Blog
Richland Library Main

Conversation Starters

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, July 10
Books to help you gain a better understanding of race and inclusion.
Blog
Online

Make Your Own Frog 🐸

  • Kelly Kinard
  • Tuesday, July 07
Make your own frog in celebration of all the different creatures we get to hear and see during the summer months.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Black History is America's History

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, July 04
iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Black history is America's history and it's a history that each American should know.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Donating Books During a Pandemic

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Tuesday, July 07
While our libraries are focused on getting our physical materials in the hands of customers, we've temporarily taken a step back from accepting community donations but that doesn't mean there aren't some really great community organizations out there that would love to safely process your book donations.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Create Your Own Macramé Hemp Bracelet

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, June 29
Keep the kids busy with this simple activity that requires a minimal amount of materials, does not create a huge a mess and can been done somewhat independently!
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Jump Rope

  • Lynsey C.
  • Friday, August 28
Jumping rope is an iconic summer activity. It is great exercise and has a long and award-winning history in South Carolina. Follow along with this tutorial to learn how to make your own jump rope out of plastic bags and help save the environment at the same time!
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Holding Tight to Family

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, June 29
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Celebrate family with Lil Alan, the Gaither sisters and the Watsons by sharing their stories, their connection and their love.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Who's Ready for Some Sports?

  • Emily Stoll
  • Friday, June 26
If you're looking for a little dose of sports, our staff has some great titles that may be up your alley.
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).
Blog
Richland Library Main

Adventures with Kids: Knee Deep in the Garden

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, September 30
Flowers—even weeds—tell an important story about the climate and ecosystem of an area. These simple activities require very little preparation, but they pack a big learning punch.
Like Vanessa
Finding Langston
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, June 13
Share these #OwnVoices picture books and middle grade novels together and begin the practice of having regular and honest family conversations about race. Embrace Race offers 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race that will help you get started.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. When it comes to children, adults have the opportunity, through literature and stories, to help children form attitudes which support equity and inclusion, so we have not only an opportunity, but an obligation, to share books reflecting the black experience and written by black authors, with children.
The Poet X
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05
Talk about race and the black experience in America with these #OwnVoices titles for teens and adults.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Track Record

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, June 01
Take your Summer Learning Challenge to a whole new level this year by creating your own track record from right where you are.
Harriet and the Garden
Waiting for Wings
Staff Picks

In the Garden with Children: Stories and Activities

  • Emily J.
  • Monday, June 01
Columbia's plants and flowers are bursting with color and life, so it's the perfect time to enjoy a good garden story or activity. Want more eaudiobook or ebook recommendations? Call Richland Library Main (803) 799-9084, One of our staff members would be happy to create recommendations just for you.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Tiny T Rex and the Impossible Hug

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, June 01
Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug), songs (Open Them, Shut Them; Bounce, Tickle, Hug; and I Have a Little Heart) and activities (Mail a Hug; Whose Hug? Game; and Me Too Game).
Blog
Richland Library Main

Sensory Dough Learning Activities

  • Sarah Gough
  • Thursday, July 02
Using sensory dough to promote learning and play at home is easier than you might think. And you probably already have everything you need to get started.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. "May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States."--The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, apaics.org
Blog
Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Sensory Dough

  • Sarah Gough
  • Monday, June 15
Making sensory dough at home is much easier than you might think, and you probably already have everything you need waiting in your pantry.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Funny Families

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 22
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Is your dad driving you crazy or your mom's making you mad? Maybe your little brother's a bother and your big sister is such a pain? Take a breath, grab your Richland Library card, and spend some time with these funny families instead.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

5 Films for Free: Birds, Bugs, and Botany

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Friday, June 24
This weekly blog series, published each Friday evening, features five films from streaming services which you can access for free using your library card. The five selections this week are nature documentaries - just because we're stuck inside doesn't mean we can't still enjoy some of the wonders of our world!
Path to the Stars
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Engineering Stories & Facts

