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. 
The Sunbearer Trials
Out There
Staff Picks

Teen Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2022

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, December 01
From mystical worlds to galaxies in deep space, scientific and magical adventures await you between the pages of these 2022 Sci-Fi and Fantasy titles!
This Vicious Grace
Dauntless
Staff Picks

2022 Teen Fiction Debut Authors

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, December 01
Stuck in a reading rut? Check out a fresh, new read by a 2022 debut author to inspire and engage your inner bookworm! Looking for more recommendations? Find more with our Great Gifts for Teen Readers guide.
Cat + Gamer. Volume 1
The Shonen Jump Guide to Making Manga
Staff Picks

Manga Debuts of 2022

  • Thomas M.
  • Thursday, December 01
A lot of manga series kicked off in 2022. Pick up a new favorite across many different genres for teens and up.
Urgent Message from a Hot Planet
The Chosen One
Staff Picks

Issue-Driven Teen Titles of 2022

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, December 01
Issue-driven and thought-provoking topics have become mainstays within contemporary teen books. Check out these selections that tackle subjects like race, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, and environmentalism for titles that will inspire you to take action and stay conscious. Access even more information on these topics and other perspectives using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database.
The Upper World.
The Future of Us
Staff Picks

YA Adventures through Time & Space

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, December 01
Time is of the essence! Don’t hesitate to pick up one of these sci-fi picks and immerse yourself in inter-dimensional journeys through time and space. 
AWS Certified Solutions Architect Study Guide
Python & C++ The Complete Manual /.
Staff Picks

Tech Recs

  • Leighan C.
  • Monday, November 14
It's no surprise that IT careers are booming, and keeping up with the latest and most marketable qualifications is crucial for those looking to re-skill, upskill or explore a new profession.  
Juliet Takes a Breath
Alex, Approximately
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Teen with Character Names

  • Mahogany S.
  • Friday, November 11
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with the character's name in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
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. 

Love Somebody
All Signs Point to Yes
Staff Picks

It's Complicated

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, November 02
Messy meet-cutes, complex crushes, and offbeat rom-coms, these YA romances prove that love can be trickier than it seems.   Does your heart yearn for more romances? Check out our Teen Fiction: Romance Staff Picks or use the Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Descendant of the Crane
The Brilliant Death
Staff Picks

High Fantasy with a Bite

  • Diamond T.
  • Wednesday, November 02
Lush World building and magic systems with high stakes, a fantasy lover's treasure trove. 
Reminders of Him
Long Way Home
Staff Picks

Trauma Fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, November 01
Looking for an emotional roller coaster? Check out the list below.
4 3 2 1
420 Characters
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Number in the Title

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, November 01
Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with a number in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Cool for the Summer
Hello Girls
Staff Picks

13 YA Titles to Celebrate 13 'Midnights'

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, October 21
Today, Taylor Swift released her much-anticipated album "Midnights" chronicling thirteen midnights in the singer/songwriter's life. Here's a corresponding selection of thirteen YA titles which reflect the romance, angst, and atmosphere of Swift's newest album and her oeuvre as a whole. 
The Sunbearer Trials
Reclaim the Stars
Staff Picks

Critics' Choices For Best Teen Fiction of 2022

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, October 19
2022 isn't over yet, but readers are starting to agree on the titles that have stood out this year. These books span many genres, settings, and points of view, which shows that teen fiction is still and always growing.
School's out
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Staff Picks

Stax o' Wax : 1970s Vinyl

  • Allison T.
  • Tuesday, October 18
The library has a brand new collection of music on vinyl, representing a broad range of decades and genres. Here, we highlight the 1970s.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Just for the Record 🎶

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Thursday, August 31

A few weeks ago, I was casually chatting with my mother-in-law about some exciting new things happening at the library including the re-launch of our vinyl collection. Come to find out, she actually worked at the library during the early 1970s and was responsible for curating the library’s record collection. How cool is that? With October also being National Family History Month, I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to pick her brain. 

