Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: New Kid

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
  • 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 everyday and systemic racism.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, July 31

Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages.  She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016).  Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020).  Ms. Okorafor continues to make her mark in the world of young adult and adult literature drawing on her African roots to imagine a truly brave new world.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Colorism in Genesis Begins Again

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, June 23

While there are lots of books, articles, and videos that highlight how to talk about race, Genesis Begins Again brings forward a new conversation surrounding the topic of colorism.

Akata Witch
Black Panther. Long Live the King
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages.  She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016).  Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020).  Ms.
My Rainbow
Neither
Staff Picks

Read All About It: LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
Read the rainbow and discover these LGBTQIA+ picture books that show us love is love and that we are truly free to be you and me. Looking for more good books? Get personalized reading recommendation lists  from children's literature experts. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Painting on the Patio

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25

Watch artist Keith Tolen's painting process as he creates a unique portrait. Then head outside and try out some plein air painting for yourself. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Musical Instruments

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25

Create a musical ensemble using everyday materials you can find around your house and yard.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: 50 Years with Frog and Toad

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, July 30

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

Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad celebrate fifty years of friendship this summer and honestly, their loving relationship couldn’t be timelier, as we all search for deepening our friendships and relationships during this time of isolation and social distancing. 

Hank's Big Day
Pierre & Paul
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Friendships Inspired by Frog & Toad

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, July 24
In this new world of social distancing and self-isolation, we’re all finding out how important it is to have good friends. We hope you enjoy these charming stories of friendships, inspired by Frog and Toad. Fans of Frog and Toad may want to check out our DIY Storytime: Frog and Toads Are Friends.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The March Trilogy

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

On Friday, July 17, 2020, the world felt a little dimmer, as we lost Civil Rights leader and hero Congressman John Lewis. This was an immense loss that seemed to take away a light that shined so brightly, but we will always have this light.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Frog and Toad Are Friends

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Frog and Toad Are Friends), songs and poems ( Jambo; Hello, Friends; and I Am a Little Toad) and activities (Search and Find Jar).

What is Given from the Heart
The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 17
In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books for children and teens.   When asked, “Why do you write?”  Ms. McKissack said, “I write because there is a need to have books for, by, and about the African American experience and how we helped to develop this country."  Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 31

In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books about black people for black children and teens.  Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.

Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Don't Lose Your Marbles

  • Kelly H.
  • Friday, August 28

A few simple materials and an imagination are all you need to join the growing sport of competitive marbles!

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY: Pressed Flowers

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, July 14

From saving wedding bouquet flowers to just clipping a few blooms from your yard, pressed flowers make for an easy way to create beautiful art.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Visible Mending

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Friday, June 24

Do your favorite jeans have a rip? Do you have a shirt you're bored with? Don't throw them out! Learn how to mend and embellish your clothing - and save money, too.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Fairy House

  • Caitlin W.
  • Monday, July 13

What do you get when you combine a scavenger hunt, engineering skills, and imagination? A do-it-yourself fairy house, of course!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Conversation Starters

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, July 10

Books to help you gain a better understanding of race and inclusion. 

Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost Boys

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

The present and past collide in this children's novel about race, fighting for justice, and how the two impact young people.

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 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

iRead: Coming-of-Age Stories for Tweens, Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, June 27

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

Delve into these stories of growing up and self-discovery set in a world filled with judgment and possibility.  

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

5 Films For Free: Bollywood Calling

  • Mona Verma
  • 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 from Bollywood.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Courage to Soar
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Memoirs and Biographies

  • Mona Verma
  • Thursday, June 11
Biographies and memoirs are raw, real and riveting. We can learn so much about race from these personal narratives where human stories intersperse with history, culture and the political climate. We get perspective and insight into racism and how it impacts the lives of people and brings about social change. These books are also very inspiring and empowering.
Free Lunch
Path to the Stars
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Memoirs & Biographies for Middle Schoolers

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, June 05
Memoirs and biographies are real life stories that inspire.  From samurais to cowboys, writers to activists, this list is full of people who have faced hardship and triumphed.  Download one of these amazing ebooks or eaudiobooks to start reading or listening today. 
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.
The Fire This Time
Our Black Sons Matter /.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Becoming Actively Antiracist

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, June 01
It is one thing to say, "I'm not a racist", but it is entirely another thing to be an antiracist. It takes active listening, reading to learn (and unlearn), self-reflection, and educating oneself. Here are a few books to help you begin the work of becoming an antiracist. Here are a few more collections that may interest you: Race Matters book list
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!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Uncover These Mysterious Titles

  • Emily Stoll
  • Wednesday, May 20

Richland Library staff is recommending some thrillers that are full of loaded questions and may just leave you on the edge of your seat.

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: Murder, Magic and Mayhem

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 01

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

Fans of fantasy will devour these delicious new titles recommended by our Teen Center staff featuring murder, magic and mayhem.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Virtual Book Clubs In The Times Of Social Distancing

  • Mona Verma
  • Sunday, May 10

Virtual Book clubs have always been there to connect book lovers across the globe. These online book clubs are gaining more significance now when people are staying at home and they have more time to read. Stuck at home, they also have a deeper desire to communicate and converse with other humans about what they are reading.

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

Americanah
How the García Girls Lost Their Accents
Staff Picks

15 Multicultural Fiction Titles in Ebooks

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, April 21
Reading Multicultural fiction is like travelling vicariously to faraway lands. The characters may differ from us in ethnicity and yet we connect with them as regardless of race, human emotions are universal and similar. Do browse these titles which can be accessed electronically from home. They range from the explosive bombshell of a book, "My Sister, The Serial Killer" to the tale of two friends who grew up in India but now live across oceans in "Sister Of My Heart"
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. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

In Need of a Good Laugh?

  • Emily Stoll
  • Thursday, April 23

Enjoy a good laugh with these comedic book, music and movie recommendations from Richland Library staff.

Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Comfort Food Comedies

  • Sara M.
  • Friday, June 24

The five selections this week are comedies, because laughter may not always be the best medicine but it can certainly distract you from the fact that you're running out of toilet paper!

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?

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.
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?"

Chocolat
Emma
Staff Picks

Girls' Night In!

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, March 20
Chill out with some fun, easy romantic comedies.  All the titles below are PG or PG-13, and are available 24/7 on Hoopla with no wait list! Did you know that you can view Hoopla on your computer, phone, tablet, or TV?  Watch using the Hoopla app for smart devices, AppleTV, Chromecast, FireTV, or Roku.  Need help?  Contact us at 803.799.9084 or Ask Us online.
The Hazel Wood
Not if I Save You First
Staff Picks

For Your Listening Pleasure: Teen Audiobooks from the SC Book Awards

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, March 19
We love audiobooks for long days at home- they're a perfect companion for cleaning, cooking, or working on a new maker project.  Check out some of the Teen Center's favorites from this year's SC Book Award nominees.  The best part?  They're all available on Hoopla, 24/7, with no wait list.  Happy listening!
Guitar Notes
Real Mermaids Don't Wear Toe Rings
Staff Picks

Six Great Clean Teen Reads On Hoopla

  • Thomas M.
  • Thursday, March 19
If you are looking for a good, clean read for the teens in your life, these six titles are available in Hoopla, which means there's no wait list. Even better, read them together!