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, May 16
Give yourself a firm foundation by reading or listening to these books featuring stories and facts about architecture and engineering. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Fast Friends

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 15
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Whether it's true blue friends or even a new friend, friendships deeply impact our lives. They teach us about the world and about ourselves. Sometimes we're not ready to learn the lesson until that friend is gone. Discover your own fast friends in this week's iRead picks featuring two middle grade novels and one teen title.
All About Drones
Bertha Takes a Drive
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Technology Stories & Facts

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, May 15
Take off with technology by reading these stories, learning new facts and getting hands-on with your own gizmos and machines. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
A-B-A-B-A
A Fraction's Goal
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Math Stories, Concepts & Activities

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 13
Multiply your skills with these stories, concept and activity books that add up to a lot of math fun. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
Volcanoes!
Hungry Plants
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Facts & Activities

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, May 11
Discover awesome science facts and activities about astronomy, exploding ants, the human body and more by reading (or listening to) these great books! To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: World at War

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, May 11
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. These new middle grade novels and graphic novel explore the world at war. Revealing that even in our darkest hour, we can still find the light.
The Science Unfair. 2
Ivy + Bean What's the Big Idea?
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Stories

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, May 08
Get inspired by reading (or listening to) these great books about space, nature, electricity, time travel and more! To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately.
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

iRead: The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, April 30
iRead features the best ebooks and eaudiobooks for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff. Check out a great audio collection recommended by the Johanssons (Isla and Emily) as one of their favorite family listens.
Blog
Richland Library Main

All Around Town: 7 Days of Family-friendly Activities

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, April 27
With a little help from our friends around town, here are some daily suggestions for family-friendly activities—both digital and non—from some of our favorite places that just might get you out of your current rut.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Crafty How-To: Canvas and Thread Wall Art

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 27
Learn how to make piece of art for your wall! This craft is suitable for anyone who can safely hold a needle and use a ruler!
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Common Backyard Birds

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 27
Learn about our most common backyard birds and how to identify the uncommon ones
Blog
Richland Library Main

Because Libraries are Always Here for You

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Sunday, April 19
In honor of National Library Week (April 19 - 25, 2020), we decided that there's no better way to celebrate than by shining a light on the courageous and innovative work our colleagues around the country are doing during this unprecedented time.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
North on the Wing
Staff Picks

Backyard Naturalist

  • Allison T.
  • Wednesday, April 15
Now that we're all stuck at home, we've probably paid a lot more attention to the creatures in our own backyard. Maybe we've become a bit more curious about their lives. Here are some ebooks to find out more.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Finding Meaning in Weird Times

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, April 08
We're in the midst of a crisis, but for the luckier ones, it might just feel like a really weird time. How do we make meaning and find a purpose when the best thing we can do is stay put?
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful
Staff Picks

Immerse Yourself in a Full Cast Audiobook Today!

  • Jennifer N.
  • Monday, April 06
Right now seems like a perfect time to take a voyage through space (Illuminae), travel into a fantasy world (Princess Academy and Redwall), or maybe just lose yourself in a mystery (Sadie, The Graveyard Book), a charming romance (Meet Cute, Boy Meets Boy), or some award-winning realistic fiction (Monster, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl). With full cast recordings, these eaudiobooks will transport you into your new favorite story.
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.
The Poet X
The Wizards of Once
Staff Picks

Listen to an Odyssey Award Winner!

