Troublemakers in Trousers
Black Girls Unbossed
Staff Picks

Trailblazers: Inspirational Women Throughout History

  • Taelor J.
  • Wednesday, March 01
“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 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.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

Tae Keller's Mihi Ever After

  • Caitlin B.
  • Wednesday, February 08

Newbery Winner Tae Keller has a new book for middle-grade readers about girls who dream of being princesses.

Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Paper Quilling Craft

  • Brianna K.
  • Monday, February 06

Learn the art of Paper Quilling and create something for someone you care about.

Stars of the Night
The Story of Bodri
Staff Picks

International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Young Readers

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, January 26
“There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick.  Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love.”― Stars of the Night:  The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport by Caren Stelson | illustrated by Selina Alko
Blog
Richland Library Main

What's your resolution?

  • Adele C.
  • Saturday, December 31

No matter what your resolutions are for the new year, we hope that the library can play a part in helping you achieve your goals.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Top Checkouts of 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 28

2022 was chock-full of throwback picks from old favorites, a swath of romance and thrillers, and some pretty solid streaming queues for all ages. Here's a look at the top 10 books, movies, and songs by age group and format. 

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Indigo Dreaming

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 21

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.

The People Remember
Too Small Tola and the Three Fine Girls
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Early Elementary

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, December 04
Did you know that reading every day from an early age helps expand your child’s attention span? The early elementary ages are a great time to develop those skills by reading both novels and picture books aloud to your child. Whether reading independently or together, being surrounded by books will nurture their reading and will help them go from beginning to read to reading fluently. 
The Universe in You
The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs.
Staff Picks

2022 Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, 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. 
Music is a Rainbow
An Ordinary Day
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Death, Loss & Grief

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, November 07
"Son, life is full of holes. You may want to close them up to keep out the storm. But make sure to leave room for that rainbow to find you." --Music is a Rainbow by Bryan Collier
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Cyanotype: Create with Light and Shadow

  • Sarah W.
  • Friday, November 04

Recognizable by their monochromatic, intense blue backgrounds, cyanotype is an early photographic process that provides an accessible introduction to early photography. 

Mama Loves Me from Away
A Kind of Thief
Staff Picks

Books for Children with Incarcerated Parents

  • Jessica B.
  • Monday, October 10
According to PEW research, it is estimated that about 1.7 million children have at least one parent in jail or prison in the United States.  Here is a list of books to help start that conversation with young people who are living through this experience.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

Disability Visibility in Children's Literature

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, September 12

To me, the greatest beauty of children's literature is that books help us empathize with those who are different from us or who have different lived experiences than our own.

Database

StudySC

Explore South Carolina through StudySC! Learn about your community, South Carolina history, and the people who have made a significant impact on the state and the world.

Read More | Access
Hear My Voice
Sing, Don't Cry
Staff Picks

Immigration and Refugee Stories: Children's Novels and Nonfiction

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 16
Refugee and immigrant stories are American stories. Richland Library has a multitude of beautiful novels and nonfiction books that tell a variety of stories of children and families coming to America in search of a better life. You can place books on hold online or call us in the Children's Room at (803) 929-3434 and we will happily place holds for you to pick up in the CR or at any branch location. 
Marwan's Journey
A Thousand White Butterflies
Staff Picks

Immigration and Refugee Stories: Picture Books

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 16
Refugee and immigrant stories are American stories. Richland Library has a multitude of beautiful picture books that tell a variety of stories of children and families coming to America in search of a better life. You can place books on hold online or call us in the Children's Room at (803) 929-3434 and we will happily place holds for you to pick up in the CR or at any branch location. 
Marwan's Journey
A Thousand White Butterflies
Staff Picks

Immigration and Refugee Stories: Picture Books

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, August 16
Refugee and immigrant stories are American stories. Richland Library has a multitude of beautiful picture books that tell a variety of stories of children and families coming to America in search of a better life. You can place books on hold online or call us in the Children's Room at (803) 929-3434 and we will happily place holds for you to pick up in the CR or at any branch location. 
Birds
Bateman's Backyard Birds
Staff Picks

