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Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Younger Readers

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person's growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to ra
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Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, these girls are the stars of their own stories all while sharing their (mis)adventures, making us laugh and introducing us to their family and friends.   These friends of Ramona may be new, but they are sure to find a place on your family's bookshelf and in your family's heart.  
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Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.  

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Playaway Launchpads for Children

Have you tried our Playaway Launchpads for children yet? These tablets are pre-loaded with content for children, designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface. No need to worry about download time and or Wi-Fi. There are all kinds of tablets to try - interactive learning, stories, math, science, STEAM, short movies, languages - there is something of interest to every child. Fun for road trips or just an afternoon at home - try one today. 
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Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

Let’s show out children a world where everyone does not look the same, worship the same, or even think the same—and that this is the beauty of the world. Let’s teach them that in spite of our differences, we’re more alike than different, and learning brings us closer together. Let’s join together and Read WOKE Across America!

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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: A Story About Afiya

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.

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Read All About It: Fire Safety

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.  
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Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

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

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?
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Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety

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.
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Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

Teeth brushing

Music crushing

Bass thumping

Shoulders pumping

Head rotation

Jubilation!

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Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

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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Read All About It: Lunar New Year

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!
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Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

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:  
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Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Books of 2020

The 12th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book awards decided by readers, posted the winners December 8, 2020--after three rounds of voting that started late October 2020. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig won overall best book of the year. Listed below are the winners for all 20 categories ranging from Fiction, Humor, Memoir & Autobiography, Food & Cookbooks, Graphic Novels, Debut Novels, Picture Books and many more. 
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Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers

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.
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Thanksgiving Books to Share with Children

Sharing a Thanksgiving story as a family is a fun and meaningful way to spend some time preparing for the holiday. Here are some books you will want to gobble up.
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An Arbor Day Celebration

Arbor Day (the first Friday in December) is the beginning of tree planting season in South Carolina.  Celebrate safely by finding moments to walk among the trees and appreciate their quiet majesty. Reading can also deepen our knowledge of even every day subjects. This curated selection of books offers titles for everyone - stories about the importance of trees, the science and even hands-on activities. 
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Friendship

Friendships near and far Connecting with friends and family, we are able to listen to each other's experiences.  Let these items show us that we are not alone in how it feels to be human.    Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
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Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Going Down Home with Daddy

This 2020 Caldecott Honor book gently and proudly tells the story of Lil Alan and his family as they return to his father’s childhood home in the South to celebrate traditions and family history.

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Read All about It: Diverse Families in Picture Books

Celebrate all kinds of families and their love for one another by reading these wonderful picture books with your very own family. 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.  
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Ninjas RULE!

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

Ninjas are AWESOME!  They are stealthy, strong and full of surprise.  Discover the real ultimate power of ninjas--both fact and fiction--and read some super stories along the way.  

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Read All About It: Kindness & Caring

Everyone can show kindness and everyone needs a little kindness.  Waving hello, offering to help someone carry a heavy load or making a card for a friend can brighten someone's day. Let these books inspire you to find ways to let people know that you care.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

Sharing books about feelings gives children the language to name their emotions.  These stories can also give children the opportunity to explore feelings and imagine how they might behave if they were a character in the story.   Talking about emotions with a trusted caregiver builds a solid foundation of mental health. Check out some of these great read-alouds and start your conversation today!  
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Read All About It: Kelly Starling Lyons

Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression.  She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Kelly Starling Lyons

Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression.  She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.

Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books

Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books.   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.
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Fry Bread, Bi-Bim-Bop, & More!

While we all have our differences, one thing we can all agree on is food! There are so many cultures and countries all over the world that have delicious dishes that everyone can enjoy. From kimchi to tamales, our tastebuds await the next yummy surprise and insight into both familiar and new worlds.  Read these stories to learn more about different types of tasty cuisines, the unique characters behind these cuisines, and how these cuisines bring us all together.
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Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture.  Check out these picture books to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives.  And don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels book list!
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Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black Female Illustrators Spotlight

When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. - We Need Diverse Books 

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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grace for President

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grace for President)songs and rhymes ( Sunny Day by Elizabeth Mitchell, I Am Special and Young Soul by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo) and activities (Make Your Own Campaign Poster, "If I Were President," Make Your Own "I Voted" Badge & Design Your Own Readers Make Leaders Bookmark)

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Richland Library Northeast

Halloween Egg Hunt: A Social Distanced Trick-or-Treat Tutorial

Keeping our distance doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun! A Halloween Egg Hunt is a playful way to keep the Halloween spirit, whether you organize a neighborhood event or just hide the eggs around your home for the kiddos to find. This two-for-one tutorial is a great craft for kids and preparation for a fun Halloween event!

