Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

They're Not Just For Kids!

  • Kelly H.
  • Wednesday, February 13

  It’s my favorite season of the year. No, not spring. It’s South Carolina Book Awards season!

Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Occupy the Kids while Traveling

  • Emily Stoll
  • Friday, January 18

Whether you are driving, flying or taking the train, we have a number of free resources available with a Richland Library card.

My House
From Head to Toe
Staff Picks

Great Books for Toddlers

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, January 14
When your little one starts walking, all bets are off! He's ready to explore and move; sitting still is not his forte. Here are a few books that are sure to catch his attention and grow his love of reading with you. Reading at least three books each day will prepare your child to be ready to learn to read when the time comes, will instill a love of books, and will give you precious, memorable moments of bonding. Be sure to ask your local librarian for even more suggestions! You can check out 60 books with your library card.
Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Booked
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11-12-13

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, January 11
Hand selected by the Children's Room staff, these books are perfect for any middle school student looking for a break from reality, a mirror in which to see themselves, or a window into someone else's life. Be sure to ask your local librarian to suggest even more titles. You can check out 60 books with your library card!
The One and Only Ivan
The Question of Miracles
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 9-10-11

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, January 11
Hand selected by the Children's Room staff, these books are sure to appease the late elementary students who are wading their way to middle school. Be sure to ask your local librarian for even more suggestions. You can check out 60 books with your library card!
Tall
Oh, Cats!
Staff Picks

Books for Very Beginning Readers

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, January 11
Do you have a budding reader? This list is for new readers who are just starting to grasp the concept of matching letters to sounds. Make reading a fun part of everyday life and you will see your child's skills flourish.  Your local librarian can give you even more recommendations, and you can check out up to 60 books with your library card!
The Phoenix Colossal Comics Collection. Volume 1.
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda
Staff Picks

If You Like Dog Man...

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, January 10
If you love the wildly popular series Dog Man by Dav Pilkey but are craving more titles faster than he can crank them out, try these! Some will have your sides in stitches, others will satisfy the quest for comics. You can check out 60 books with your Richland Library card. Ask your local librarian for even more great suggestions!
People of the Book
Modern Girls
Staff Picks

Different from All Other Nights: Jewish Non-Holocaust Historical Fiction

  • Sara M.
  • Tuesday, January 01
There are many beautiful, moving historical fiction books about the Holocaust.  None of them are on this list!  If you'd like to read some fiction about the many other periods in Jewish history, this list is for you.  (Some of these may have characters with memories of the Holocaust or partially take place in World War II, but the Holocaust experience is not the main focus.)
Resistance. Vol. 01
Mike's Place
Staff Picks

Moving Pictures: The Jewish Experience in Graphic Novels

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, December 31
From Superman to Maus, comics wouldn't be the same without Jewish creators.  Enjoy this list of graphic novels about the Jewish experience and nonfiction books about Jewish contributions to sequential art. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf2019 reading challenge.  Find more lists here.
The Thrilling Adventure Hour. A Spirited Romance
The Book of Esther
Staff Picks

Wandering Star: Jewish Speculative Fiction

  • Sara M.
  • Friday, December 21
Rich traditions of Jewish folklore, culture, and history inform these science fiction and fantasy books.  They feature Jewish characters, themes, and stories. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf2019 reading challenge.  Find more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Checked-Out Movies (2018)

  • Emily Stoll
  • Tuesday, January 29

Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2018. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.

 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Checked-Out Music (2018)

  • Emily Stoll
  • Friday, January 04

Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2018. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.

 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Most Checked-Out Children's Books (2018)

  • Emily Stoll
  • Monday, February 25

Richland Library is recapping what caught the attention of our customers in 2018. It's your access to the most checked-out items over the last year.

 

Let All the Children Boogie a Tribute to David Bowie.
Picnic Playground Musical Treats from Around the World.
Staff Picks

Hey Diddle Diddle, the Cat and the...Electric Guitar?

