Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Translations)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Translated titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
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#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Poetry)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Poetry titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
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#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Romance)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Romance titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
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#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Fiction)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some General Fiction titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
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#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Horror)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Horror Fiction titles that are only one word.    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Fantasy)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Fantasy titles that are only one word.   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
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#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Young Adult)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some fiction titles that are typically marketed to young adults.   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Nonfiction)

Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some non-fiction titles that are only one word. (Some have subtitles but we're not counting those.)    Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Staff Picks

Anxiety is overwhelming. These books can help.

Anxiety comes in many forms, all of them personal. Recognizing and describing anxiety is an important step in learning how to manage it. The books below include fictional stories where characters struggle with and confront their anxiety, as well as nonfiction books that deal directly with causes and solutions regarding anxiety.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: How Do You Wokka-Wokka?

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (How Do You Wokka-Wokka?)songs and rhymes ( Peel Banana | Drama Warm Up, Banana Banana Meatball Song by Blazer Fresh and If All of The Raindrops by Old Town School of Folk Music) and activity (Learn 5 dance sequences choreographed by Barbara Howse-Diemer)

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Richland Library North Main

Book Talk: Dear Martin

Justyce is a Black teen who is ivy school-bound, a good friend, and always tries to do the right thing. Going to a predominately white, upper-class school, however, poses difficulties that lead to Justyce trying to make sense of the injustices that he regularly witnesses.

Staff Picks

Latest YA Horror for Teens

October is here so it's time for some spooky reads! Whether your cup of tea (or pumpkin spice flavored beverage) is horrific hauntings or supernatural scares, this list of YA horror for teens is sure to add a chill to your fall.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Multiracial Families in Middle Grade Novels

“Tell the Court I love my wife, and it is just unfair that I can’t live with her in Virginia.” --Richard Loving In 1967, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of interracial marriage in all 50 states in the case known as Loving v. Virginia.  Our families may look different, may worship differently and may speak a different language.  Check out one these middle grade novels and discover that, no matter our differences, love connects us all.
Staff Picks

New Teen Fantasy From Your Favorite Authors

Red Queen, Legend, The Raven Boys, The Darkest Minds, and more. These titles are YA fan favorites from years past that made us fall in love with unique characters, unforgettable worldbuilding, shocking plot twists, and each writer's way with words. But these authors aren't done yet! There's more up their sleeves as they delve into new worlds and stories in their latest published releases. Make room on your TBR list for these fantasy series from your favorite teen authors!
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Selina Alko

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

Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia with a Turkish Jewish father who spoke seven languages and taught painting, and a Jewish mother who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, Selina Alko was surrounded by the melody of words and stories from different places and varied visual possibilities.

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Richland Library Sandhills

In the Know: City of Columbia Mayoral Forum (2021)

Local residents had an opportunity to get to know each of the candidates before heading to the polls and casting their vote during the Municipal Election on November 2, 2021. During the nonpartisan forum, viewers heard from Tameika Isaac Devine, Sam Johnson, Daniel Rickenmann and Moe Baddourah. The candidates shared their plans to move the City of Columbia forward in a virtual, moderated discussion. Check out this blog for more Mayoral Forum details and resources!

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Richland Library Main

iRead: Sean Qualls

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

Artist and Children's book illustrator Sean Qualls finds inspiration everywhere.

Staff Picks

🌍World Environmental Health Day [September 26, 2021]🌍

Here is a list to jump-start your dive into learning more about the biosphere you live in, and the ecosystems surrounding you (and also living within you). In addition, for those that are familiar with environmental science, there are additional books to expand your knowledge while possibly making an activist out of you.
Staff Picks

Talk Like a Pirate Day - September 19th

Ahoy! Get ready to sail the briny deep you landlubbers!   Enjoy this list of Pirate movies to celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th.
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Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage

To some, 1967 seems like it was so long ago, but that was only fifty-four years ago. Only fifty-four years ago, Richard and Mildred Loving were fighting the state of Virginia to recognize their marriage. Only fifty-four years ago, two people (who just happened to be different races) had to fight to legally show their love to the world. 

Staff Picks

Read All About It: Family History in Picture Books

Learning about the people who came before you can be a fascinating, exciting, and emotional adventure. It helps you gain more knowledge about your family, as well as who you are. Below are wonderful picture books about different families and what makes them special and unique. 
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race (as a Family...)

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.  
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Richland Library Wheatley

Understanding The Great Resignation and Making The Most Of It

Have you heard of The Great Resignation? If you haven't yet, you probably will soon. It's a post-pandemic movement affecting the job market and your ability to find a job. Read more about it here and find out how to make it work for you. 

