiCamillo, and recommended by one of our favorite librarians, Ms. Leslie.

 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Guys Take the Lead

  • Children's Room
  • Wednesday, April 15

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

This time, our staff shares some powerful stories where guys take the lead.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: 2020-2021 SC Book Award Nominees

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, April 03

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

This week, check out some of the best titles from the 2020-2021 SC Book Award Nominee lists.

 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Managing Children’s Emotions 

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Tuesday, March 31

Eight things you can do today to help your entire family understand, process and cope with this new, temporary normal.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Your Daily Dose of Children's Authors & Illustrators

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 16

From readings to art clubs to book-based activities, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite authors and illustrators who are going digital to help you and your family join in on the fun.