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Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01

Jason Reynolds is an author and poet who grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Inspired by Queen Latifah and the other rappers he listened to in his youth, he began writing poetry at the age of 9. 

In January 2020, Jason Reynolds was named as the Library of Congress’s national ambassador for young people’s literature, a position designed to encourage young people to develop an interest in reading.

Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Undefeated

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Unforgettable. Undeniable. Unflappable. Unafraid. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe this Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-Winning book by author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Kadir Nelson.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: A Story About Afiya

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, March 11

DIY Storytimes are curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook, songs and activities.  

Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the sweet story of Afiya and her dress, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet, James Berry, with fresh illustrations by Anna Cunha.

The Way You Make Me Feel
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Young Adult Romance Novels

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, February 22
Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these young adult romances!  They're great books for teens and they also have a lot of crossover appeal for adults.  All of the subgenres in adult romance appear in YA romance as well, so you're sure to find something you love here!
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Richland Library Edgewood

Stamped: Who Were They Really?

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. Racist ideas are woven into the fabric of this country, and the first step to building an antiracist America is acknowledging America's racist past and present.

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Richland Library Edgewood

African Americans in Art: Beverly Buchanan

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, February 27

There is much more to Black history than civil rights activists and inventors. This project explores the cultural contributions of African American artist, Beverly Buchanan, and gives you the opportunity to make your own artwork inspired by her! Beverly Buchanan was born in Fuquay, North Carolina, but grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is best known for her shack structures which explore the Southern vernacular through architecture

Tess of the Road
Damsel
Staff Picks

There's Always Room for Dragons in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, February 16
Fantasy stories are full of interesting magical creatures, but nothing holds a flame to the fire-breathing behemoths that are dragons. From treasure hoarders to city destroyers to faithful companions and more, check out the young adult books below for stories of fierce and fiery drakes.
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Richland Library Blythewood

Storytelling: A Gift from the Motherland

  • Crystal M.
  • Monday, February 15

Storytelling is an African and African American tradition that dates back to well before the 18th century when Africans were brought to America through the Slave Trade. 

Blog
Richland Library North Main

Stamped: This is Not a History Book

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Monday, February 15

"This is not a history book...." There's so much packed in that one profound statement that Jason Reynolds reiterates at the beginning of Stamped: Antriracism, Racism, and You by Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.

I Want More Pizza
Savings and Investment Information for Teens
Staff Picks

Budgeting and Money Saving Skills For Teens

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, February 12
Financial skills are key to taking control of your destiny. Money you save today could make a lasting difference in the future. Budgeting for personal goals are great habits to build. Adults may not like to admit it, but many of them wish they could turn back time and read up about this! The books listed below offer good advice for saving and budgeting. There are many digital books on money management available for instant checkout over on Hoopla.
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Richland Library Northeast

Valentine's Heart Cookie Decorating

  • Caroline B.
  • Monday, July 19

Follow this easy, step-by-step guide on how to decorate a Valentine's Heart Cookie with Jacquie Bradley, the Butterkreme Queen. 

The Meet-cute Project
Together, Apart
Staff Picks

New Teen Romances

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, February 10
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If you're feeling the love in the air or want something sweet to make your heart melt, swoon over these teen picks below.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Faxing Online

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 08

Faxing can be done online or through a smart device!

Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Fire Safety

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
It's always a good time to talk about fire safety.   Share these books with your child and discuss what to do if there's a fire in your home or in their school.  Reading together will make them feel safe and confident that they know what to do in case of an emergency.   If you want to know more about firefighters and how they keep us safe, check out Read All About It:  Firefighters & Fire Trucks.  
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 Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: One Crazy Summer

  • 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.

Blog
Richland Library Eastover

Name 3 Things

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Friday, June 24

This is a quick game you can play with a family member during your #brainbreak to get your brain recharged and ready for more learning.

Blog
Richland Library Eastover

#BrainBreak - DIY Pop-it Fidget Toy and More!

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Wednesday, February 03

So, I went down a rabbit hole of Tiktok's full of fidget toy ideas. Some easy and some not. Thus, I thought I would share a few that caught my eye to help you get through those long zoom classes and give you the #brainbreak you oh so deserve.

Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar
For Whom the Ball Rolls
Staff Picks

Richland Library's Top Ten Circulated Children's Books in 2020 📚

  • Chantal W.
  • Tuesday, February 02
Here are the top ten circulated children's books of 2020.  These are the tried and true titles that families return to again and again because their kiddos love them so much!  That Mo Willems is a popular author!  See any of your favorites here?
Barracoon
The Best American Magazine Writing 2020
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: A Book List Inspired by 1619

  • Richland Library
  • Tuesday, February 02
Inspired by the New York Times' 1619  audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, each title in this list corresponds to the thematic elements of an episode. For episode 3, listen to our curated playlist in Freegal.  
Standing on Her Shoulders
Because I Was a Girl
Staff Picks

Women Making History for Tweens & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, February 01
From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021.  Let's be clear.  Women have always made history.  Sadly, they have been overshadowed, overlooked or just plain erased from many history books.  But no more. 
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, January 28
2021. We made it, but not without a heaping dose of anxiety and fear. If worry is affecting you, you can bet it’s also affecting your little one.
Explorer
The History of Ancient Egypt.
Staff Picks

Booklist: Exploration for fun

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, January 28
Exploration Generation   Do you want to explore history and geography, whenever you want?  Then welcome to a new way of thinking of generations. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
The Self-care Solution
Badass Affirmations
Staff Picks

Inspired to Grow Your Relationships?!

