Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Funny Families

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 22

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

Is your dad driving you crazy or your mom's making you mad?  Maybe your little brother's a bother and your big sister is such a pain? 

Take a breath, grab your Richland Library card, and spend some time with these funny families instead.  

The Day-glo Brothers
Ada Twist, Scientist
Staff Picks

Read All About It: STEAM Picture Books

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 20
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. 
Path to the Stars
Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Engineering Stories & Facts

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, May 16
Give yourself a firm foundation by reading or listening to these books featuring stories and facts about architecture and engineering. 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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Fast Friends

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, May 15

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

Whether it's true blue friends or even a new friend, friendships deeply impact our lives.  They teach us about the world and about ourselves.  Sometimes we're not ready to learn the lesson until that friend is gone.

Discover your own fast friends in this week's iRead picks featuring two middle grade novels and one teen title.  

All About Drones
Bertha Takes a Drive
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Technology Stories & Facts

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, May 15
Take off with technology by reading these stories, learning new facts and getting hands-on with your own gizmos and machines. 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. 
A-B-A-B-A
A Fraction's Goal
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Math Stories, Concepts & Activities

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 13
Multiply your skills with these stories, concept and activity books that add up to a lot of math fun. 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. 
Volcanoes!
Hungry Plants
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Facts & Activities

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, May 11
Discover awesome science facts and activities about astronomy, exploding ants, the human body and more by reading (or listening to) these great books! 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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: World at War

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, May 11

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

These new middle grade novels and graphic novel explore the world at war.  Revealing that even in our darkest hour, we can still find the light.  

The Science Unfair. 2
Ivy + Bean What's the Big Idea?
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Stories

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, May 08
Get inspired by reading (or listening to) these great books about space, nature, electricity, time travel and more! 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. 
Two Hands to Love You
The Berenstain Bears and the Mama's Day Surprise
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Celebrating Moms

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, May 08
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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Ramona Quimby Audio Collection

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, April 30

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.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

All Around Town: 7 Days of Family-friendly Activities

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, April 27

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.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Crafty How-To: Canvas and Thread Wall Art

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 27

Learn how to make piece of art for your wall! This craft is suitable for anyone who can safely hold a needle and use a ruler!

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Richland Library Ballentine

Common Backyard Birds

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, May 27

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

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Guys Take the Lead

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, April 25

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

This time, our staff shares some powerful stories where guys take the lead.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Managing Children’s Emotions 

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Tuesday, March 31

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

The Poet X
The Wizards of Once
Staff Picks

Listen to an Odyssey Award Winner!

  • Jennifer N.
  • Monday, March 30
Looking for a great audiobook that you can download to your phone, computer, or tablet?  Richland Library's got you covered!  The Odyssey Awards and Honors are given annually to high quality audiobooks for children and teens - learn more here.  Check out the titles below on Overdrive and Hoopla.
Not If I Save You First
Not if I Save You First
Staff Picks

In the News: eBooks for Children & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, March 24
Check out these great ebooks and audiobooks recently featured on WIS News 10 and curated by our Children's Room and Teen Center team. Want more eaudiobook or ebook recommendations?  Call Richland Library Main (803) 799-9084 from 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday or Ask-a-Librarian.  One of our staff members would be happy to create recommendations just for you.
The Cricket in Times Square
The One and Only Ivan
Staff Picks

Family Storytime: eAudiobook Edition

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, March 24
Sometimes reading together with your school age children can seem impossible--especially right now.  If you're working from home and homeschooling, adding one more to-do to your list may elicit a big "NO." eAudiobooks are a great way to connect with stories as a family.  Whether it's listening together while you cook dinner, clean up the living room or during creative/quiet time, downloading one of these eaudiobooks and listening is easy.   All you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access. 
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Indoor / Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, March 26

Coming up with ways to keep young children entertained while stuck at home is challenging. Try these two scavenger hunts for a nice change of pace. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Do a Storytime

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, November 13

Four easy steps to help you keep reading, singing, playing and talking every day. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Your Daily Dose of Children's Authors & Illustrators

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, March 26

From readings to art clubs to book-based activities, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite authors and illustrators who are going digital to help you and your family join in on the fun. 

