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Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Learning is Never Far Away

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, March 28

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is about spatial awareness.  

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Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Movers and Shakers

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, February 15

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is about self-expression and creativity.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Feeling the Feelings

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, January 12

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is about identifying, managing and expressing feelings.  

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.

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Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Cuddle Up with a Good Book

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, January 12

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is developing an interest in books and a motivation to read.  

I Love You a Latke!
Global Baby Playtime
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Babies & Toddlers

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, December 04
Babies and toddlers are getting an introduction to the world of books.  Reading to them on a daily basis helps them develop a routine where they begin to associate love, interaction, and family with books. Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Growing Healthy Habits

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, January 12

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is developing healthy eating habits.  

True You
What Riley Wore
Staff Picks

Picture Books for Trans* Week of Visibility

  • Alex B.
  • Thursday, November 17
Trans* Week of Visibility (Nov. 13-19) is a time to celebrate gender diversity and examine the unique struggles members of the trans* community face. These pictures help normalize the full spectrum of gender identity because every child deserves to be represented in literature. 
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.  
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.
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Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Shady Baby

  • Cassie G.
  • Wednesday, July 06

From the New York Times Bestselling Duo Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwayne Wade Jr. 

Change Starts with Us
On the Go with Mother Goose
Staff Picks

Great Books for Babies | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Change starts with learning about the world."--Change Starts with Us  by Sophie Beer Snuggled in your lap, babies love books with photographs, simple, bright illustrations, rhyming and the sound of your voice.  Find your little one's new favorite story from our list of books to share.  
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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. 

No More Plastic
Reuse This Book!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 18
"She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and decided to make a change."--No More Plastic | Alma Fullerton Discover how pollution and litter damage the air, land and seas and what you can do each day to take care of our planet.  Earth day is every day when you read one of these books.  Find more great stories when you Read All About It:  This Land is Our Land.   
Southwest Sunrise
Wonder Walkers
Staff Picks

Read All About It: This Land is Our Land

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, April 15
"This land was made for you and me."--This Land is Your Land | Woody Guthrie Whether it's camping with family or finding tiny, perfect things right in your own neighborhood, these stories will remind you of the wonder and beauty that's all around us.  Earth day is every day when you read one of these wonderful picture books.  Find more great stories when you Read All About It:  Taking Care of Mother Earth.  
Jabari Jumps
Violet Shrink
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Jabari Jumps Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, April 14
Visit Richland Library's Jabari Jumps StoryWalk® at Caughman Road Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and find your courage to try something new.  Next, check out some of these good books to continue the stories at home! Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Soul Food Sunday
Food
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tasty Treats

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 04
Check out these tasty treats that look good enough to eat--I mean, read.  Whether it's a delicious thick red stew shared with neighbors, a food truck rodeo or applesauce in your hair, these books offer a veritable buffet of cuisines and experiences to share together.  (Some of these books even offer recipes so you can make food with your friends and family!)
You See, I See
On the Go with Mother Goose
Staff Picks

Great Books for Babies

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, January 07
"You see a bustling city.  I see adventure ahead!"--You See, I See: In the City by Michelle Sinclair Colman Snuggled in your lap, babies love books with photographs, simple, bright illustrations, rhyming and the sound of your voice.  Find your little one's new favorite story from our list of books to share.  
I Am a Bird
They Call Me River
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: I Am a Bird Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, November 12
Visit Richland Library's I Am a Bird StoryWalk® at Doko Meadows Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and get your family soaring and gliding while enjoying a great story.  Next, check out some of these good books to continue the fun at home! 
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.  
How Do You Wokka-wokka?
Tap Tap Boom Boom
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: How Do You Wokka-Wokka? Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, August 16
Pick up a copy of How Do You Wokka-Wokka?, one of our StoryWalk® titles, at one of our Richland Library locations and get your family moving and grooving while enjoying a great story.  Next, check out some of these good books to continue the fun at home!  Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Rainbow Stew
Fry Bread
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Rainbow Stew Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Saturday, June 19
Visit Richland Library's Rainbow Stew StoryWalk® at Hyatt Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and get your family soaring and gliding while enjoying a great story.   Check out this list below for more inspiration to get you moving, growing and cooking together!  
Black is Brown is Tan
The Case for Loving
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 10
Celebrate Loving Day by sharing stories of families brought together by 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.
What Do Firefighters Do?
Fire Engine.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
Firefighters work hard to keep us safe.  Find out more about how they keep us safe, what they wear to keep them safe and the equipment they use (especially fire trucks) by reading these fiction and nonfiction titles about these first responder heroes. If you want to know how to keep yourself safe around fire, check out Read All About It:  Fire Safety.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

Teeth brushing

Music crushing

Bass thumping

Shoulders pumping

Head rotation

Jubilation!

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.
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. 
One Family
Black is Brown is Tan
Staff Picks

Read All about It: Diverse Families in Picture Books

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, November 07
Celebrate all kinds of families and their love for one another by reading these wonderful picture books with your very own family. 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.  
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.
Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings
Way Past Worried
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, October 27
Sharing books about feelings gives children the language to name their emotions.  These stories can also give children the opportunity to explore feelings and imagine how they might behave if they were a character in the story.   Talking about emotions with a trusted caregiver builds a solid foundation of mental health. Check out some of these great read-alouds and start your conversation today!  
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

DIY Storytime: Grandma's Tiny House

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, December 07

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grandma's Tiny House:  A Counting Story), songs and rhymes ( Dos Manitos Diez Deditos and 5 Green & Speckled Frogs) and activities (Counting with Nature, Matching with LEGOs & Number Scavenger Hunt).

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.
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. 
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

DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 26

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Get Up, Stand Up), songs and poems ( Funga Alafia; Warrior; and I Love You Too) and activities (Making Space: Speak Up; Chalk Your Walk; and Yard Signs).

 

Two Hands to Love You
The Berenstain Bears and the Mama's Day Surprise
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Celebrating Moms

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, May 08
Whether it's Mama or Mommy, your mom or someone who is like a mother to you, these wonderful family read alouds and listens will help you celebrate the person who helps you feel safe, gives you courage and makes you feel loved.   To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. 
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

How to Do a Storytime

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, November 13

Four easy steps to help you keep reading, singing, playing and talking every day. 

Chloe and the Lion
Extra Yarn
Staff Picks

The Magic of Mac Barnett

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, February 27
Picture books push and stretch a child's imagination, breathing magic into the everyday. And Mac Barnett is a master of this magic.  Ready to sprinkle some magic into your child's world? Try some of my favorite books by Mac Barnett. 
Crown
The Stuff of Stars
Staff Picks

Contemplative Picture Books

  • Bryan B.
  • Tuesday, January 07
These picture books feature introspective characters and themes, allowing young and developing readers to explore not only their thoughts, but the world around them. These range from simple poems on top of beautiful photographs and illustrations, to wordless expressions of art and narrative.