  • Jennifer N.
  • Monday, March 30
Looking for a great audiobook that you can download to your phone, computer, or tablet? Richland Library's got you covered! The Odyssey Awards and Honors are given annually to high quality audiobooks for children and teens - learn more here. Check out the titles below on Overdrive and Hoopla.
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Drawing
Creative Pep Talk
Staff Picks

Reality Break: Get Creative Edition

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, March 27
Stuck at home? Starting to go a little stir-crazy? Why not use this time to learn a new skill like how to repair a flat bicycle tire, or get lost in a new-found hobby like paint pouring? Take a moment for some self-care action by making your own sugar scrub, or declutter your space so you can focus on what's important. Check out this small sampling to get those creative juices flowing, break out of the Netflix binge, (maybe change out of your pajamas?) and let yourself experience something new!
Not If I Save You First
Not if I Save You First
Staff Picks

In the News: eBooks for Children & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, March 24
Check out these great ebooks and audiobooks recently featured on WIS News 10 and curated by our Children's Room and Teen Center team. Want more eaudiobook or ebook recommendations? Call Richland Library Main (803) 799-9084 from 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday or Ask-a-Librarian. One of our staff members would be happy to create recommendations just for you.
The Cricket in Times Square
The One and Only Ivan
Staff Picks

Family Storytime: eAudiobook Edition

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, March 24
Sometimes reading together with your school age children can seem impossible--especially right now. If you're working from home and homeschooling, adding one more to-do to your list may elicit a big "NO." eAudiobooks are a great way to connect with stories as a family. Whether it's listening together while you cook dinner, clean up the living room or during creative/quiet time, downloading one of these eaudiobooks and listening is easy. All you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Indoor / Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, March 26
Coming up with ways to keep young children entertained while stuck at home is challenging. Try these two scavenger hunts for a nice change of pace.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Pandemic Parenting

  • Sarah Sawicki
  • Thursday, March 26
Pandemic Parenting, or "You're not very good at this, are you?"
Blog
Richland Library Main

Whatcha Got Cookin'? 👩🏽‍🍳

  • Chantal W.
  • Monday, March 23
Perhaps one of the things you can do with all this extra time on your hands is devote yourself to learning to prepare a new dish, cooking with the kiddos, and enjoying a leisurely home cooked meal with the family.
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Your Daily Dose of Children's Authors & Illustrators

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, March 26
From readings to art clubs to book-based activities, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite authors and illustrators who are going digital to help you and your family join in on the fun.
My First Origami Book
101 Things to Make
Staff Picks

Crafty Kids

  • Caitlin B.
  • Sunday, March 15
March is National Craft Month and what better way to celebrate than trying out new craft with your child? From books about people following their creative dreams to beautiful and informative how-to books, the library is a great place to start when picking a new hobby or just looking for a great story. We have books and stories for all ages and skill levels and can help you find the right book to ignite your child's creative spark!
The Art of Racing in the Rain
A Dog Year
Staff Picks

For the Love of Dogs

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, March 09
Whether you are dog-obsessed or just dog-curious, there's a little something for everyone on this list. Sit. Stay. Read!
Building Our House
Billions of Bricks
Staff Picks

Under Construction: Books about Building

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, March 05
Looking for books for your little construction worker? This book list will satisfy your curious reader and help build her vocabulary one block at a time. 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.
Mae Among the Stars
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Books for Young Readers

  • Caitlin B.
  • Sunday, March 01
Looking to expand a young reader's knowledge of brave women? Check out this selection of board books, picture books, and short biographies that are sure to spark conversations about the women and girls (real and fictional) who inspire us all to dream big. 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.
The Giant Golden Book of Elves and Fairies with Assorted Pixies, Mermaids, Brownies, Witches, and Leprechauns
Fiona's Luck
Staff Picks

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, February 27
When I was a child my mother always dyed my applesauce green on St. Patrick's Day. It tasted great alongside clover-shaped sandwiches! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your own way with help from this list of stories, recipes, crafts, and more. 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.
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.
Phonemic Awareness in Young Children
Playful Learning
Staff Picks

Letter Recognition and Phonemic Awareness

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, February 27
Looking for ways to help your preschoolers with letter recognition and phonemic awareness? This booklist is full of playful and developmentally appropriate ways to help preschoolers at home. 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

Why Should I Care About the Census?

