She is a Haunting
The Dream Weaver
Staff Picks

2023 Best Middle Grade and Teen Books featuring Diverse Characters or Experiences

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, November 17
Selected by Richland Library staff, these books represent some of our favorite stories (and non-fiction) featuring diverse characters published in 2023--plus a few older titles that we wanted to make sure you didn't miss.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
The Changing Man
All These Sunken Souls
Staff Picks

Teen Horror & Thrillers | 2023 Releases

  • Ashley S.
  • Monday, October 16
In the mood for something a little scary and/or thrilling? Check out these 2023 releases to find the perfect title for this Halloween season!
Deephaven
The Very Unfortunate Wish of Melony Yoshimura
Staff Picks

Stories to Listen to After Dark! 2023

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, October 04
Need a good ghost story to  listen to this spooky season?! Here are some scary and not-so- scary middle grade books released in 2023 to get listeners in the Spooky Spirit. Cozy up with your favorite blanket as you listen to some of these hair raising tales!
Gallowgate
Deephaven
Staff Picks

Children's Horror | 2023 Releases

  • Ashley S.
  • Monday, October 02
In the mood for something a little scary? Check out these 2023 releases to find the perfect title for this Halloween season!
The Sleepover
Scary Summer
Staff Picks

Spooky Comics For Tween Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, October 01
Spooky season is here, and with it comes - whoa, hey, I didn't mean to scare you. Here, let's turn on some more lights. These horror comics have frights and spectacle, but they're not quite as intense or gratuitous as more mature comics out there.
Hip Hop Speaks to Children
Staff Picks

Honoring Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary: Youth Titles

  • Wednesday, September 13
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop emerging from the streets of the Bronx in New York City. Over the last 50 years Hip-Hop's influence has reached music lovers world wide, creating a culture and life style of its own. These titles bring the music and rich culture of Hip-Hop to life for young audiences. 
Briarcliff Prep
Imogen, Obviously
Staff Picks

Back to School Titles for Teen Readers

  • Ashley S.
  • Friday, August 04
Starting a new school year is filled with so many new adventures and feelings. Check out these titles for teen readers to help prepare for the upcoming academic year!
Anything but Typical
Anything but Typical
Staff Picks

Disability Pride for Middle Grade Readers

  • Alex B.
  • Saturday, July 01
According to the American Bar Association, July is Disability Pride Month "a time for the disability community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard." These books for middle graders center disabled people's voices and celebrate their experiences. 
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. 
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. 
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). 
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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2023

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, April 26

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

Troublemakers in Trousers
Black Girls Unbossed
Staff Picks

Trailblazers: Inspirational Women Throughout History

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, March 01
“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.  
Gator, Gator, Gator!
The Reptiles of South Carolina
Staff Picks

What's New at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

  • Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, February 14
What was once Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's Aquarium Reptile Complex has now gotten a new look and a new name! The Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center will be opening March 2, 2023.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Tae Keller's Mihi Ever After

  • Caitlin B.
  • Wednesday, February 08

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

  • Brianna K.
  • Monday, February 06

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

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/ 
Blog
Richland Library Main

What's your resolution?

  • Adele C.
  • Saturday, December 31

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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Top Checkouts of 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 28

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. 

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Indigo Dreaming

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 21

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.

The Universe in You
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, December 04
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. 
Music is a Rainbow
An Ordinary Day
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Death, Loss & Grief

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, November 07
"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
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Cyanotype: Create with Light and Shadow

  • Sarah W.
  • Friday, November 04

Recognizable by their monochromatic, intense blue backgrounds, cyanotype is an early photographic process that provides an accessible introduction to early photography. 

Mama Loves Me from Away
A Kind of Thief
Staff Picks

Books for Children with Incarcerated Parents

  • Jessica B.
  • Monday, October 10
According to PEW research, it is estimated that about 1.7 million children have at least one parent in jail or prison in the United States.  Here is a list of books to help start that conversation with young people who are living through this experience.