Blended
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Multiracial Families in Middle Grade Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, October 01
“Tell the Court I love my wife, and it is just unfair that I can’t live with her in Virginia.” --Richard Loving In 1967, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of interracial marriage in all 50 states in the case known as Loving v. Virginia.  Our families may look different, may worship differently and may speak a different language.  Check out one these middle grade novels and discover that, no matter our differences, love connects us all.
Black is Brown is Tan
Black is Brown is Tan.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Multiracial Families in Picture Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, October 01
Families across the world might look different from yours or have different customs, and they might even have different challenges that you might not know much about or fully understand. Some of these families might consist of people from different races, however, at the root of it all, is love. Below is a list of beautiful and thoughtful picture books about multiracial families that you and your family are sure to enjoy and learn from!
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Selina Alko

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, September 24

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

Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia with a Turkish Jewish father who spoke seven languages and taught painting, and a Jewish mother who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, Selina Alko was surrounded by the melody of words and stories from different places and varied visual possibilities.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Sean Qualls

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, September 24

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

Artist and Children's book illustrator Sean Qualls finds inspiration everywhere.

Unbowed
The Basics of Ecology
Staff Picks

🌍World Environmental Health Day [September 26, 2021]🌍

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, September 20
Here is a list to jump-start your dive into learning more about the biosphere you live in, and the ecosystems surrounding you (and also living within you). In addition, for those that are familiar with environmental science, there are additional books to expand your knowledge while possibly making an activist out of you.
The Year I Flew Away
Curse of the Forgotten City
Staff Picks

Middle Grade Reads for Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, September 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Celebrate by checking out these Middle Grade titles. Looking for more great reads to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with? Check out this list or use our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Go Long!
Goal Line
Staff Picks

Take the Field! Football Novels for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, September 08
Who's ready for some football? If you just can't get enough gridiron action to satisfy your love of the game, take a look at these novels featuring plenty of pigskin!
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

To some, 1967 seems like it was so long ago, but that was only fifty-four years ago. Only fifty-four years ago, Richard and Mildred Loving were fighting the state of Virginia to recognize their marriage. Only fifty-four years ago, two people (who just happened to be different races) had to fight to legally show their love to the world. 

Ghost
Simon and Chester
Staff Picks

Ghost Stories for Young People

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, September 07
Ghost stories have been told for as long as storytelling has existed. There are ghosts and spirits of the dead in Homer's Odyssey, the Old Testament of the Bible, in One Thousand and One Nights, as well as in several of Shakespeare's plays. Children's literature is no exception. From picture books, folktales, and even graphic novels, ghosts are the subject of all sorts of stories. Below is a list of picture books, graphic novels, and novels that contain fascinating stories of ghosts.
Antiracist Baby
The Talk
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race (as a Family...)

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 27
Having "The Talk" can feel daunting.  Whether it's sexuality, staying safe or race--it can be difficult to know where to begin. By talking about these important topics early and often, parents and caregivers can increase the whole family's comfort and skill in conversation, making these discussions part of their family culture.  
Detransition, Baby
Good Boy
Staff Picks

Fresh LGBT Titles for 2021

  • Amber J.
  • Thursday, August 19
Check out the newest LGBT titles!  Available for toddlers to adults.
Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure
Charlotte the Scientist is Squished
Staff Picks

Scientists Real and Imagined

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 17
Scientists have been learning about the world for hundreds of years. If you like to ask the questions “why?” and “how?” you’ll find the lives and stories of these scientists enthralling! Here are some great picture books and biographies of scientists--both real and imagined. 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 Northeast

Buttermilk Pecan Ricotta Pancakes

  • Caroline B.
  • Thursday, September 02

Ricotta cheese and beaten egg whites create a light, fluffy batter that will make you crave breakfast anytime.

Our buttermilk pecan ricotta pancakes combines the flavors of vanilla, nutmeg and lemon to create a delicious breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.

Amelia Gray is Almost Okay
Amari and the Night Brothers
Staff Picks

Back to School for Middle Grade Readers

  • Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, August 10
Starting back to school for all students can cause a mix of emotions from excited to nervous. But entering or starting back to Middle School can be down right scary! This list of books for middle grade readers may be able to help ease fears about surviving middle school with some relatable experiences about homework, the school cafeteria, bullies, crushes and more.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Crossover

  • 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.

