Somebody That I Used to Know
Fresh Ink
Staff Picks

Exciting Adventures & Romantic Reads for Teens

  • Kendal T.
  • Wednesday, May 24
Summer is a time for adventure. Whether it's a search for love, or a battle for survival, summer is an opportunity to travel to rich landscapes and meet extraordinary people. These books have been selected for their diverse characters, thrilling settings, and plots that will have you swiftly turning the pages. 
Friday I'm in Love
Transmogrify!
Staff Picks

Pride Picks for 2023: LGBTQIA+ Teen Reads

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, May 24
June is Pride month! Uplift and celebrate diverse stories and voices of the LGBTQIA+ community by reading a young adult novel with queer representation.
Alba Series. Book 1, Lost
Alba Series. Book 2, The Plan
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
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. 
Attack at Nightfall
A Cry in the Dark
Staff Picks

Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
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?
Chasing Henry
Cobweb the Cat
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Friday, May 12
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.
I Am Sam. Emergent Reader 1
Am I Lucky. Emergent Reader 34
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Flyleaf Beginning Readers

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
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.  
Dark Tunnels
Dog Sledding
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 5 & 6

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
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. 
Cole and Finn
Get the Vet
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books for New Readers

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
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. 
Urban Jungle
National Audubon Society Mushrooms of North America
Staff Picks

New in Science

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, May 04
Ben Wilson is a historian and the subject of much acclaim for previous books such as Metropolis.  Now he has ventured into science with Urban Jungle: The History and Future of Nature in the City, an intriguing look at how hu
Heartbreak Boys
No One Here is Lonely
Staff Picks

Best Friends Forever: YA Reads on Friendship

  • Kei G.
  • Monday, May 01
The bond between best friends is unique and powerful! These YA reads portray the highs and lows of the treasured BFF connection and what it means to have someone through thick and thin.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Crafting for a Cause: Donations by Sew Divine at Southeast

  • Adele C.
  • Monday, May 08

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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Kids in Print 2023

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, April 26

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

Where Darkness Blooms
Eternally Yours
Staff Picks

A Bouquet of Books

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, March 30
Enjoy the floral designs on these YA covers...but beware! Some flowers have thorns!
Don't Call Me a Hurricane
Only on the Weekends
Staff Picks

YA Verse Novels

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, March 29
April is National Poetry Month! Novels-in-verse use poetry to create unique stories with each stanza. Take a break from typical prose and try a poetic novel that has its own distinct style and flair!
Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Pollinator Gardening with Native Plants

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Tuesday, April 18

Come visit the Pollinator Garden at Ballentine to see what one can look like. Read this blog post to learn why it's important to use native plants in your garden!

We Are Not Free
Valiant Ladies
Staff Picks

The Past That Lingers

  • Diamond T.
  • Tuesday, March 28
Gripping, unforgettable stories that will leave a tight vise around your heart.
Wrath Goddess Sing
For the Love of April French
Staff Picks

Books by Trans Authors

  • Tuesday, March 21
Looking for books to add to your #TransRightsReadathon reading list?  This list of books by trans authors has a little bit of everything, from memoir to romance to sci fi to horror! 
Dauntless
Victories Greater Than Death
Staff Picks

Courageous Heroines

  • Kei G.
  • Tuesday, February 28
Celebrate Women's History Month this year with action/adventure novels featuring heroic leading ladies!
The Girl with All the Gifts
Y, the Last Man, Book One. Issue 1-10
Staff Picks

If You Liked... The Last of Us

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, February 21
Trekking across post-apocalyptic landscapes. Surviving in a broken world. Watching morality corrode as infection compromises everything. Never giving up on the one person you can trust. These are just some of the themes evoked by The Last of Us, and you will also find them in the reading experiences below.
System Error
The Knowledge
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Information)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 20
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
SP4RX
Sapiens
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Graphic Novel)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, February 17
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies. South
Attracting Native Pollinators
Staff Picks

Gardening for Butterflies

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Wednesday, February 15
Learn how to garden for all kinds of wildlife - butterflies, bees, birds, and more - using these books! 
The Inner History of Devices
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Social Issues)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 13
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Made for Love
Access Denied
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, February 10
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Memory Librarian
The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Sci-Fi)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, February 06
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
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.

The Empathy Diaries
Man of the Hour
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Biography)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, February 03
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Creepy Cat. Vol. 01
Night of the Living Cat. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Cat Manga To Get Your Paws On

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, February 01
We're not kitten about these manga! Check out the coziest, the creepiest, and the scariest stories featuring librarians' favorite animal--cats.  
Iron Widow
Reclaim the Stars
Staff Picks

Infectious Tales

  • Diamond T.
  • Tuesday, January 31
Settle in for the thrill rides and action-packed pages of these futuristic narratives.
Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things
All Signs Point to Yes
Staff Picks

Romances to Swoon Over

  • Kei G.
  • Monday, January 30
Are you a romantic that wears their heart on their sleeve? Get in the lovey-dovey mood this coming Valentine's Day with a read sure to give you that butterflies in the stomach feeling!
Swipe to Unlock
Smaller Faster Lighter Denser Cheaper
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Business)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, January 30
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Woman in the Dunes
Goodnight Punpun. Vol. 03
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Japanese Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
The Sorrow of War
She Weeps Each Time You're Born
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Vietnamese Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki
If I Had Your Face
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Korean Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
A Thousand Steps into Night
Counterfeit
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Books Written by Asian Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 28
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.
Number the Stars
Hitler Youth
Staff Picks