Great Bird Books for Kids

  • Jenny D.
  • Saturday, August 13
Tweet! Tweet! Get outside and learn about the birds you see every day and many more. Explore the world of birds and become an expert with this selection of books for kids of all ages.
Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away
Evelyn Del Rey Se Muda
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Sunday, July 17
"Evelyn Del Rey is my mejor amiga, my número uno best friend. 'Come play, Daniela,' she says, just like she always does. Just like today is any other day."  --Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina
Dragons in a Bag
Going Down Home with Daddy.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2021

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, July 14
Mama smiles sweetly and places her palm against the door. She speaks slowly and politely. “It’s just us, Ma. I called this morning and told you we were coming. Remember?” The woman behind the door barks at Mama, “Course I remember. You called and asked if you could leave the boy with me and I said NO!”--Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Dinner Table Talks: How to Find What You're Not Looking For

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
    Taelor J.
  • Sunday, November 12

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.

Black is a Rainbow Color
If You Come to Earth /.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Picture Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Picture Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 4K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Isaiah Dunn is My Hero
Unspeakable
Staff Picks

South Carolina Children's Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Heather M.
  • Sunday, June 19
The South Carolina Children's Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Magic Fish

  • 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.

King and the Dragonflies
This is Our Rainbow
Staff Picks

Read All About It: LGBTQI2SA+ Middle Grade Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read the rainbow and discover these LGBTQI2SA+ middle grade 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. 
The Donkey and the Rock
Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian Folklore Titles for Youth

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read and celebrate the amazing Asian folklore stories about grand heroes, exciting adventures, and fantastical places below!  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.
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Can YOU Identify Poison Ivy? (Part 2)

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 25

This is Part 2 of this series. Are you confident that you can identify poison ivy when you see it? Play along with this guessing game to learn about several native plants - and which ones are poison ivy!

Her Stories
African Folklore in the New World
Staff Picks

A Tale to Tell Thru Time: BIPOC Oral Literature

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, May 18
Most people's first experience with oral literature or folk literature was most likely a lullaby, nursery rhyme or an urban legend. Oral literature is handed down orally through the word of mouth from one generation to another and serves to communicate ideas,  knowledge, cultural practices, emotions, beliefs, and the appreciation of life. Oral literature much like oral tradition is preserved by speaking, listening, and remembering.  The following booklist highlights African, African American, and indigenous people oral literature.  
Ghosts, Toast, and Other Hazards
Flowerheart
Staff Picks

Youth Titles to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, May 12
Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness month has been celebrated in the United States each May. Every single year millions of adults, teens, and children face the reality of living with a mental health condition. Books are a great place to start to better understand and build empathy towards those with these lived experiences. Check out the list below for youth titles that have released in the past two years that bring awareness to mental health conditions like OCD, anxiety, depression, and more. 
Samira Surfs
The Maps of Memory
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11, 12, 13 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
Middle school readers are still figuring out the world while trying to figure out themselves.  They may look for books that reflect their experience or give them a window or sliding glass
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 9, 10, 11 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"This is Stuntboy. This guy, right here. Him. You can't tell just looking at him, but he's the greatest superhero you've never heard of."  --Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Too Small Tola
Too Small Tola
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Tola is the youngest in her family. And the smallest. And everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small."  --Too Small Tola by Atinuke
When Lola Visits
I Talk Like a River
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night."  --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Can YOU Identify Poison Ivy? (Part 1)

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 25

Are you confident that you can identify poison ivy when you see it? Play along with this guessing game to learn about several native plants - and which ones are poison ivy!

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Caterpillar Gardening

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Monday, August 29

Do you want to see more butterflies? Then feed caterpillars by creating a backyard caterpillar garden of your own! Visit Ballentine Library and see how many caterpillars you can find!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2022

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, May 07

Congratulations to the illustrators and writers featured in this year's edition of Kids in Print 2022!

