Blog
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.  

The People Remember
Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Early Elementary

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, December 04
Did you know that reading every day from an early age helps expand your child’s attention span? The early elementary ages are a great time to develop those skills by reading both novels and picture books aloud to your child. Whether reading independently or together, being surrounded by books will nurture their reading and will help them go from beginning to read to reading fluently. 
The Universe in You
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, 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. 
Twelve Dinging Doorbells
Little Green Donkey
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, December 04
Preschoolers are primed for discovery and books are no exception. Treating books with loving care is something preschoolers are also beginning to learn.  They will take pride in their growing library when you give the gift of books. Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
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.  

Music is a Rainbow
An Ordinary Day
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Death, Loss & Grief

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, November 07
"Son, life is full of holes. You may want to close them up to keep out the storm. But make sure to leave room for that rainbow to find you." --Music is a Rainbow by Bryan Collier
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.  
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With The Banned: Boy Erased

  • Lindsey T.
  • Friday, October 07

Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family by Garrard Conley is challenged in Texas. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With the Banned: The Magic Fish

  • Lindsey T.
  • Thursday, September 01

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is challenged in both Florida and Texas. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

Post York
Windows on the World
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels set in NY

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book set in California or New York".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Stage Dreams
California Dreamin'
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels set in CA

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book set in California or New York".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Murder of Emmett Till
Nelson Mandela
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels with Character Names (Non-Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with a characters name in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
I Am Alfonso Jones
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels with Character Names (Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with a characters name in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Database

StudySC

Explore South Carolina through StudySC! Learn about your community, South Carolina history, and the people who have made a significant impact on the state and the world.

Read More | Access
Marwan's Journey
A Thousand White Butterflies
Staff Picks

Immigration and Refugee Stories: Picture Books

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 16
Refugee and immigrant stories are American stories. Richland Library has a multitude of beautiful picture books that tell a variety of stories of children and families coming to America in search of a better life. You can place books on hold online or call us in the Children's Room at (803) 929-3434 and we will happily place holds for you to pick up in the CR or at any branch location. 
Marwan's Journey
A Thousand White Butterflies
Staff Picks

Immigration and Refugee Stories: Picture Books

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 16
Refugee and immigrant stories are American stories. Richland Library has a multitude of beautiful picture books that tell a variety of stories of children and families coming to America in search of a better life. You can place books on hold online or call us in the Children's Room at (803) 929-3434 and we will happily place holds for you to pick up in the CR or at any branch location. 
You're Not Listening
Listen!
Staff Picks

Are You Listening?: Self Improvement Books on Communication

  • Chantal W.
  • Tuesday, August 16
One of the 2022 #BroaderBookshelf Challenge prompts this year is to read a self improvement book.  Are you looking to be a better communicator?  Then these books about mindful listening, communication and how to have hard conversations with family, friends, coworkers and community members might be for you and you get to check off a #BroaderBookshelf prompt at the same time.
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#FinLit Book Review: "Lawn Boy" & "Lawn Boy Returns"

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 04

"One minute I was twelve years old and wondering where I could get enough money for an inner tube for my old used ten-speed. The next minute, it seems, I’ve got a business of my own, with employees, and I’m rich."

In Search of a Prince
Jewel of the Nile
Staff Picks

Inspirational Romance

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, August 05
Enjoy some romance authors who are powerhouses in the Inspirational section and others who have written romances that are sure to make you dream of the one!
Dancing at the Pity Party
Be Gay, Do Comics!
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novel Memoirs by Non-Celebrities

  • Mahogany S.
  • Thursday, August 04
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a memoir by someone who is not a celebrity".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Sorrowland - A Review

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, July 27

"Going against tended to end more rightly, more justly, than going with. People were wrong. Rules, most of the time, favored not what was right, but what was convenient or preferable to those in charge."

Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away
Evelyn Del Rey Se Muda
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, July 17
"Evelyn Del Rey is my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend. 'Come play, Daniela,' she says, just like she always does. Just like today is any other day."  --Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina
Dragons in a Bag
Going Down Home with Daddy.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, July 14
Mama smiles sweetly and places her palm against the door. She speaks slowly and politely. “It’s just us, Ma. I called this morning and told you we were coming. Remember?” The woman behind the door barks at Mama, “Course I remember. You called and asked if you could leave the boy with me and I said NO!”--Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: How to Find What You're Not Looking For

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
    Taelor J.
  • Sunday, November 12

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 Main

#OWNVoices: Shady Baby

  • Cassie G.
  • Wednesday, July 06

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

Below the Edge of Darkness
Bitch
Staff Picks

Nature is Neat!

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, June 22
According to the super reliable and oh-so-scholarly Urban Dictionary, neature is "a combination of the words neat and nature. Best used to describe how neat nature is." I think this is a very fitting term for our wild and wonderful world and all the creatures that live in and on it. If you are a nature lover (and think it's pretty neat, too) or love being outdoors, or maybe just learning about Earth's many environments and ecosystems these titles are right up your alley.   
Black is a Rainbow Color
If You Come to Earth /.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Picture Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
Unspeakable
Staff Picks

South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Children's Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Magic Fish

  • 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.

