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.

Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Fire Safety

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
It's always a good time to talk about fire safety.   Share these books with your child and discuss what to do if there's a fire in your home or in their school.  Reading together will make them feel safe and confident that they know what to do in case of an emergency.   If you want to know more about firefighters and how they keep us safe, check out Read All About It:  Firefighters & Fire Trucks.  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: One Crazy Summer

  • 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.

Blog
Richland Library Eastover

#BrainBreak - DIY Pop-it Fidget Toy and More!

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Wednesday, February 03

So, I went down a rabbit hole of Tiktok's full of fidget toy ideas. Some easy and some not. Thus, I thought I would share a few that caught my eye to help you get through those long zoom classes and give you the #brainbreak you oh so deserve.

Standing on Her Shoulders
Because I Was a Girl
Staff Picks

Women Making History for Tweens & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, February 01
From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021.  Let's be clear.  Women have always made history.  Sadly, they have been overshadowed, overlooked or just plain erased from many history books.  But no more. 
Explorer
The History of Ancient Egypt.
Staff Picks

Booklist: Exploration for fun

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, January 28
Exploration Generation   Do you want to explore history and geography, whenever you want?  Then welcome to a new way of thinking of generations. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Camp of the Angel
Ghost in the Capitol
Staff Picks

Children's Novels Set in South Carolina

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 15
See South Carolina through the eyes of many different authors - these children's novels are set in the palmetto state. Try a few of these and explore the state through historical fiction or contemporary stories.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Self-Portraits

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, June 24

Take a #brainbreak and create a self-portrait.  Whether it's a new year, a new season or a new day, it's always a good time to document who you are.  

The Cure for Cold Feet
Izzy Kline Has Butterflies
Staff Picks

Children's Novels in Verse

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 08
Want to try something different? Choose one of these novels where the narrative is told entirely through a series of poems. Once you read one, you'll be hooked on this creative way to tell a story. 
Baseball Crazy
Beware!
Staff Picks

A Long List of Short Stories for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 08
Collections of short stories are a great way to bite off a little reading at a time - and a fun way to discover new authors you have never read before. Funny, sad, scary, sporty, thought-provoking - there's a short story collection on this list for you. Curl up and enjoy one story or devour the whole thing all at once.
D is for Dragon Dance
A Gift
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Lunar New Year

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, January 02
On February 12 of this year, Lunar New Year will begin and will introduce the Year of the Ox. Every lunar new year is a time of celebration throughout Asian countries and the Asian American community to bring in the coming twelve months, according to the traditional Chinese calendar or lunar calendar. Lunar New Year typically begins on the lunar calendar's first new moon and ends fifteen days later on the lunar calendar's full moon. Read the stories listed below to learn more about the Lunar New Year celebration!
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Creative Journaling

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, June 24

Take a break and write.  Journaling can help you process your emotions and unleash your creativity.  

Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 23
Being mindful, taking a breath and finding your calm can be challenging on a good day.  Add in busy schedules, family stresses, worries and world events, it can seem impossible--especially for children who haven't mastered self-regulation.  Even good changes like holidays or vacations can make children feel overwhelmed:  
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Five Stages of Batman Fandom

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, December 18

No fan ever reads through the same franchise twice, for it's not the same franchise and they're not the same fan.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Inside Out & Back Again

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Based on the author's own childhood, Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a pivotal year in the life of a South Vietnamese family.  Once a wealthy family with two parents, 1975 brings a reversal of fortune for Hà, her brothers and mother. 

The Cassandra Curse
The Crossover
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, 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. 
Recipe for Trouble
Just Add Magic
Staff Picks

Yummy Cooking Novels for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, November 23
With the holidays fast approaching, cooking and food is on everyone's mind. Feed your reading hunger with these children's novels featuring characters whipping up culinary delights in the kitchen.
Beauty and the Beaks
Gus, the Pilgrim Turkey
Staff Picks

Thanksgiving Books to Share with Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, November 23
Sharing a Thanksgiving story as a family is a fun and meaningful way to spend some time preparing for the holiday. Here are some books you will want to gobble up.
My Diary from the Edge of the World
The Middle of Somewhere
Staff Picks

Road Trip! - Children's Novels

  • Jenny D.
  • Thursday, November 19
Who doesn't love a good road trip? This time of year, lots of folks are usually traveling - but this year, many people are postponing their traditional trips over the river and through the woods. Never fear, you can still go on a virtual road trip by picking up one of these children's novels featuring traveling by car. Happy trails!
Tree
Wishtree
Staff Picks

An Arbor Day Celebration

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, November 19
Arbor Day (the first Friday in December) is the beginning of tree planting season in South Carolina.  Celebrate safely by finding moments to walk among the trees and appreciate their quiet majesty. Reading can also deepen our knowledge of even every day subjects. This curated selection of books offers titles for everyone - stories about the importance of trees, the science and even hands-on activities. 
I Can Make This Promise
How Tia Lola Came to Visit Stay
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Diverse Families in Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, November 07
Family is what holds these stories together as the characters experience life-changing moments, face difficult truths and each other.   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

iRead: Ninjas RULE!

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, November 06

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

Ninjas are AWESOME!  They are stealthy, strong and full of surprise.  Discover the real ultimate power of ninjas--both fact and fiction--and read some super stories along the way.  