Never Coming Home
Scout's Honor
Staff Picks

Keep it Creepy

  • Kei G.
  • Monday, October 10
Keep it creepy this October with some YA horror! Supernatural scares, suspenseful thrillers, and tales of true crime--all guaranteed to keep you up at night.
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 St. Andrews

I'm With The Banned: Boy Erased

  • Lindsey T.
  • Friday, October 07

Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family by Garrard Conley is challenged in Texas. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

Epically Earnest
Foul is Fair
Staff Picks

Inspired by the Classics

  • Kei G.
  • Saturday, October 01
These YA retellings prove that a classic never goes out of style! Get inspired and check out your favorite classic lit stories reimagined and reinvented: 
All This Could Be Different
When We Were Sisters
Staff Picks

2022 National Book Award Longlists

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, September 16
The 2022 National Book Award longlists have just been announced.  The finalists will be named on 4 October.  In the meantime, check out these contenders in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, young people's literature, and translated literature.
All Boys Aren't Blue
Black Enough
Staff Picks

YA Reads for Banned Books Week

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, September 14
This year we celebrate Banned Books Week September 18 - September 24. Banned Books Week encourages us to be mindful of the impact of censorship and the importance of free access to information by highlighting books challenged for their content. Check out some recently challenged YA titles to embrace diversity and freedom of expression!  
Valiant Ladies
Murder of Crows
Staff Picks

Teen Reads for Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, September 14
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) by supporting Hispanic and Latinx #OwnVoices authors. Learn more about Hispanic and Latinx experiences, cultures, and histories with any of these great reads! Looking for more titles to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
Photographic
Puerto Rico Strong
Staff Picks

Teen Graphic Novels For Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, September 13
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans. This year's theme is: "Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation." The comics listed below celebrate all of these things.
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With the Banned: The Magic Fish

  • Lindsey T.
  • Thursday, September 01

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is challenged in both Florida and Texas. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

Post York
Windows on the World
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels set in NY

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book set in California or New York".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Stage Dreams
California Dreamin'
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels set in CA

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a fiction or nonfiction book set in California or New York".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Murder of Emmett Till
Nelson Mandela
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels with Character Names (Non-Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with a characters name in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
I Am Alfonso Jones
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novels with Character Names (Fiction)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Wednesday, August 31
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book with a characters name in the title".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
The Witch King
The Weight of Blood.
Staff Picks

YA Horror for Spooky Season

  • Alex B.
  • Tuesday, August 30
It's never too early to get spooky! You'll get a scream out of these young adult horror books. 
The Charmed List
Staff Picks

Love is in the Air

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, August 29
Bask in first loves, cute antics and books full of laughter, romance and great friendships. 
Legendborn
Girl, Serpent, Thorn
Staff Picks

Tale as Old as Time

  • Jennifer N.
  • Monday, August 29
Folk and fairy tales are passed down generation after generation to preserve community values and act as cautionary tales.  The authors below have adapted elements from these traditional tales into fresh stories of romance, fantasy, and adventure for teens. Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-929-3470.
Chef's Kiss
Cheer Up!
Staff Picks

If You Like... Heartstopper

  • Thomas M.
  • Saturday, August 27
One of the Teen Center's most popular requests this year has been Alice Oseman's graphic novel series Heartstopper. The wholesome, blooming romance at the core of the story is able to resist any drama or conflict that would separate its two sweetheart boys. With that in mind, here are some more cute LGBTQ graphic novels.
Kamisama Kiss. Vol. 01
Wotakoi
Staff Picks

Romantic Comedy Manga Series

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, August 23
Romances and comedies are both made better by misunderstandings, rumors, and exaggerations. Combining them is only natural! These manga series will tug at your heartstrings at the same time they tickle your funnybone.
Lilla the Accidental Witch
Moonstruck. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Queer Magic

  • Alex B.
  • Monday, August 22
Being yourself is about as magical as it gets! Check out these titles for LGBTQ+ fantasy novels and graphic novels. 
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.
The Pioneers
1776
Staff Picks