My First Origami Book
101 Things to Make
Staff Picks

Crafty Kids

  • Caitlin B.
  • Sunday, March 15
March is National Craft Month and what better way to celebrate than trying out new craft with your child? From books about people following their creative dreams to beautiful and informative how-to books, the library is a great place to start when picking a new hobby or just looking for a great story. We have books and stories for all ages and skill levels and can help you find the right book to ignite your child's creative spark!
Mae Among the Stars
Rosie Revere, Engineer
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Books for Young Readers

  • Caitlin B.
  • Sunday, March 01
Looking to expand a young reader's knowledge of brave women? Check out this selection of board books, picture books, and short biographies that are sure to spark conversations about the women and girls (real and fictional) who inspire us all to dream big.  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. 
The Merbaby
The Mermaid
Staff Picks

Mermaids!

  • Laura Rogers
  • Friday, February 28
If your little one has dreams of swimming alongside merfolk. Dive into these titles about mermaids. A little magic goes a long way when you read to your child every day!  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. 
The Fairiest Fairy
Princess, Princess
Staff Picks

Fairies!

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, February 27
Flutter your wings and fly along with this list of books guaranteed to bring a little magic your way.
The Giant Golden Book of Elves and Fairies with Assorted Pixies, Mermaids, Brownies, Witches, and Leprechauns
Fiona's Luck
Staff Picks

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, February 27
When I was a child my mother always dyed my applesauce green on St. Patrick's Day. It tasted great alongside clover-shaped sandwiches! Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your own way with help from this list of stories, recipes, crafts, and more.  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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Magic of Mac Barnett

  • Rebecca T.
  • Thursday, November 19

Picture books push and stretch a child's imagination, breathing magic into the everyday. And Mac Barnett is a master of this magic. 

The Undefeated
The King of Kindergarten
Staff Picks

The Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, February 21
The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019. This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens.
Maker Lab
The Zoom, Fly, Bolt, Blast Steam Handbook
Staff Picks

STEM-Sational Picks for Kids

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, February 05
Do you have a budding builder in your home? A LEGO lover? A tinkering tot? Let your child's imagination soar with these engineering-inspired books and get to making something amazing!
FIFA 20 [XBox One]
Hasbro Family Fun Pack [PlayStation 4]
Staff Picks

Party Games!

  • Bryan B.
  • Friday, January 31
Enjoy this collection of video games, each aimed at supporting a crowd!
BlazBlue
Blazblue :chrono Phantasma [Playstation 3]
Staff Picks

Fight with Your Friends!

  • Bryan B.
  • Tuesday, January 21
Beat up your friends in this assortment of Fighting Game titles!
Atelier Firis. The Alchemist of the Mysterious Journey [PlayStation 4].
Atelier Lulua. The Scion of Arland [PlayStation 4].
Staff Picks

Role-Playing Games That Will Keep You Gaming

  • Bryan B.
  • Monday, January 13
These RPGs are long and immersive experiences, each with their own rich world and characters. Ranging from delightful reimaginings of well-known video game icons, to notoriously difficult and dark Action-RPGs, this list has something for everyone.
Crown
The Stuff of Stars
Staff Picks

Contemplative Picture Books

  • Bryan B.
  • Tuesday, January 07
These picture books feature introspective characters and themes, allowing young and developing readers to explore not only their thoughts, but the world around them. These range from simple poems on top of beautiful photographs and illustrations, to wordless expressions of art and narrative.
The Tale of Despereaux
Hatchet
Staff Picks

Children's Books for Adults

  • Bryan B.
  • Saturday, December 14
These works might have been written with children in mind, but there's something for everyone in these classics.
The Adventures of Tintin
Anomalisa
Staff Picks

Award-Winning Animation

  • Bryan B.
  • Thursday, December 05
Animation isn't just for kids! This wide assortment of animated works are aimed at all sorts of audiences, with all sorts of themes as well. Enjoy 25 award-winning animated films from across the past two decades. 
Little Women or Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
Peter Pan
Staff Picks

Classic Children's Books

  • Laura Rogers
  • Saturday, November 30
Classic books are a part of our society's literary heritage. For good or for ill, they have shaped the world we live in and inform our present while opening windows into our past. Classic books add a rich layer to a child's reading experience and can give teachable moments in the context of a story. Classic titles are also a great choice for advanced readers who are ready for longer books and more complex language. Choose one of these titles to read together or independently. 
Christmas in Colonial and Early America
Encyclopedia of Christmas and New Year's Celebrations
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Winter Holidays

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, November 27
The holiday season is full of teachable moments. Plan a unit study around a winter holiday and keep the school days going while you decorate, bake, and get your holiday jingle on! From making homemade gifts to learning about other cultures, there are no limits to holiday learning. 
Pirates & Pompons
Playful Learning
Staff Picks

Toys, toys, and more toys!

