All This Could Be Different
When We Were Sisters
Staff Picks

2022 National Book Award Longlists

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, September 16
The 2022 National Book Award longlists have just been announced.  The finalists will be named on 4 October.  In the meantime, check out these contenders in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young people's literature, and translated literature.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Disability Visibility in Children's Literature

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, September 12

To me, the greatest beauty of children's literature is that books help us empathize with those who are different from us or who have different lived experiences than our own.

Hear My Voice
Sing, Don't Cry
Staff Picks

Immigration and Refugee Stories: Children's Novels and Nonfiction

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 16
Refugee and immigrant stories are American stories. Richland Library has a multitude of beautiful novels and nonfiction books that tell a variety of stories of children and families coming to America in search of a better life. You can place books on hold online or call us in the Children's Room at (803) 929-3434 and we will happily place holds for you to pick up in the CR or at any branch location. 
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#FinLit Book Review: "Lawn Boy" & "Lawn Boy Returns"

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 04

"One minute I was twelve years old and wondering where I could get enough money for an inner tube for my old used ten-speed. The next minute, it seems, I’ve got a business of my own, with employees, and I’m rich."

Run. Book One
Eternals. Vol. 01, Only Death is Eternal
Staff Picks

2022 Eisner Award Winners

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, August 02
Check out the winners of the 2022 Eisner Awards, announced at San Diego Comic-Con. You can see a full list of categories, nominees, and winners here. Keep in mind that Eisner categories span across various creative roles, formats, and target age ranges. Digital copies of this year's Eisner Award winners can also be found on Hoopla.
Dragons in a Bag
Going Down Home with Daddy.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, July 14
Mama smiles sweetly and places her palm against the door. She speaks slowly and politely. “It’s just us, Ma. I called this morning and told you we were coming. Remember?” The woman behind the door barks at Mama, “Course I remember. You called and asked if you could leave the boy with me and I said NO!”--Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: How to Find What You're Not Looking For

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
    Taelor J.
  • Sunday, November 12

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.

Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
Unspeakable
Staff Picks

South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Children's Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Magic Fish

  • 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.

King and the Dragonflies
This is Our Rainbow
Staff Picks

Read All About It: LGBTQI2SA+ Middle Grade Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read the rainbow and discover these LGBTQI2SA+ middle grade books that show us love is love and that we are truly free to be you and me. Looking for more good books? Get personalized reading recommendation lists  from children's literature experts. 
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.
Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari and the Night Brothers
Staff Picks

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Junior Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
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. 
Samira Surfs
The Maps of Memory
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11, 12, 13 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
Middle school readers are still figuring out the world while trying to figure out themselves.  They may look for books that reflect their experience or give them a window or sliding glass
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 9, 10, 11 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"This is Stuntboy. This guy, right here. Him. You can't tell just looking at him, but he's the greatest superhero you've never heard of."  --Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Too Small Tola
Too Small Tola
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Tola is the youngest in her family. And the smallest. And everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small."  --Too Small Tola by Atinuke
Blog
Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2022

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, May 07

Congratulations to the illustrators and writers featured in this year's edition of Kids in Print 2022!

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

An Amazing Children's Author: Jane Yolen

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, May 05

Jane Yolen has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the twentieth century due to her command of folklore, fantasy, and myth. Her storytelling reaches a vast audience, from the youngest board book reader to the young adult.

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. 

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.

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

#BrainBreak: Chalk It Up

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, April 13

Take your coloring outdoors with sidewalk chalk! You never outgrow the joy of taking to the concrete and getting your fingers smudged all sorts of colors.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Dinner Table Talks: Missing Daddy and Dad Bakes

  • Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
    Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, June 06

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.

Witch Hat Atelier. Vol. 01
The Legend of Zelda. Twilight Princess. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Manga For Tween Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, March 11
Manga (Japanese comics) offer endless worlds and types of stories for audiences, but where should younger readers begin? The list below includes titles for tween readers who are curious about manga.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Switching to LECA: Another Way to Grow Houseplants

  • Brianna K.
  • Tuesday, March 15

In the fall of 2021, I decided to change my houseplants' growing medium from soil to LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate). At that time, I had over 30 houseplants and found it challenging to keep up with their watering schedules and pest control. Then, one day, I came across a video on YouTube about LECA.

Anansi Does the Impossible!
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, February 10
A Year of Black History Continues   Folktales, comics and history ... here we are!  Also, Hoopla is allowing 15 checkouts for the month of February, as well as bonus borrows.  Hoopla offers many comic book/graphic novels to choose from!  Please, enter your email address and password associated with Hoopla.
Black Boy Joy
Rebound
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: The Black Joy in Middle Grade Books

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, February 09
The experiences of young black children is not all rooted in trauma. No child wants to constantly read about oppression, hardships and struggles. There is Joy in being black and it is important for children to not just seem themselves in books but see themselves in a positive light. The books below are simply about Black kids just living!
Black Boy Joy
Recognize!
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Novels and Nonfiction of 2021

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, February 01
The following novels and nonfiction 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
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!  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Children's Books Reflection of 2021

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23

Missed out on 2021 book releases? Don't worry, you can find #OwnVoices books published in 2021 for both younger and older children here. I don't forget to look out for what's to come in 2022!

Blog
Richland Library North Main

2022

  • Zsuzsanna C.
  • Thursday, December 30
The Bad Seed
The Good Egg
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Children's eBooks 📱

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends' and neighbors' children were reading in 2021? Us too!  Long story, short. It was a good year to be a wimpy kid, a teen wizard, or Dog Man.  
A Wrinkle in Time
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Children's Audiobooks 🎧

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends' and neighbors' children were listening to in 2021? Us too!  Long story, short. It was a good year to be a teen with magical powers. 
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. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Peppermint Catapults

  • Richland Library
  • Saturday, December 18

Launch yourself into the holiday spirit by learning how to create a peppermint catapult.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, November 04

Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books.  This conversation focuses on the nonfiction children's biography, Buffalo Bird Girl:  A Hidatsa Story by S.D. Nelson.  

Buffalo Bird Girl
Child of the Flower-song People
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous and Native Biographies & History for Younger Readers

  • Thursday, December 02
Discover the true stories and history of Indigenous and Native people of the Americas in these picture book titles.   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.
This Indian Kid
#NotYourPrincess
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous and Native Biographies & History for Older Readers

  • Thursday, December 02
Discover the true stories and history of Indigenous and Native people of the Americas in these titles for middle grade and teen readers.   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

A-maize-ing Corn Husk Dolls

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, November 29

A perfect Fall activity to spice up your holiday; the art of corn husk doll making is steeped in tradition and fun for the whole family. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Women Who Dared

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, November 19

The Children's Room holds many fascinating biographies about these women, from Ada Byron Lovelace, who created the language for future computer code, to Maryam Mirzakhani, modern mathematician. These women kept asking questions, kept reading, and kept discovering, no matter what obstacles they faced.

#NotYourPrincess
Native American Voices on Identity, Art, and Culture
Staff Picks

Soaring Voices

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, November 12
Many First Nation voices, past and present tell us of their worlds, experiences and dreams.  Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Native American Heritage Month

  • Zsuzsanna C.
  • Monday, November 07

There are 9.7 million Native Americans belonging to 562 federally recognized nations or tribes that live in the US, each with a unique history.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Native Plants at Ballentine: Crane-Fly Orchid

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Saturday, September 03

Native Plant Spotlight: Crane-Fly Orchids

Did you know that South Carolina has several species of native orchids? They're not as flashy as the tropical orchids you typically see for sale in grocery stores or at garden centers, but it is fun to stumble across them when you're walking in the woods.