American Biographer

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, August 09
Author David G. McCullough, who died on 7 August, has left a rich legacy of biographies and histories that met with both critical and public acclaim.  The recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes and two National Book Awards, among many other literary prizes, McCullough published a series of best-selling books from 1968 to 2019, all still fresh and relevant for their insight and erudition.  Check out these landmark works from our collection.
Dancing at the Pity Party
Be Gay, Do Comics!
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Graphic Novel Memoirs by Non-Celebrities

  • Mahogany S.
  • Thursday, August 04
Check out one of these graphic novels and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a memoir by someone who is not a celebrity".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Run. Book One
Eternals. Vol. 01, Only Death is Eternal
Staff Picks

2022 Eisner Award Winners

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, August 02
Check out the winners of the 2022 Eisner Awards, announced at San Diego Comic-Con. You can see a full list of categories, nominees, and winners here. Keep in mind that Eisner categories span across various creative roles, formats, and target age ranges. Digital copies of this year's Eisner Award winners can also be found on Hoopla.
Breathe and Count Back from Ten
Love from A to Z
Staff Picks

Disability Visibility

  • Kei G.
  • Monday, August 01
Disability visibility is an opportunity to honor each person’s uniqueness as a part of human diversity. With this selection of YA novels, we invite you to challenge ableism and enjoy a variety of books dedicated to disabled representation.
Lore
A Song for Ella Grey
Staff Picks

Greek Myth Retellings for Teens

  • Lily W.
  • Sunday, July 17
Gone through all of the Percy Jackson books? Looking for more YA books that retell and reinterpret Greek myths? Check out the titles below, which reimagine the stories of Persephone, Medusa, Orpheus, and all of your other favorites! For more great teen books, check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Project Hail Mary
The Penny Dreadfuls
Staff Picks

Favorite Reads of The Teen Center Creative Writing Club

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, July 12
Enjoy some fond favorite reads from members of the Teen Center's creative writing club, known as Prompt & Circumstance. Science fiction, horror, fantasy, manga, poetry, Russian literature, and picture books collide in this fun mash-up of influences. You are sure to find a great read or even inspiration in this list.
Glimmer of Hope
How I Resist
Staff Picks

Your Voice, Your Power

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, July 06
Can’t vote? No problem! There are many ways to take action and effect change in your community and globally. Below are some titles that will inspire you to get involved and stay empowered:  
Kaiju No. 8. Volume 1
Godzilla in Hell.
Staff Picks

Reading About Kaiju In June For #Kaijune

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, June 22
Kaijune is a month-long online event for artists. The name comes from a word for large monsters, "kaiju," and the month of June. Every month is a good one to read about kaiju. The list below includes plenty of graphic novels (and a couple of prose books) full of kaiju.
The Ravenmaster
My Dog Tulip
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Non-Celebrity Memoirs with Animals

  • Sara M.
  • Tuesday, June 21
The #BroaderBookshelf challenge helps expand your reading habits to discover authors, genres and books you might not otherwise pick up. Check out one of these memoirs by somebody who isn't a celebrity - but who does have something to do with animals!  Hawks, sheep, pigs, dogs (so many dogs) - even the occasional royal raven.
The Memory Librarian
Black Sci-fi Short Stories
Staff Picks

Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism

  • Adele C.
  • Friday, June 17
Early late at night I wander off into a land You can go, but you mustn't tell a soul There's a world inside Where dreamers meet each other Once you go it's hard to come back Let me paint your canvas as you dance  
My Brother's Husband, Vol. 01
How to Be Ace
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels and Manga

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, June 08
Graphic novels and manga aren't exclusively for children and they aren't just for straight people either! Here's some excellent titles depicting the diversity in the LGBTQ+ community. 
A Magic Steeped in Poison
Scout's Honor
Staff Picks

Awakened Myths for Teens

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, June 06
Witches, demons & aliens galore. From Dragons to stars and everything in between. This book list has a little bit of everything. 
Kiss & Tell
Muted
Staff Picks