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, November 27
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers Explore titles about making toys, the importance of play, and great picture books that show the magic of simple playthings. 
The Age of Adaline
Django Unchained
Staff Picks

Southeast Staff Picks Pt. 2

  • Brittany S.
  • Thursday, November 07
Have you ever wondered what we're checking out? Take a look at what titles Richland Library Southeast and Lower Richland's staff have picked as their faves. There's definitely a variety to choose from!
The Three Rules of Everyday Magic
Switch
Staff Picks

Talking with Children About Dementia

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, September 09
Books are one of the best ways to open the door on a topic and start a conversation with your children about tough issues like a dementia diagnosis. While there are many books out there, below are some of our staff's recommendations to help get the conversation started for your family. For more on dementia, visit RichlandLibrary.com/Access.
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch
Staff Picks

Pumpkin Spice for Kids

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, August 29
Make your little one a pumpkin spice steamer to sip alongside these reads just right for pumpkin time.  Pumpkin Spice Steamer for Littles Warm a cup of your favorite milk (soy, dairy, coconut, or almond), add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a splash of vanilla flavoring.  Make sure the milk is not too hot and serve it up with a good book! 
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Richland Library Blythewood

STEAM Ahead With Reading

  • Kelly H.
  • Friday, August 23

I’m proposing a new acronym: STREAM – Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics.

125 Cool Inventions
Citizen Scientists
Staff Picks

Back to School: S.T.E.M It Up

  • Kristin A.
  • Tuesday, August 20
Start the new school year off right and encourage a lifelong love of science, technology, engineering, and math.
Don't Forget to Write for the Elementary Grades
A Bat Cannot Bat, a Stair Cannot Stare
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Writing

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, August 08
Teaching your child how to write a report? Helping your student create a haiku?  Crafting lessons in grammar and handwriting? Teaching writing can be fun and fascinating using the books and resources available for free at your library. 
Light Waves
Simple Machines
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Physics

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, August 08
Ready to build a pulley? Want to play around with simple machines? Interested in making a simple battery? Studying physics is the perfect excuse to get creative with light, motion, electricity, and much more.  Engineer your physics lessons for free at your library. 
The Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia.
The Science Channel's 100 Greatest Discoveries. Chemistry
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Chemistry

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, August 08
What is an acid? What is a base? Why do you need baking soda in your cookie recipe? Play around with chemistry with this list of books that are guaranteed to stir up your curiosity.  Get a positive reaction from your students when you create chemistry lessons for free at your library. 
Earth Science
Eyewitness Weather
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Earth Science and Astronomy

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, August 08
Create a map of the stars, observe the phases of the moon, start a rock collection, or build a model volcano. There is nothing like hands-on experiments for making learning fun and unforgettable.  Dig into rocks, minerals, and the night sky for free at your library. 
Greatest Discoveries with Bill Nye. Biology
Human Body
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Biology

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, August 07
Explore cells, take a trip through the human body, classify animals, and grow food in the backyard - all in the name of science! Biology has never been so much fun.  Create hands-on unit studies for free at your library!
The Alphabet Series. Books 1-3.
Helpful Hints for Reading [revised Ed.]
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Reading

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, August 07
Whether you are homeschooling your beginning reader or supplementing her instruction at home, this carefully curated collection of titles is based on structured literacy. These multisensory materials provide evidence-based lessons that sequentially build the skills you need to become a reader.  Learn about the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading for free at your library! 
Common Core 1st Grade Math. Telling and Writing Time.
Help Your Kids with Math
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Mathematics

  • Laura Rogers
  • Tuesday, August 06
Would you like to create a graph? Measure the swing set? Master your multiplication tables? Explore math with these great reads and resources. You can count on your library to have what it takes to get your student on the right track.  The Education Studio at Richland Library Main also has math materials for in-library use.  Stop in and teach your lessons with our beautiful, wooden Stern Math materials. 
The Story of the World
The Story of the World
Staff Picks

Homeschooling: Medieval History

  • Laura Rogers
  • Tuesday, August 06
Studying the Middle Ages? Ready to host a medieval feast? Construct a trebuchet or create a family coat of arms?  Build hands-on lessons complete with knights and castles for free at your library. 
Kids Explore the Heritage of Western Native Americans
The New World, 1500-1750.
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Early American History