The Memory Librarian
Black Sci-fi Short Stories
Staff Picks

Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism

  • Adele C.
  • Friday, June 17
Early late at night I wander off into a land You can go, but you mustn't tell a soul There's a world inside Where dreamers meet each other Once you go it's hard to come back Let me paint your canvas as you dance  
The Donkey and the Rock
Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian Folklore Titles for Youth

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read and celebrate the amazing Asian folklore stories about grand heroes, exciting adventures, and fantastical places 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.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Why is Juneteenth Celebrated?

  • Brittany S.
  • Saturday, July 02

Join us as we reflect on Juneteenth with stories that honor the past, illuminate black culture, and commemorate living unapologetically free.

Charming As a Verb
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Young Adult Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for high schoolers, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari and the Night Brothers
Staff Picks

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Junior Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Her Stories
African Folklore in the New World
Staff Picks

A Tale to Tell Thru Time: BIPOC Oral Literature

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, May 18
Most people's first experience with oral literature or folk literature was most likely a lullaby, nursery rhyme or an urban legend. Oral literature is handed down orally through the word of mouth from one generation to another and serves to communicate ideas,  knowledge, cultural practices, emotions, beliefs, and the appreciation of life. Oral literature much like oral tradition is preserved by speaking, listening, and remembering.  The following booklist highlights African, African American, and indigenous people oral literature.  
Malibu Rising
Dead Dead Girls
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: Fiction Set in CA or NY

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, May 12
The #BroaderBookshelf challenge helps expand your reading habits to discover authors, genres and books you might not otherwise pick up. Read one of these fiction titles to fulfill the "Read a fiction or non-fiction book set in California or New York" prompt. Click on the title to see all available formats.
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards
Flowerheart
Staff Picks

Youth Titles to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, May 12
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness month has been celebrated in the United States each May. Every single year millions of adults, teens, and children face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Books are a great place to start to better understand and build empathy towards those with these lived experiences. Check out the list below for youth titles that have released in the past two years that bring awareness to mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, depression, and more. 
Samira Surfs
The Maps of Memory
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11, 12, 13 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
Middle school readers are still figuring out the world while trying to figure out themselves.  They may look for books that reflect their experience or give them a window or sliding glass
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 9, 10, 11 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"This is Stuntboy. This guy, right here. Him. You can't tell just looking at him, but he's the greatest superhero you've never heard of."  --Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Too Small Tola
Too Small Tola
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Tola is the youngest in her family. And the smallest. And everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small."  --Too Small Tola by Atinuke
When Lola Visits
I Talk Like a River
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night."  --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Bright Star (read Along)
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"My eyes gaze into space and glimpse trails of light..."  --Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions.  They are growing their independence along with their attention spans.  Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.  
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.  
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Code Name Verity /.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 16, 17, 18

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, May 06
The transition of the late teen years can be both joyful and confusing. Reading about someone like yourself or escaping into someone else’s shoes are both great ways to learn about the world around you. Check out some of our favorite reads for older teens in the list below.  Happy exploring!
Akata Witch
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 13, 14, 15

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, May 06
Looking for some great fiction for younger teens and don’t know where to start? Check out the list below for an overview of some of our favorites. With mysteries, romances, fantasies, nonfiction, and more there’s something for every reader! 
The One Day House
No Voice Too Small
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 04
"One day," said Wilson. "I will fix the roof on Gigi's house to keep out the wind and snow."--The One Day House by Julia Durango Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering or bringing people together to fix a problem too big for any one person, these stories of community let us know that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Blog
Richland Library Main

An Amazing Children's Author: Jane Yolen

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, May 05

Jane Yolen has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the twentieth century due to her command of folklore, fantasy, and myth. Her storytelling reaches a vast audience, from the youngest board book reader to the young adult.

Blog
Richland Library Main

On the Streets Where We Live

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, April 27

If you’ve ever walked or biked around downtown Columbia, you’ve probably encountered impatience from drivers waiting for you to clear a crosswalk or pedal through an intersection.  The unspoken assumption in this scenario is that streets are primarily for cars, and any other uses take a back seat (so to speak) to this imperative.

Blog
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. 

The Beauty That Remains
Freaking out
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Lily W.
  • Monday, April 25
A recent study from the CDC found that 37.1% of teenage students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, often due to issues such as “school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, family loss or illness, and reduced access to health care.” However, the report also found that “poor mental health, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors were less prevalent among those who felt close to persons at school and were virtually connected with others during the pandemic.”
Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity.
Grace and Fury
Staff Picks

Siblings in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, April 21
Siblings, love them or hate them (or perhaps a little of both), are a part of many of our lives. The interpersonal relationship of growing up with another family member is rich, sometimes messy, but often times contains unconditional love. Check out these teen titles below that feature strong sibling relationships.   
Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID

  • Anika Thomas
  • Wednesday, May 25

When the 2020 lockdown began to lift and our new normal beckoned for us to finally leave our homes I didn’t know what to do or what to expect. Information changed so rapidly, it made it hard for me, as a parent, to create consistency in my approach to COVID-19 so I reverted to basics. Here are some things I learned. 

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.   
Blog
Richland Library Main

That's Gross!

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, April 18

Does your kid love reading about, talking about, asking questions about "gross" things like poop, mud, and slime? You've come to the right place.

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.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

Decision Day 2022

  • Brittany C.
  • Friday, April 15

The weather is getting warmer, spring break is here, and high school seniors are starting to get that bittersweet feeling.

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.