Jams to Go for Teen

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, June 06
From K-Pop to Hip-Hop, turn up the volume and tune in to one of these great reads.
Primer
The Wild Ones
Staff Picks

Funky Hair, Don't Care

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, June 06
With hair this fabulous, what's a bad hair day?  Rebel styles and adorned weaves aplenty!
Across a Field of Starlight
Himawari House
Staff Picks

#Stranded

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, June 06
Isolated? Cut off” Left behind? Let one of these books come to your rescue.
Right Where I Left You
The Witch King
Staff Picks

YA Books Packed with Pride

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, June 06
Join the journey as these characters learn, discover and grow as their true selves.
Dead Weight
Camp Murderface
Staff Picks

All Camped Out

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, June 06
Grab your sleeping bag, sunscreen, and bug spray- we're heading to summer camp! Smores are optional. 
Legendborn
Children of Blood and Bone
Staff Picks

500+ Page Teen Fiction

  • Lily W.
  • Saturday, June 04
If you've ever thought, "wow, I wish this book just kept on going," then this is the list for you! Take a look at these 500+ page epics and find some fascinating tomes about fantasy, mystery, love, and everything in-between! Looking for more great teen books? Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Hotel Magnifique
Salaam, with Love
Staff Picks

Top Picks for YA Debuts of 2022

  • Lily W.
  • Saturday, June 04
Looking for some new debut authors? These popular titles show the best and brightest of 2022 (so far)! For more great teen books, check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Family of Liars
Bad Things Happen Here
Staff Picks

Highly Anticipated Teen Reads for June

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, June 02
There’s always room left on your TBR list! From romances and mysteries to sci-fi and fantasy, there’s something for every reader to look forward to this Summer. Here are some of the most anticipated young adult books to watch out for in June. Reserve any of these titles today by placing a hold with your library card!
Body Talk
Disability Visibility /.
Staff Picks

Celebrating Every Body: Teen Body Positivity & Self Image

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, June 01
Body positivity encourages us to challenge how society views the body and promotes the acceptance of all bodies regardless of weight, complexion, skin texture, height, and disability. These teen titles invite us to embrace everything that makes us different and unique.
City of Shattered Light
A Phoenix First Must Burn
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Sci-Fi Books for Teens

  • Lily W.
  • Wednesday, June 01
This Pride Month, are you looking for LGBTQ+ teen books with superheroes, aliens, space travel, and other science fiction elements? Check out these titles! For more, take a look at our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470.
So This is Ever After
The Winter Duke
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Fantasy Books for Teens

  • Lily W.
  • Wednesday, June 01
This Pride Month, are you looking for LGBTQ+ teen books with witches, dragons, magic, and other fantasy elements? Check out these titles! For more, take a look at our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470.
Ace of Spades
Kings, Queens, and In-betweens
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Celebrating Pride Month

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, June 01
Great news: June is LGBTQIA+ month! Better news: queer representation in young adult literature flourishes year round. From gay time travel romance to LGBTQ+ history, queer representation can take many forms so there's something for everyone in the rainbow. Reading's a great way to feel affirmed in your identity. There's nothing so magical as seeing yourself represented in media. 
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!

Heartstopper. Vol. 01
Manhunt
Staff Picks

Read with Pride

  • Amber J.
  • Wednesday, May 25
Celebrate your PRIDE with these fresh and fun LBGT+ titles for teens and adults. Don't forget to check out these movies coming to theaters next month: "No Ordinary Man"(July 16) tells the story of transgender jazz musician Billy Tipton from directors Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joynt and "Nope"(July 22), Jordan Peele's latest horror starring LGBT+ actors Keke Palmer and Barbie Ferrerira.
The Tunnel to Summer
Final Fantasy XV
Staff Picks

Light Novels in the Library (2022 Update)

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, May 25
It has been over a year since the library's light novel collection became its own official category. The light novel list from 2021 still has many gateways. A new wave of titles is here, with plenty of adaptations, side stories, and reincarnations into a new life.
Charming As a Verb
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Young Adult Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for high schoolers, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.