  • Laura Rogers
  • Tuesday, August 06
Studying explorers? Looking for books about Jamestown? Draw a map, sew a costume, or try a colonial recipe. From early colonial days to westward expansion, revolutionize your year with these great books!    Homeschooling history is fun and free with resources from your library!
The Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression, 1920-1940.
Voices of Carolina Slave Children
Staff Picks

Homeschooling World History of the Modern Age

  • Laura Rogers
  • Tuesday, August 06
Studying the Industrial Revolution? Looking for books about World War II? Make a diorama, try a recipe from the Great Depression, and read about famous people that shaped the modern world.  Create lessons about everything from Abraham Lincoln to the Cold War for free at your library. 
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Open Mic Night (Jun 2019)

  • Lindsey T.
  • Thursday, June 06

Song and rhyme flowed at St. Andrews with over 15 performers taking the stage.

The Story of the World
The Story of the World
Staff Picks

Homeschooling: Ancient History

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, May 16
Studying the ancients this year? Ready to build a pyramid of LEGO's? Want to stage your own Olympic Games? Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing on a clay tablet?  Carve your way through these ancient history books and create hands-on lessons for all ages. History curriculum is fun and FREE at your library. 
You Are Your Child's First Teacher
The Well-trained Mind
Staff Picks

Homeschooling from A to Z

  • Laura Rogers
  • Thursday, May 16
When I started homeschooling twenty years ago, I read everything I could get my hands on about home education. From Montessori to Waldorf, from Charlotte Mason to John Holt, I wanted to dive deep and find out which path was right for my family. While our educational road has had many twists, turns, and even some dead ends, there is nothing like crafting a homemade education. Below is a wide variety of educational options to explore. Grab your library card and dig in! 
The One and Only Ivan
The Story of the World. Volume 2
Staff Picks

Ear Reading Favorites for 9, 10, and 11 Year Olds

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, May 15
Listening to audiobooks is good for all ages, regardless of reading level. Students need audiobooks to increase their fluency, build vocabulary, and enjoy a broadening base of background knowledge that will boost their learning on many levels.  For students that experience dyslexia or other reading challenges, audiobooks can level the playing field and bring their vocabulary up to the level of their quicker reading peers.  Listen in on some of these ear reads!
Rabbit Ears Treasury of African American Heroes
The Story of the World. Volume 1
Staff Picks

Ear Reading Favorites for 6, 7, and 8 Year Olds

  • Laura Rogers
  • Wednesday, May 15
Nothing transports you like a good story. These favorite audio titles are perfect for riding in the car, curling up on the couch, or keeping kids occupied in the waiting room at the dentist.   
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Open Mic Night (May 2019)

  • Lindsey T.
  • Thursday, May 09

Records broken for youngest performer to perform at Richland Library St. Andrews's Open Mic!

Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

Open Mic Night (April 2019)

  • Lindsey T.
  • Thursday, April 18

More than 15 performers came out to St. Andrews to celebrate National Poetry Month!

Dem Bones
Baby Danced the Polka
Staff Picks

Picture Books you Can Sing and Dance to

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, March 11
Enjoy these books that have songs or dances woven throughout the stories.  Some are new twists on old classics.  The syncopation and rhyming can liven up any home storytime session.  Also, it gives you a reason to sing and dance with your little ones.  Come by the Sandhills location for more suggestions!
Serpent King
His First Lady
Staff Picks

Celebrating Local African American Writers

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, March 04
Celebrate local African American writers by checking out some of these titles from Richland Library's Local Author Collection.  These authors offer something for everyone--from science fiction to cookbooks.  Discover a new favorite or get inspired to write your own story.   
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Seal

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Friday, February 22

A quick, yet insightful breakdown of the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Seal designed in 1974 by the internationally known artist Lev Mills.

Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Occupy the Kids while Traveling

  • Emily Stoll
  • Friday, January 18

Whether you are driving, flying or taking the train, we have a number of free resources available with a Richland Library card.

Flying Lessons & Other Stories
Booked
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11-12-13

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, January 11
Hand selected by the Children's Room staff, these books are perfect for any middle school student looking for a break from reality, a mirror in which to see themselves, or a window into someone else's life. Be sure to ask your local librarian to suggest even more titles. You can check out 60 books with your library card!