Best of Japan.
Seeing Kyoto
Staff Picks

Japan 2021 for Olympics 2020

  • Helene F.
  • Wednesday, July 14
We now get to see Japan, her culture and history after seeing China and Korea present their cultures in previous Olympic Games.  What do you want to learn about first, anime, manga, the language, the food, and the places they all come together in?  Looking for more, and in different formats? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Northeast

The Grilled Peaches You Didn't Know You Needed

  • Caroline B.
  • Thursday, July 22

This grilled peach with strawberry goat cheese recipe combines the sweetness of peak season peaches with the tanginess of goat cheese blended with strawberries.  Topped with toasted walnuts and honey, this quick low-fat dessert is a great finish to a summer meal. 

The Olympics, A Very Peculiar History
Olympic Track and Field
Staff Picks

Tokyo Olympics 2020

  • Helene F.
  • Tuesday, July 13
Tokyo Olympics 2020 games are about to begin!  The trials for the USA team members are going on now.  You can pick and choose which parts of the games you watch, the gymnastics, track and field, soccer, equestrian, or one of the new sports like surfing.  Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Wednesday, June 30

This 2014 John Newbery Medal Winner and Coretta Scott King Honor title poetically and rhythmically tells the story of twelve-year-old Josh Bell, also known affectionately as Filthy McNasty, who is a star on his school's basketball team.

Blog
Richland Library Main

The Crossover: Sports Fiction

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, July 07

I did not play sports.  I was a theatre kid and a book kid all the way.  But I have an appreciation for sports, for athleticism and teamwork. 

So I reached out to my friends and colleagues who did play sports to find out what I missed.

Blazewrath Games
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads for Caribbean Heritage Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, June 14
Caribbean Heritage Month celebrates and honors the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in government, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Caribbean Heritage Month was first  officially  observed on June 5th 2006. The following recommended titles are all from OnwVoice authors. 
The Sun Is Also a Star
Color Outside the Lines
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Tweens & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 10
Celebrate Loving Day by checking out novels featuring stories of biracial teens & tweens or interracial first love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
The Boy Who Grew a Forest
The Proudest Blue
Staff Picks

SC Picture Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, June 09
"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Black Brother, Black Brother
Things You Can't Say
Staff Picks

SC Junior Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, June 09
"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Mañanaland
Once Upon an Eid /.
Staff Picks

SC Children's Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, June 08
"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Return to Sender
Return to Sender
Staff Picks

Middle Grade books #ToImmigrantsWithLove

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, June 07
Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to reflect and honor the contributions that immigrants have made to our communities across the country and their integral role in the American story.  
The Proudest Blue
Mommy's Khimar
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Children's Books Featuring Muslim Characters

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, June 05
Take a look at the titles below to learn more about the Muslim religion and to read captivating stories about the Muslim Experience. 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.
Our Favorite Day of the Year
The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, June 01
The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020 . This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens. 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 Main

Making Summer Count

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, June 12

Avoid the Summer Slide with a summer full of reading and learning thanks to expert book suggestions, the Summer Learning Challenge and, of course, school reading lists. 

Watch over Me
The Education of Ivy Blake
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate National Foster Care Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, May 17
National Foster Care Month has been observed during the Month of May in the United States since 1988 when President Ronald Reagan recognized  May as a month to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents across the nation. The purpose of National Foster Care Month continues to evolve based on the needs of the time. For example, in 2019, the theme for National Foster Care Month was "Foster Care as a Support to Families, not a Substitute for Parents."
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

DIY Egg Carton Flower Bouquet

  • Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, May 11

Ready to plant the seeds of creativity in your kiddo? Grab these common household items and usher in a burst of color and creativity.

Maya Lin
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian & Asian American Biographies for Children

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, April 30
Celebrate the amazing accomplishments and stories of Asians and Asian Americans of yesterday and today, by reading the wonderful and powerful titles 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.
A Different Pond
The Best We Could Do
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Historical Asian & Asian American Titles for Children and Teens

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, April 30
Read the historical fiction and nonfiction titles below to learn more about the Asian and Asian American Experience! 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

Celebrating National Bike Month

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, May 20

May is National Bike Month, and although it may strike you as something that was only recently adopted, it has actually been observed since 1956.

Blog
Richland Library Main

AiR Presents: Local Artist Directory!