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Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

How is electricity made?  And how does it get to my house?  From understanding the basics of electricity to a mystery complete with experiments, this list has all that you need to become an energy expert.   And...just in time for Energy Action Month, learn about alternative energy like solar and wind and how to conserve and save energy.   Energy expert?  You'll be an energy star!
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grandma's Tiny House

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grandma's Tiny House:  A Counting Story)songs and rhymes Dos Manitos Diez Deditos and 5 Green & Speckled Frogs) and activities (Counting with Nature, Matching with LEGOs & Number Scavenger Hunt).

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Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
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Richland Library Main

All About Reading

Many of us have started homeschooling for the first time this year, whether it’s a virtual option through our school districts or we’ve decided to take on the role of classroom teacher ourselves.  Richland Library’s Education Studio has reading curriculum to help guide you through your new position as homeschool teacher or reading tutor

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Reading Curriculum: All About Reading

Looking an easy to follow reading curriculum?  All About Reading is a one-stop shop for quality reading materials. Find all of these titles and more in Richland Library's Education Studio.  Questions? We are here to help. Contact the Richland Library Education Studio and we'll help you find the best materials to suit your needs. 
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The Power of the Vote for Families

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  Sharing books together is a great way to introduce our civic responsibility, the history and the power of the vote.   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

#OwnVoices: Crown

Derrick Barnes captures one of the most pivotal moments of a black boy’s life: his first haircut.

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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Back to School: A Global Journey

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Back to School:  A Global Journey)songs and poems ( Yo Te Amo and There's a Dog in School) and activities (DIY School Accessories:  Homework Caddy, Pompom Bookmark and Paper Bag Book Cover).

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The Power of Protest for Families

Inspire your future leaders with these stories of people who made a difference.  Discover how these activists found their voice, fought for their rights and used the power of protest to create change.   You can also take action with our DIY Storytime:  Get Up, Stand Up.  
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Nikki Grimes

Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry.  She writes so that children will see themselves in literature. 

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Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. Ms. Grimes has said that reading and writing helped her get through her darkest times as a child.  Helping children process grief through stories is a significant part of her writing. She wants children to see themselves in literature. 
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Back to School... at Home: The Book List

It is time to set up space for your school year. Starting at home? Check out these great titles that will inspire you to create a space that is fun and functional for you and your children. Study, explore, create, and make the grade! 
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Read All About It: Tom Feelings

Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud. 
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Tom Feelings

Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud. 

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All the Water in the World: Children's Books about Water

Raindrops, rivers, oceans, ice. Water, in all its different forms, is all around us. While some of us are lucky to have reliable access to water, for many others, the search for clean water is a daily struggle. Dive into some of these books to help your children understand the power of water, the importance of keeping our waterways clean and the global issues of water scarcity and conservation. 
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Richland Library Blythewood

Create Your Own Bubbles + Wand

You can buy commercial bubble solution and plastic wands, or you can make your own for a day filled with both learning and fun.

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Read All About It: LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

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. 
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Richland Library Main

DIY Musical Instruments

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

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Richland Library Main

iRead: 50 Years with Frog and Toad

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. 

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Read All About It: Friendships Inspired by Frog & Toad

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.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Frog and Toad Are Friends

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).

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Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

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.
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Patricia McKissack

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.

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Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Fairy House

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

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Online

Make Your Own Frog 🐸

Make your own frog in celebration of all the different creatures we get to hear and see during the summer months.

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Richland Library Main

iRead: Black History is America's History

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.    

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Richland Library Main

iRead: Holding Tight to Family

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.

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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up

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).

 

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Richland Library Main

Adventures with Kids: Knee Deep in the Garden

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.

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Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

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.  
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Richland Library Main

iRead: Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

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.

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Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Track Record

Take your Summer Learning Challenge to a whole new level this year by creating your own track record from right where you are.

Staff Picks

In the Garden with Children: Stories and Activities

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.
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Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Tiny T Rex and the Impossible Hug

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).

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Richland Library Main

Sensory Dough Learning Activities

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. 

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Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Sensory Dough

Making sensory dough at home is much easier than you might think, and you probably already have everything you need waiting in your pantry.

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Read All About It: STEAM Picture Books

Full STEAM ahead! Picture books about sciene, engineering, art, and math from Richland library's digital collection.   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. 
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Read All About It: Celebrating Moms

Whether it's Mama or Mommy, your mom or someone who is like a mother to you, these wonderful family read alouds and listens will help you celebrate the person who helps you feel safe, gives you courage and makes you feel loved.   To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. 
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Richland Library Main

iRead: The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

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.  

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Richland Library Main

All Around Town: 7 Days of Family-friendly Activities

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.

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Richland Library Ballentine

Common Backyard Birds

Learn about our most common backyard birds and how to identify the uncommon ones

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Richland Library Main

Managing Children’s Emotions 

Eight things you can do today to help your entire family understand, process and cope with this new, temporary normal.