Staff Picks

Children's Horror | 2023 Releases

In the mood for something a little scary? Check out these 2023 releases to find the perfect title for this Halloween season!
Staff Picks

Most Challenged Books Since 2020

According to a recently released report from the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, there has been a 20% increase in the number of unique titles challenged since this time last year.  Most of the books challenged in that period were written by or about members of the LGBTQIA+ community or people of color. 
Staff Picks

Honoring Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary: Youth Titles

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop emerging from the streets of the Bronx in New York City. Over the last 50 years Hip-Hop's influence has reached music lovers world wide, creating a culture and life style of its own. These titles bring the music and rich culture of Hip-Hop to life for young audiences. 
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Being You: Body Positivity and Self-Image for Children

Picture books with a body positive message can be great tools for developing healthy self-image in children. When we celebrate and accept all bodies, we embrace diversity. With stunning illustrations that truly capture what makes each of us different and unique, these reads will help you feel free to be you!
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Big Transitions for Little Humans

Life is full of transitions: big or small, they are all important in the life of a child. Books are a great way to introduce children to new ideas, concepts, and experiences. Transitions including going to a new school--or going to school for the first time--and moving houses, cities, and states are huge milestones in a child's life and can be made more understandable and relatable through this list of picture books at Richland Library. If you have questions or would like to place books on hold, call the Children's Room at Main at (803) 929-3434. We're always happy to help you!
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Books Featuring Black Mermaids & Sirens

In celebration of Disney's release of the live action version of The Little Mermaid, check out these amazing titles that feature Black mermaids and sirens. Mermaids and sirens are fantastical creatures; however, they have religious and historical importance to the Black community. Some of these titles are light-hearted while others explore more complex themes such as grief, racism, misogyny, slavery, and more. What they all have in common is the celebration of the impact that mermaids and sirens have had on the Black community for centuries. 
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Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

This 12-book series follows the adventures of the feisty and determined Anna. She uses her super-sleuthing and problem-solving skills to battle the mighty superbugs who threaten to destroy her father’s scientific work. 
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Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Magic Belt Series

Looking for action and adventure? The Magic Belt series follows Zak’s quest to save his grandfather’s life. He sets out on a magical quest to collect hidden gems that will unlock the cure for grandfather illness. Zak races against time as he hurdles through obstacle after obstacle. 
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Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

The night before his 14th birthday, Zak has a strange dream. A mysterious lady appears before him bearing an important message: "The Dark Master is creating a new talisman, even more powerful than the first. All of mankind is at risk. You must resume your quest and stop him!" she tells him. Together with Mim and a skinny, old mule, Zak sets off to Volcano Island to confront the Dark Master. Will he be able to reach him before it is too late? Will he be able to save humanity?
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Decodable Readers: All About Reading

All About Reading are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
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Decodable Readers: Flyleaf Beginning Readers

Flyleaf Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.  
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Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 5 & 6

High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 5 and 6 are for new readers ready to tackle multisyllabic words and longer sentences. 
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Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 3 & 4

 High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 3 & 4 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 5 & 6. 
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Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books for New Readers

High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 1 & 2 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 3 & 4. 
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Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 2 Series

Whole Phonics Early Level 2 Series are designed for early readers who are ready to tackle more advanced concepts.  New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
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Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 1 Series

Whole Phonics Early Level 1 Series are designed for students who know all the consonant and short vowel sounds. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Staff Picks

First Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Off We Go Series

Whole Phonics Early Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
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Richland Library Main

Crafting for a Cause: Donations by Sew Divine at Southeast

Crafting can be a fulfilling and enjoyable pastime, but what if you could turn your hobby into something even more meaningful? That's exactly what the Southeast branch of Sew Divine has been doing for years, and they have made an incredible impact on their community through their donations.

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Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2023

Congratulations to the illustrators and writers featured in this year's edition of Kids in Print!