Tween Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, January 27
The United Nations observes January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day as it's the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Six million Jews died through systemic persecution under the Nazi regime 1933-1945. Now more than ever, it's crucial to talk to kids about important events in history. Check out these books for kids aged 9+ for age appropriate fiction and nonfiction books about the Holocaust.   Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website for more information: https://www.ushmm.org/ 
Machines of Loving Grace
The Most Human Human
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (Artificial Intelligence)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, January 27
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
To Look a Nazi in the Eye
The Light in Hidden Places
Staff Picks

International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Teens

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, January 26
"Oskar Groening, the man accused of aiding and abetting in the murder of more than three hundred thousand Jews in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, was about to enter the German courtroom."--To Look a Nazi in the Eye:  A Teen's Account of a War Criminal Trial by Kathy Kacer with Jordana Lebowitz
If then
American Inventions
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Technology (History)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, January 23
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Accidental Pinup
Love in Color
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Read an Author's Debut Title (Romance)

  • Ariel H.
  • Saturday, January 21
Fulfill the "Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent" prompt with these titles. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 reading challenge. Find more lists here.  
All the Gay Saints
Let's All Die Happy
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Poetry After 2003 - Award Winning Authors

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, January 20
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a collection of poetry published since 2003".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Anthropocene Lullaby
Light for the World to See
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Poetry After 2003 - Prosaic & Poetic

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, January 16
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a collection of poetry published since 2003".  (These titles are by authors who write novels and articles in addition to poetry). This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Wild Beauty = Belleza Salvaje
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Poetry After 2003 - Translations

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, January 13
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a collection of poetry published since 2003".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
All the Days Past, All the Days to Come
Kneel
Staff Picks

Social Justice Reads for Teen Activists

  • Kei G.
  • Tuesday, January 10
Each year, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his activism and legacy within the civil rights movement. This year for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 16) learn more about historic and modern experiences with racial injustice and get inspired to effect change with any of these YA #OwnVoices titles:
If They Come for Us
Let's All Die Happy
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Poetry After 2003 - Debut Titles

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, January 09
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a collection of poetry published since 2003".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Viability
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Poetry After 2003 - More than 100 pages

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, January 06
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a collection of poetry published since 2003".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Queen of the Tiles
Hollow Fires
Staff Picks

Nail Biting Thrillers

  • Diamond T.
  • Thursday, January 05
These bold, deeply chilling titles will have you on edge through each disturbing twist and turn. 
Undead Girl Gang
Reader, I Murdered Him
Staff Picks

Young Adult Women's Wrongs

  • Alex B.
  • Monday, January 02
I support women's rights, and I also support women's wrongs. Anti-heroines are just plain fun! Check out these books for women you love to hate. 
The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton 1965-2010
Collected Poems
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2023 - Poetry After 2003 - Collections

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, January 02
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge prompt "read a collection of poetry published since 2003".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2023 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Secrets So Deep
Murder of Crows
Staff Picks

Mysteries to Keep You Guessing

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, December 29
True Crime stories, Whodunits, and Paranormal Investigations have a way of intriguing many of us. Indulge your inner sleuth with any of these YA Mystery titles. 
How Maya Got Fierce
You Must Be Layla.
Staff Picks

Coming of Age Stories for the New Year

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, December 29
The start of a New Year is a great time to discover new talents or hobbies and define your personality—as they say, “New Year, New You!” Check out these Coming-of-Age stories featuring characters discovering their true selves as you set goals and reflect on what makes you unique! 
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. 

Static. Season One
Batman
Staff Picks

New Superhero Comics of 2022

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, December 19
This year saw its share of fresh superhero stories. Each of these titles could be the jumping-on point that delivers you into a larger universe of heroes and villains or brings you closer to a familiar favorite. Who will you meet next?
How to Money
Project Startup
Staff Picks

#FinLit Reviews Booklist

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, December 16
The months of #FinLit Book Review blog posts are adding up. Here is a handy list of all of the fiction and nonfiction reviewed for their financial literacy value on the Richland Library blog.
Once Upon a K-prom
Once Upon a K-Prom
Staff Picks

Can We Book You For Prom??

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, December 07
It's prom season! Get hyped before the big night with these books! 
Queen of the Tiles
I Rise
Staff Picks

2022 Picks for Younger Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, December 01
Check out the titles below for the same thrilling twists and turns you’ve come to love in young adult literature, with gentle romances and bold adventures.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470. 
Okoye to the People
Harley Quinn
Staff Picks

Screen to Page: Familiar Favorites for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, December 01
Want to read more about your favorite characters? Check out these media tie-in titles to get more details and depth on familiar faces from movies and comics.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470. 
Rising Troublemaker
The Complete Cookbook for Teen Chefs
Staff Picks

2022 Teen Nonfiction Favorites

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, December 01
Great books on finances, social issues, history, literature, sciences, and so much more has been added to our list of favorite nonfiction titles for teens this year. Pick up one of these illuminating titles today.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470. 
The Dragon's Promise
Blood of Troy
Staff Picks

2022 Teen Series Additions

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, December 01
Your favorite stories continue in these latest additions to popular YA series. From epic fantasies to edge-of-your seat thrillers, you won't want to miss the next books in these addictive teen series.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470.