  • Ashley Warthen
  • Friday, April 30

Let’s give our local artists as much of the spotlight we can! With the pandemic and other issues facing our community, I’m elated to share that One Columbia’s artist directory now lives here on Richland Library.com

Blog
Richland Library Main

Augusta Baker and the Art of Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, March 24

"Storytelling at its best is mutual creation. Children listen and, out of the words they hear, create their own mental images; this opening of the mind's eye develops the imagination." - Storytelling: Art and Technique by Augusta Baker and Ellin Greene

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart

  • 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.

A Place Inside of Me
Ellington Was Not A Street.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: African American Experiences in Poetry

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 02
"for there is love inside me true love deep down inside of me I am in love with my people"-- A Place Inside of Me:  A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott   These #OwnVoices collections, picture books and novels for older readers explore themes of community and connection, family and faith, racism and resilience.  These books give poetic voice to African American experiences and history and should be read and shared by everyone.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, May 20

Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.

Back to Front and Upside Down!
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Younger Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Saturday, March 27
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person's growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to ra
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, March 26
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, these girls are the stars of their own stories all while sharing their (mis)adventures, making us laugh and introducing us to their family and friends.   These friends of Ramona may be new, but they are sure to find a place on your family's bookshelf and in your family's heart.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Sunday, March 28

In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.  

1, 2, 3. Play with Me!.
1, 2, Trees!.
Staff Picks

Playaway Launchpads for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 24
Have you tried our Playaway Launchpads for children yet? These tablets are pre-loaded with content for children, designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface. No need to worry about download time and or Wi-Fi. There are all kinds of tablets to try - interactive learning, stories, math, science, STEAM, short movies, languages - there is something of interest to every child. Fun for road trips or just an afternoon at home - try one today. 
Other Words for Home
Walk Two Moons.
Staff Picks

Classroom Reads on Hoopla for Middle School

  • Rebecca T.
  • Monday, March 15
Looking for a great novel for your class to read together? Try one of these eBook titles available for download on Hoopla that are perfect for a middle school reader! Materials on Hoopla are available for simultaneous, instant access - meaning every student in your class could read the same eBook at the same time. Each customer may borrow 10 items a month from Hoopla.
45-love
55 Dynamic Agility & Conditioning Drills for Tennis
Staff Picks

Swing into Tennis (Game, Set, Match)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, March 11
A list of Tennis related material has been compiled as you gear up for the courts. Lace up your shoes and tighten your strings, it's time to ace this year's season. 
A Boy Called Bat
Down the Rabbit Hole
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Middle Grade Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 10
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person's growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to ra
The Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Class Act

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, August 07

New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, is now joined by Jerry Craft’s powerful Class Act.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

Let’s show out children a world where everyone does not look the same, worship the same, or even think the same—and that this is the beauty of the world. Let’s teach them that in spite of our differences, we’re more alike than different, and learning brings us closer together. Let’s join together and Read WOKE Across America!

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01

Jason Reynolds is an author and poet who grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Inspired by Queen Latifah and the other rappers he listened to in his youth, he began writing poetry at the age of 9. 

In January 2020, Jason Reynolds was named as the Library of Congress’s national ambassador for young people’s literature, a position designed to encourage young people to develop an interest in reading.

Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Undefeated

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Unforgettable. Undeniable. Unflappable. Unafraid. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe this Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-Winning book by author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Kadir Nelson.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Stamped: Who Were They Really?

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. Racist ideas are woven into the fabric of this country, and the first step to building an antiracist America is acknowledging America's racist past and present.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

African Americans in Art: Beverly Buchanan

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, February 27

There is much more to Black history than civil rights activists and inventors. This project explores the cultural contributions of African American artist, Beverly Buchanan, and gives you the opportunity to make your own artwork inspired by her! Beverly Buchanan was born in Fuquay, North Carolina, but grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is best known for her shack structures which explore the Southern vernacular through architecture

Black Widow
Lumberjanes. Campfire Songs
Staff Picks

100 New Graphic Novels for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, February 15
Grab a stack of these new graphic novels from 2020-2021 and catch up on what you've been missing. There are 100 here to chose from!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black History Is American History

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23

Black History Month should not be just a time to celebrate African Americans who have paved the way for us all to thrive. It should be a time to challenge the stubbornly persistent tendency to teach Black History as a footnote to American history.