Anansi the Spider
Folk Tales & Fables of Asia & Australia
Staff Picks

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.

A Place Inside of Me
Ellington Was Not A Street.
Staff Picks

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.
  • Thursday, May 20

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
Staff Picks

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 ra
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

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
  • Sunday, March 28

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

1, 2, 3. Play with Me!.
1, 2, Trees!.
Staff Picks

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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

SC ELA Standards: Reading for Information Part 3

  • Shannon G.
  • Friday, April 30

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. 

A Boy Called Bat
Down the Rabbit Hole
Staff Picks

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 ra
The Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
Staff Picks

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.  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

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!

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01

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.
  • Thursday, June 23

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
  • Thursday, March 11

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 Edgewood

African Americans in Art: Beverly Buchanan

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, February 27

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
Staff Picks

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.
  • Thursday, June 23

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.
Staff Picks

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.
Staff Picks

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.
  • 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.

Blog
Richland Library Eastover

Name 3 Things

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Friday, June 24

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
Staff Picks

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
Staff Picks

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. 
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
Staff Picks

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.
Staff Picks

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
Staff Picks

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.
  • Friday, June 24

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.
  • Thursday, June 23

Teeth brushing

Music crushing

Bass thumping

Shoulders pumping

Head rotation

Jubilation!

The Cure for Cold Feet
Izzy Kline Has Butterflies
Staff Picks

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!
Staff Picks

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.
D is for Dragon Dance
A Gift
Staff Picks

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

Take a Reading Challenge

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, December 28

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

Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 23
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:  
The Midnight Library
Clap when You Land
Staff Picks

Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Books of 2020

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, December 08
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. 
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Inside Out & Back Again

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Based on the author's own childhood, Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a pivotal year in the life of a South Vietnamese family.  Once a wealthy family with two parents, 1975 brings a reversal of fortune for Hà, her brothers and mother. 

Recipe for Trouble
Just Add Magic
Staff Picks

Yummy Cooking Novels for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, November 23
With the holidays fast approaching, cooking and food is on everyone's mind. Feed your reading hunger with these children's novels featuring characters whipping up culinary delights in the kitchen.
Beauty and the Beaks
Gus, the Pilgrim Turkey
Staff Picks

Thanksgiving Books to Share with Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, November 23
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.
My Diary from the Edge of the World
The Middle of Somewhere
Staff Picks

Road Trip! - Children's Novels

  • Jenny D.
  • Thursday, November 19
Who doesn't love a good road trip? This time of year, lots of folks are usually traveling - but this year, many people are postponing their traditional trips over the river and through the woods. Never fear, you can still go on a virtual road trip by picking up one of these children's novels featuring traveling by car. Happy trails!
Tree
Wishtree
Staff Picks

An Arbor Day Celebration

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, November 19
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. 
Firefly. The Complete Series
Stranger Things.
Staff Picks

Friendship

  • Helene F.
  • Saturday, November 14
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.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Going Down Home with Daddy

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, July 14

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.

One Family
Black is Brown is Tan
Staff Picks

Read All about It: Diverse Families in Picture Books

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, November 07
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.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Ninjas RULE!

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, November 06

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.