  • Diana K.
  • Wednesday, December 19
As a new mom, I was delighted to discover that children's music has come a long way from Wee Sing and Raffi. Modern "kindie" music spans genres and covers topics from the joys of cheese to dealing with bullies. You might find yourself playing some tracks even when your kids aren't around (I know I do!) Here are a few staff favorites from our collection.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Spotting Birds at Ballentine

  • Kelly Jones
  • Thursday, March 24

Recently, library staff have spotted a Cooper's Hawk, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and a Red-Bellied Woodpecker, among many others. Stop by to watch birds yourself or to find out what birds we have spotted recently.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Measles Outbreak in SC

  • Sharita S.
  • Tuesday, November 27

Everything you need to know about the Measles and their impact on South Carolina. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Wine Cork Pumpkins

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, November 26

Create the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece with these easy, DIY Wine Cork Pumpkins! 

Database

Books & Authors

Find your next great read by searching author, title or series, the "If you like..." search, genre or topical browsing and more.

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Database

Explora for Public Libraries

For students of all ages, Explora allows users to easily search across a range of sources including newspapers and magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries, books, biographies and more.

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Database

NoveList K-8 Plus

Looking for a good book that is similar to an old favorite or an old favorite from your childhood that you want to share with your own children?

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Database

Tumblebook Library

The TumbleBookLibrary is a collection of TumbleBooks (animated, talking picture books) with fiction, non-fiction and foreign language titles, Read-Alongs (chapter books with sentence highlighting a

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Where Are You Now?
Missing Mommy
Staff Picks

Sometimes I'm Sad: Talking to Children about Tragedy

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, July 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. Reading a story about the death of a loved one, a family pet, or even a leaf in autumn, can help young children begin to understand that sad events and tragedy are sometimes a part of life. Books are also a meaningful way to connect with your child as you start conversations about difficult news stories or tragic events.  We've listed some of the best books here for you and your family to share.
Inspector Flytrap
Willa of the Wood
Staff Picks

Mysteries for Ages 8-12

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, July 10
Over Magic Tree House? Done with The A-Z Mysteries? Looking for something more meaty? Here is a list perfect for 8-12 year olds who love a good mystery.  
Famous Last Words
The Crossover
Staff Picks

Great Books for Middle School Teens

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, May 03
Looking for a great book for your teen? From historical adventures across the country to fantasy worlds beyond imagination, Richland Library has it all. Check out the list below to find some of our favorites! Don't see what you're looking for? Stop by any Richland Library location for more recommendations.
Marta! Big & Small
The Airport Book
Staff Picks

Great Books for Preschoolers

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, May 01
During the preschool years it is essential your child hear a wealth of picture books. Reading aloud at least 20 minutes a day will greatly impact his emotional, social, and intellectual development. Doing so introduces him to the wider world, instills curiosity, and prepares him for learning how to read when he goes to school. The best news? You can check out 60 books with your Richland Library card!
My Very First Mother Goose
Trains
Staff Picks

Great Books for Babies

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, April 30
Your baby is born with 1 billion unconnected brain neurons. Much of his brain development and those developing connections depend on the sensory experiences he has in his early years, and the language he hears. The best way to help develop his brain, his understanding of language, and an appreciation for high quality art is to introduce him to books as soon as he is born. The best news? You can check out 60 books with your Richland Library card!
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days
Dylan the Villain
Staff Picks

Superhero Books

  • Children's Room
  • Wednesday, April 18
Ready for adventure? Strap on your cape and dive into this book list featuring masked heroes guaranteed to delight your little superhero.  
Ruby and the Booker Boys
Dragons and Marshmallows
Staff Picks

Check It Out!: Black Girl Magic

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, March 07
Celebrate the magic and beauty of black girls by reading these awesome, contemporary stories of friendship, families and love. Want more great books?  Your Richland Library staff is always happy to help—from volunteer opportunities, book clubs or more books in that series she loves, we’re here to help you and your family.