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, January 28
We have just the books to help you develop those relationships that matter to you. We've got you covered whether it's with a significant other, yourself, friends and/or family. 
If It Makes You Happy
The (other) F Word
Staff Picks

Teen Body Positivity

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, January 22
Body positivity encourages self-love and the acceptance of all bodies. These teen books featuring plus size main characters celebrate and remind us that you don't have to be a certain size or shape to be the hero or fall in love.
A Winter's Promise.
The Circle
Staff Picks

Teen Books in Translation

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 14
We live in a globalized world, so why not read like it? These teen titles are from a variety of countries and languages and have been translated into English. Great literature spans the entire Earth, so don't miss out on interesting cultures in these stories of adventure, mystery, history, and more.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Self-Portraits

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, June 24

Take a #brainbreak and create a self-portrait.  Whether it's a new year, a new season or a new day, it's always a good time to document who you are.  

Cure for the Common Universe
Guy in Real Life
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction About Gamers

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 13
Gaming can lead people to do a lot more than escape into power fantasies about saving the world. The characters in these stories use their skills in the virtual and real world to socialize, find romance, stand up for themselves and others, resist corporate and government control, and yes, save the world.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

Teeth brushing

Music crushing

Bass thumping

Shoulders pumping

Head rotation

Jubilation!

Tokyo Ghoul
Vampire Knight
Staff Picks

Light Novels: Like Anime and Manga, But Books

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, January 08
Light novels tend to make for light reading - quick, fun page-turners that are easily adapted into and from manga and anime. We have a growing collection of light novels in print and online, listed below.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Who is Wonder Woman?

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, January 08

Magic lassos, invisible planes, and twirling transformations do not a wonder woman make.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

  • 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.

D is for Dragon Dance
A Gift
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Lunar New Year

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, January 02
On February 12 of this year, Lunar New Year will begin and will introduce the Year of the Ox. Every lunar new year is a time of celebration throughout Asian countries and the Asian American community to bring in the coming twelve months, according to the traditional Chinese calendar or lunar calendar. Lunar New Year typically begins on the lunar calendar's first new moon and ends fifteen days later on the lunar calendar's full moon. Read the stories listed below to learn more about the Lunar New Year celebration!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Take a Reading Challenge

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, December 28

Break out of your reading comfort zone with these book-focused challenges for the new year.

Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Creative Journaling

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, June 24

Take a break and write.  Journaling can help you process your emotions and unleash your creativity.  

Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 23
Being mindful, taking a breath and finding your calm can be challenging on a good day.  Add in busy schedules, family stresses, worries and world events, it can seem impossible--especially for children who haven't mastered self-regulation.  Even good changes like holidays or vacations can make children feel overwhelmed:  
Yoshi No Zuikara 1
Perfect World 1.
Staff Picks

New Manga Series of 2020

  • Thomas M.
  • Saturday, December 12
Here are series that launched or received new editions in 2020, expanding manga shelves for readers to escape into a number of genres.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Five Stages of Batman Fandom

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, December 18

No fan ever reads through the same franchise twice, for it's not the same franchise and they're not the same fan.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Inside Out & Back Again

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Based on the author's own childhood, Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a pivotal year in the life of a South Vietnamese family.  Once a wealthy family with two parents, 1975 brings a reversal of fortune for Hà, her brothers and mother. 

The Other Mrs.
The Red Lotus
Staff Picks

35 Best Psychological Thrillers of 2020

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, December 05
If you enjoy novels of psychological suspense and are looking for new books to read in this genre, here are 35 titles for you. Gone Girl was a bestselling novel which catapulted this genre to new heights of popularity and made way for many more books which have some permutation and combination of suspense, mystery, terror and complex characters who may or may not be mentally stable. Here is a collection of the best thriller novels published in 2020.
The Cassandra Curse
The Crossover
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, 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. 
Find Fergus
The Bear Went over the Mountain
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, 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.
Grown
Don't Look Back
Staff Picks

Great Mysteries for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Looking for a juicy mystery to sink your teeth into?  Curl up with one of the books below and follow the twists and turns to the very last page.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Pet
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

Award Winning Books for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Culled from state, national, and professional awards, the titles below were chosen by teens, teachers, librarians, and reviewers as the best in young adult literature.  From memoirs and biographies (Hey Kiddo, The Great Nijinsky, Ordinary Hazards) to literary and inventive fiction (Pet, Clap When You Land, Dig) and popular titles (Frankly in Love, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me), you’re sure to find something you lo