  • Sharita S.
  • Monday, August 31
We are long-gone from traditional households, traditional family make-ups. More than a melting pot, we have become an all you can eat salad bar.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Magic of Mac Barnett

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, November 19
Picture books push and stretch a child's imagination, breathing magic into the everyday. And Mac Barnett is a master of this magic.
The Undefeated
The King of Kindergarten
Staff Picks

The Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, February 21
The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019. This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Talking to Children about Tragedy

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, February 19
Books are one of the best ways to open the door on a topic, to start a discussion with your children about tough issues.
Maker Lab
The Zoom, Fly, Bolt, Blast Steam Handbook
Staff Picks

STEM-Sational Picks for Kids

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, February 05
Do you have a budding builder in your home? A LEGO lover? A tinkering tot? Let your child's imagination soar with these engineering-inspired books and get to making something amazing!
What is the Bible?
Out of Sorts Making Peace with an Evolving Faith
Staff Picks

Christian Living Ebooks

  • Rachel
  • Wednesday, January 22
In these ebooks authors share their wisdom on how to understand scripture for what it is--not what we want it to be. Tag along on a journey of navigating spiritual life and overcoming the doubts that keep us from living a devoted Christian life.
88 Heroes [PlayStation 4]
Abzû [Xbox One]
Staff Picks

Indie Games for Everyone

  • Bryan B.
  • Wednesday, January 22
Enjoy this diverse collection of games from smaller developers and publishers. Just because these games are made by small studios (or even just one person!), it doesn't mean they're any less great. From well-known crafting sims to isolating space adventures, to living a small-town farming life, these games offer something for every game.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Checked-Out Movies (2019)

  • Emily Stoll
  • Saturday, January 04
Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2019. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Checked-Out Music (2019)

  • Emily Stoll
  • Friday, January 03
Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2019. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.
Blog
Richland Library Main

2019's Most Checked-Out Children's Books

  • Emily Stoll
  • Monday, January 13
Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2019. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.
Blog
Richland Library Main

2019's Most Checked-Out Adult Books

  • Emily Stoll
  • Thursday, January 02
Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2019. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Let the Light Shine with Yule

  • Emily Barber
  • Thursday, December 15
Looking for another way to celebrate the turn to a new year? Consider Yule, a 12-day festival beginning with the winter solstice that celebrates light, prosperity, and joy.
What Riley Wore
Worm Loves Worm
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Picture Books

  • Bryan B.
  • Monday, December 16
Enjoy these diverse and wholesome books, each sharing a message of inclusiveness and acceptance. Subjects range from non-traditional families to a child's budding gender identity, and even a true story about a family of penguins.
The Adventures of Tintin
Anomalisa
Staff Picks

Award-Winning Animation

  • Bryan B.
  • Thursday, December 05
Animation isn't just for kids! This wide assortment of animated works are aimed at all sorts of audiences, with all sorts of themes as well. Enjoy 25 award-winning animated films from across the past two decades.
Little Women or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
Peter Pan
Staff Picks

Classic Children's Books

  • Laura Rogers
  • Saturday, November 30
Classic books are a part of our society's literary heritage. For good or for ill, they have shaped the world we live in and inform our present while opening windows into our past. Classic books add a rich layer to a child's reading experience and can give teachable moments in the context of a story. Classic titles are also a great choice for advanced readers who are ready for longer books and more complex language. Choose one of these titles to read together or independently.
Christmas in Colonial and Early America
Encyclopedia of Christmas and New Year's Celebrations
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Winter Holidays

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, November 27
The holiday season is full of teachable moments. Plan a unit study around a winter holiday and keep the school days going while you decorate, bake, and get your holiday jingle on! From making homemade gifts to learning about other cultures, there are no limits to holiday learning.
Pirates & Pompons
Playful Learning
Staff Picks

Toys, toys, and more toys!

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, November 27
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers Explore titles about making toys, the importance of play, and great picture books that show the magic of simple playthings.
Jinchalo
G.I. Joe
Staff Picks

Wordless Graphic Novels

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, November 26
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these titles speak volumes. These examples of sheer visual storytelling will illuminate the imagination.