Pitch
Bad News Bears
List

Batter Up for the Next Season of Baseball

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Whether you watch on TV or attend the games in person, it's time to gear up and get your head back in the game. There's a mixture of books, videos, and eOption material for spectators and the aspiring/training athlete. Batter UP!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Augusta Baker and the Art of Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Wednesday, April 14

"Storytelling at its best is mutual creation. Children listen and, out of the words they hear, create their own mental images; this opening of the mind's eye develops the imagination." - Storytelling: Art and Technique by Augusta Baker and Ellin Greene

Anansi the Spider
Folk Tales & Fables of Asia & Australia
List

Good Folk Tales and Fairy Tales for Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, April 09
In their well-respected book, Storytelling: Art and Technique, Ellin Greene and Augusta Baker tell us: "A good story for telling is one that has something to say and that says it in the best possible way." Check out some of these books to learn more about the traditional art of storytelling and to find folk tales and fairy tales that have something to say and are written in the best possible way!
Blog
Richland Library Main

April is National Poetry Month: Ode to the Onion

  • Kate B.
  • Friday, April 09

What do an onion, a sock, a hummingbird, and ironing all have in common? Chilean poet Pablo Neruda wrote odes to each of these. Learn more about elemental odes and write one yourself.

Jun 01 12:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Online

The Roots of Black Music in America

A Place Inside of Me
Ellington Was Not A Street.
List

Read All About It: African American Experiences in Poetry

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 02
"for there is love inside me true love deep down inside of me I am in love with my people"-- A Place Inside of Me:  A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott   These #OwnVoices collections, picture books and novels for older readers explore themes of community and connection, family and faith, racism and resilience.  These books give poetic voice to African American experiences and history and should be read and shared by everyone.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

  • Helene F.
  • Monday, March 29

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

Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Mini-Retreat: Play Birdsong Hero

  • Amy A.
  • Sunday, March 28

Wish you could identify birds by their songs? Try this simple game and turn "someday" into "today" for your bird watching bucket-list daydreams. 

Back to Front and Upside Down!
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
List

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Younger Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Saturday, March 27
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 raise awareness a
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
List

Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, March 26
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.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, March 26

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

Born Curious
Joni
List

Trailblazers: Inspirational Women Throughout History

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, March 25
“Women are leaders everywhere you look—from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household. Our country was built by strong women, and we will continue to break down walls and defy stereotypes.” —Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House This booklist features books that share the stories of amazing women; their strength and courage to overcome barriers and bravery that helped pave the way for future generations of females.  
The Day You Begin
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One
List

Empowering Picture Books for Girls

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, March 25
“And one day she discovered that she was fierce and strong, and full of fire and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” Mark Anthony
1, 2, 3. Play with Me!.
1, 2, Trees!.
List

Playaway Launchpads for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 24
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. 
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Halmoni's Day
List

The Asian & Asian American Experience in Picture Books

  • Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, March 23
As important as having the hard conversations about racism, hate and discrimination with children is, they are very difficult topics to discuss. Taking time to learn about and appreciate others' differences is a stepping stone to equality, inclusion and acceptance of all. The booklist below focuses on picture books about the Asian and Asian American experience in hopes of being able to create a window into the lives of others.
Blog
Richland Library Main

SC ELA Standards: Reading for Information Part 3

  • Shannon G.
  • Wednesday, March 17

Reading for information is commonly paired with nonfiction books. However, some fiction books hold good information about nonfiction subjects in a fictional setting. Because storyline is more complex, children can to gather information over time and wonder what will happen next or how the story ends. Helping your second grader learn to read carefully for details increases comprehension, introduces new vocabulary, and opens interest to related topics. 

May 01 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Online

DIA: A Celebration of Diversity

May 01 12:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Online

Keeping Your Kids Mentally Fit In Today's World

A Boy Called Bat
Down the Rabbit Hole
List

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Middle Grade Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 10
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 raise awareness a
Blog
Richland Library Main

SC ELA Standard Learning to Read Part 3

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, March 09

Let’s continue to tackle that very important question—how to break a word into syllables. Explore this 2nd grade ELA standard. 

The Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
List

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.  
This is My America
The Only Black Girls in Town
List

Let's Talk Race: A Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“That's the problem. We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What's the point of having a voice if you're gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn't be?” ― Angie Thomas, The Hate U Give Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these stories give voice to the lives of today's teens and tweens--the challenges they face as well as their triumphs.  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, March 01

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!

Mommy's Khimar
A Big Mooncake for Little Star.
List

Read Woke Across America Week: Picture Books

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, February 27
"So many picture books have powerful messages about immigration, racism, and other social justice issues. From English Language Learners to high school students and those with learning disabilities, all can benefit from picture books." -Cicely Lewis (Read Woke creator) Read Woke Across America Week starts the first week of March in honor of Zero Discrimination Day. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, February 26

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.
  • Wednesday, February 24

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
  • Tuesday, February 23

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.

Blog
Richland Library North Main

Wonder Woman 84

  • Hipolito Torrales
  • Monday, February 22

A new era of wonder begins.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

African Americans in Art: Beverly Buchanan

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, February 18

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

Black Widow
Lumberjanes. Campfire Songs
List

100 New Graphic Novels for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, February 15
Grab a stack of these new graphic novels from 2020-2021 and catch up on what you've been missing. There are 100 here to chose from!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black History Is American History

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, February 12

Black History Month should not be just a time to celebrate African Americans who have paved the way for us all to thrive. It should be a time to challenge the stubbornly persistent tendency to teach Black History as a footnote to American history.

Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
List

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.
List

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.
  • Saturday, February 06

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 Sandhills

Name 3 Things

  • Kim J.
  • Wednesday, February 03

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.

Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar
For Whom the Ball Rolls
List

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?
Standing on Her Shoulders
Because I Was a Girl
List

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.  Discover unsung heroes and (good) troublemakers in these books and appreciate the impact that women have made.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Women Making History

  • Alison B.
    Heather M.
  • Friday, January 29

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. 

Discover unsung heroes and (good) troublemakers in these books and appreciate the impact that women have made.  

The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
List

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.
List

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!
Camp of the Angel
Ghost in the Capitol
List

Children's Novels Set in South Carolina

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 15
See South Carolina through the eyes of many different authors - these children's novels are set in the palmetto state. Try a few of these and explore the state through historical fiction or contemporary stories.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Self-Portraits

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, January 13

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.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

  • Cassie G.
  • Wednesday, January 13

Teeth brushing

Music crushing

Bass thumping

Shoulders pumping

Head rotation

Jubilation!

The Cure for Cold Feet
Izzy Kline Has Butterflies
List

Children's Novels in Verse

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 08
Want to try something different? Choose one of these novels where the narrative is told entirely through a series of poems. Once you read one, you'll be hooked on this creative way to tell a story. 
Baseball Crazy
Beware!
List

A Long List of Short Stories for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 08
Collections of short stories are a great way to bite off a little reading at a time - and a fun way to discover new authors you have never read before. Funny, sad, scary, sporty, thought-provoking - there's a short story collection on this list for you. Curl up and enjoy one story or devour the whole thing all at once.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: 2020: a Year in Children's Literature

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, January 06

If you are like me and have missed out on some of the new titles of 2020, don't worry, you can find #OwnVoices books published in 2020 for both younger and older children here.

Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
Leaving Lymon
List

#OwnVoices: Children's Middle Grade Books of 2020

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, January 06
As important as it is for young children to see themselves in pictures books, it is equally important for older children to be able to read stories with characters they can relate to. Diverse books are greatly needed for middle grade readers. Below you can find a list of books for older children written by African Americans. “What diversity advocates are working for is an industry that honestly, accurately and equitably represents the world we live in.”—Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object
D is for Dragon Dance
A Gift
List

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

SC ELA Standards: Writing Part 1

  • Laura Rogers
  • Tuesday, December 29

Have fun with your child exploring ways to incorporate writing skills into your daily routine. 

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Take a Reading Challenge

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, December 29

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