Staff Picks

Scientists Real and Imagined

Scientists have been learning about the world for hundreds of years. If you like to ask the questions “why?” and “how?” you’ll find the lives and stories of these scientists enthralling! Here are some great picture books and biographies of scientists--both real and imagined. 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. 
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Richland Library Northeast

Buttermilk Pecan Ricotta Pancakes

Ricotta cheese and beaten egg whites create a light, fluffy batter that will make you crave breakfast anytime.

Our buttermilk pecan ricotta pancakes combines the flavors of vanilla, nutmeg and lemon to create a delicious breakfast that tastes as good as it looks.

Staff Picks

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

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. 
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Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Crossover

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.

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Richland Library North Main

DIY: Viruses Science Activity

In this experiment, you will follow directions and learn how important it is to protect yourself from viruses by washing your hands.

Staff Picks

National Wellness Month: Black Women's Health

August is National Wellness Month⚕️ Here is a list on systemic racism and the history on the battle for control of black women's health throughout the centuries. Also, included are some wellness guides promoting self-care and healing. 
Staff Picks

Make Every Day a Mandela Day: Children's, Middle Grade, and Young Adult Books That Take Action and Inspire Change

International Nelson Mandela Day is July 18th and celebrates Mandela's legacy as a  human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.  The Nelson Mandela Foundation and the U.N ask that you spend 67 minutes of your time helping others in honor of Nelson Mandela 67 years of public services.
Staff Picks

Japan 2021 for Olympics 2020

We now get to see Japan, her culture and history after seeing China and Korea present their cultures in previous Olympic Games.  What do you want to learn about first, anime, manga, the language, the food, and the places they all come together in?  Looking for more, and in different formats? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
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Richland Library Northeast

The Grilled Peaches You Didn't Know You Needed

This grilled peach with strawberry goat cheese recipe combines the sweetness of peak season peaches with the tanginess of goat cheese blended with strawberries.  Topped with toasted walnuts and honey, this quick low-fat dessert is a great finish to a summer meal. 

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Richland Library Lower Richland

#OwnVoices: The Impact of Mispronouncing a Name

A child's socioemotional well-being and worldview can be negatively impacted by someone's failure to pronounce their name properly and can even lead them to shy away from their own cultures and families. 

Staff Picks

Tokyo Olympics 2020

Tokyo Olympics 2020 games are about to begin!  The trials for the USA team members are going on now.  You can pick and choose which parts of the games you watch, the gymnastics, track and field, soccer, equestrian, or one of the new sports like surfing.  Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
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Richland Library Eastover

Texting via Haikus

Let's explore Kwame Alexander's usage of Haikus to depict text messages in the novel in verse The Crossover.

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Richland Library Sandhills

Civic Engagement is Civic Power

Are you interested in being more involved in your community? Find out why it's important to be civically engaged and more!

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Richland Library Main

A Soft Lesson to Learn: Teaching Soft Skills

As employers continue to lament the soft-skills deficiencies they see in new hires, more attention is being paid to making these skills part of the educational curriculum.

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Richland Library Main

The Crossover: Sports Fiction

I did not play sports.  I was a theatre kid and a book kid all the way.  But I have an appreciation for sports, for athleticism and teamwork. 

So I reached out to my friends and colleagues who did play sports to find out what I missed.

Staff Picks

SC Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Rainbow Stew Read-Alikes

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!  
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Richland Library Northeast

Garden to Table: Summer Solstice Recipes

Summer has arrived! Join us as we use common produce that can be found in WLTX’s Gandy’s Garden, and in any supermarket or your own garden. We created some easy, flavorful dishes in our Northeast Teaching Kitchen using ingredients that signal summer is here! We hope you have fun making these dishes at home!  

Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Families

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.
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Celebrate Loving Day in Media

Celebrate Loving Day by checking out or streaming a favorite film or TV show featuring an interracial love story. "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.
Staff Picks

SC Picture Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Staff Picks

SC Junior Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Staff Picks

SC Children's Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Children's Books Featuring Muslim Characters

Take a look at the titles below to learn more about the Muslim religion and to read captivating stories about the Muslim Experience. 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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Dinosaurs & Fossils

Dig into these books all about dinosaurs and fossils.  Discover how we learned about dinosaurs from their bones and what they left behind.  Find out about paleontologists like Mary Anning and Barnum Brown.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
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Richland Library Wheatley

What is an Informational Interview, and is it Important?

The Informational Interview...arguably the most underused yet most important part of your networking and ultimately finding a career you love. Informational Interviews are a fundamental part of building your network. Learn the steps to a successful informational interview from identifying who to interview, to preparing what to ask, to how to follow up after the interview.  

Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020

The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020 . This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens. 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.