The One Day House
No Voice Too Small
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 04
"One day," said Wilson. "I will fix the roof on Gigi's house to keep out the wind and snow."--The One Day House by Julia Durango Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering or bringing people together to fix a problem too big for any one person, these stories of community let us know that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Blog
Richland Library Main

An Amazing Children's Author: Jane Yolen

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, May 05

Jane Yolen has been called the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the twentieth century due to her command of folklore, fantasy, and myth. Her storytelling reaches a vast audience, from the youngest board book reader to the young adult.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Finding the Right Book for Your Child

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, May 26

Choosing books for your child is a bit like a match-making process.   Not all children will love the same books. To help you find the right match, we’ve curated some recommendations to try on and see what fits. 

No More Plastic
Reuse This Book!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 18
"She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and decided to make a change."--No More Plastic | Alma Fullerton Discover how pollution and litter damage the air, land and seas and what you can do each day to take care of our planet.  Earth day is every day when you read one of these books.  Find more great stories when you Read All About It:  This Land is Our Land.   
Blog
Richland Library Main

That's Gross!

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, April 18

Does your kid love reading about, talking about, asking questions about "gross" things like poop, mud, and slime? You've come to the right place.

Southwest Sunrise
Wonder Walkers
Staff Picks

Read All About It: This Land is Our Land

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, April 15
"This land was made for you and me."--This Land is Your Land | Woody Guthrie Whether it's camping with family or finding tiny, perfect things right in your own neighborhood, these stories will remind you of the wonder and beauty that's all around us.  Earth day is every day when you read one of these wonderful picture books.  Find more great stories when you Read All About It:  Taking Care of Mother Earth.  
Jabari Jumps
Violet Shrink
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Jabari Jumps Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, April 14
Visit Richland Library's Jabari Jumps StoryWalk® at Caughman Road Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and find your courage to try something new.  Next, check out some of these good books to continue the stories at home! Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Dinner Table Talks: Missing Daddy and Dad Bakes

  • Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
    Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, June 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.

Soul Food Sunday
Food
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tasty Treats

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 04
Check out these tasty treats that look good enough to eat--I mean, read.  Whether it's a delicious thick red stew shared with neighbors, a food truck rodeo or applesauce in your hair, these books offer a veritable buffet of cuisines and experiences to share together.  (Some of these books even offer recipes so you can make food with your friends and family!)
Anansi Does the Impossible!
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, February 10
A Year of Black History Continues   Folktales, comics and history ... here we are!  Also, Hoopla is allowing 15 checkouts for the month of February, as well as bonus borrows.  Hoopla offers many comic book/graphic novels to choose from!  Please, enter your email address and password associated with Hoopla.
Black Boy Joy
Recognize!
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Novels and Nonfiction of 2021

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, February 01
The following novels and nonfiction books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2021. Want to learn more about diverse books? Check out this blog post. Want more books?  Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434).  We can send books to your closest Richland Library location!
We Shall Overcome
Soul Food Sunday
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Picture Books of 2021

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, February 01
The following picture books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2021. Want to learn more about diverse books? Check out this blog post. Want more books?  Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434).  We can send books to your closest Richland Library location!  
We Shall Overcome
The Electric Slide and Kai
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: Picture Books of 2021

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, January 08
Each year  #OwnVoices authors and illustrators work to close the gap and insure that the black and brown community is equally represented in the literary world. Below you can find a list of picture books published in 2021 written and/or illustrated by African Americans.
The Bad Seed
The Good Egg
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Children's eBooks 📱

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends' and neighbors' children were reading in 2021? Us too!  Long story, short. It was a good year to be a wimpy kid, a teen wizard, or Dog Man.  
A Wrinkle in Time
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Children's Audiobooks 🎧

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends' and neighbors' children were listening to in 2021? Us too!  Long story, short. It was a good year to be a teen with magical powers.