I Walk with Vanessa
Each Kindness.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kindness & Caring

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, November 03
Everyone can show kindness and everyone needs a little kindness.  Waving hello, offering to help someone carry a heavy load or making a card for a friend can brighten someone's day. Let these books inspire you to find ways to let people know that you care.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Spooky Stories

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, October 23

Fears--real and imagined--abound in these scary stories featuring a missing mother, killer buttons, a ghost and a suspicious rabbit.  (And we won't tell if you decide to sleep with the light on...)

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Sunny and Lu

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

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. 

Me, Frida, and the Secret of the Peacock Ring
I Lived on Butterfly Hill
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels

  • Children's Room
  • Wednesday, October 14
Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture.  Check out these chapter books and novels to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives.  Don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books list!
Watchmen
Grass
Staff Picks

2020 Harvey Award Winners

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, October 11
The winners of the 2020 Harvey Awards, which are selected by comics industry professionals, have been announced across six categories. Check out some of the best recent comics below. The full list of nominees can be found here.  
Going Down Home with Daddy
Going Down Home with Daddy.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: 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: Kelly Starling Lyons

  • Rebecca K.
  • Monday, October 12

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.

A Snake Falls to Earth
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Middle Grade & Teen Novels

  • Saturday, October 03
Discover the stories, cultures, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these compelling novels 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.
Rock Your Mocs
Una Huna
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books

  • Saturday, October 03
Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books.   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

iRead: On The Run

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, October 23

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.  

Dreamers
Dreamers.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, October 01
Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture.  Check out these picture books to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives.  And don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels book list!
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, October 09

“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

Tears of a Tiger
Blended
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Sharon Draper

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, September 25
Sharon Draper (born 1948) grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she majored in English at Pepperdine University then earned her Masters of Arts in English at Miami University of Ohio. Always an avid reader, Draper taught at Cincinnati public schools.
Electricity in Your Life
Buried Sunlight
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, September 24
How is electricity made?  And how does it get to my house?  From understanding the basics of electricity to a mystery complete with experiments, this list has all that you need to become an energy expert.   And...just in time for Energy Action Month, learn about alternative energy like solar and wind and how to conserve and save energy.   Energy expert?  You'll be an energy star!
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Toning the Sweep

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 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.

I Dissent
American Women Activists' Writings
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, September 21
From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Tía Lola Stories Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Monday, September 21

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 25

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. 

The Heart Calls Home
But That's Another Story
Staff Picks

Read All About It: 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.
All About Reading, Level 1, Teacher's Manual
All About Reading, Level 2, Teacher's Manual
Staff Picks

Reading Curriculum: All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Looking an easy to follow reading curriculum?  All About Reading is a one-stop shop for quality reading materials. Find all of these titles and more in Richland Library's Education Studio.  Questions? We are here to help. Contact the Richland Library Education Studio and we'll help you find the best materials to suit your needs. 
Lillian's Right to Vote
Election Collection
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  Sharing books together is a great way to introduce our civic responsibility, the history and the power of the vote.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: 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: Mariko Tamaki

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, September 06

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.

Lift As You Climb
Dreams of Freedom
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, August 22
Inspire your future leaders with these stories of people who made a difference.  Discover how these activists found their voice, fought for their rights and used the power of protest to create change.   You can also take action with our DIY Storytime:  Get Up, Stand Up.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nikki Grimes

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24

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. 

Kamala Harris
Almost Zero
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 21
Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. Ms. Grimes has said that reading and writing helped her get through her darkest times as a child.  Helping children process grief through stories is a significant part of her writing. She wants children to see themselves in literature. 
Front Desk
Yes! We Are Latinos
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Immigrant & Refugee Stories in Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 21
Children and families immigrate or flee their country because of war, hunger or the dream of something greater.  But life in their new home isn't always easy and everyone isn't always welcoming.  Read these stories to find out how they figure it out, make friends and how they embrace their new life while holding firm to who they are.  
In the Spirit of the Studio
Staff Picks

Back to School... at Home: The Book List

  • Laura Rogers
  • Friday, August 21
It is time to set up space for your school year. Starting at home? Check out these great titles that will inspire you to create a space that is fun and functional for you and your children. Study, explore, create, and make the grade! 
Islandborn
The Big Umbrella
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Immigrant and Refugee Stories in Picture Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, August 20
Children and families immigrate or flee their country because of war, hunger, or the dream of something greater. However, life in their new home isn't always easy, and everyone isn't always welcoming.  Read these stories to find out how they figure it out, make friends, and how they embrace their new life while holding firm to who they are.  
A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans
Endling #1
Staff Picks

If You Like Wings of Fire, then try...

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 14
For fans craving adventure, talking animals and dragons (of course), check out one of these new middle grade fantasies today.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Spin
Black Enough
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: 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.
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.  

I Saw Your Face
Soul Looks Back in Wonder
Staff Picks

Read All About It: 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

iRead: Tom Feelings

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Wednesday, August 12

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. 

All the Water in the World
Water
Staff Picks

All the Water in the World: Children's Books about Water

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, August 07
Raindrops, rivers, oceans, ice. Water, in all its different forms, is all around us. While some of us are lucky to have reliable access to water, for many others, the search for clean water is a daily struggle. Dive into some of these books to help your children understand the power of water, the importance of keeping our waterways clean and the global issues of water scarcity and conservation. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost and Patina

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

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 T.
    Heather M.
  • 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 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 Main

#OwnVoices: Colorism in Genesis Begins Again

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, June 23

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.

Akata Witch
Black Panther. Long Live the King
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
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.
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.