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.
Amari and the Night Brothers
Amari and the Night Brothers
Staff Picks

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, May 19
The South Carolina Junior Book Award is granted annually by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL).  The nominees represent quality contemporary literature for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, selected by students, parents, teachers, and librarians.  Below are the 2022-2023 nominees in print, audio, and ebook formats.
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
Sour
Sunday Love
Staff Picks

If you loved Olivia Rodrigo's Sour Album 🍬

  • Brittany S.
  • Tuesday, May 10
#ItsBrutalOutHere !!! Which is why we're all obsessed with Olivia Rodrigo's debut Album Sour. Here are some iconic artists that have similar sounds!  
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Code Name Verity /.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 16, 17, 18

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, May 06
The transition of the late teen years can be both joyful and confusing. Reading about someone like yourself or escaping into someone else’s shoes are both great ways to learn about the world around you. Check out some of our favorite reads for older teens in the list below.  Happy exploring!
Akata Witch
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 13, 14, 15

  • Jennifer N.
  • Friday, May 06
Looking for some great fiction for younger teens and don’t know where to start? Check out the list below for an overview of some of our favorites. With mysteries, romances, fantasies, nonfiction, and more there’s something for every reader! 
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!

She Gets the Girl
Cool for the Summer
Staff Picks

Feel-Good LGBTQ+ Teen Fiction

  • Lily W.
  • Thursday, May 05
Looking for some lighthearted LGBTQ+ teen reads? Check these titles out! For more, take a look at our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470.
A Magic Steeped in Poison
Inheritance
Staff Picks

Highly Anticipated Teen Reads for May

  • Kei G.
  • Wednesday, April 27
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 Spring. Here are some of the most anticipated young adult books to watch out for in May. Reserve any of these titles today by placing a hold with your library card!
Blog
Richland Library Main

On the Streets Where We Live

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, April 27

If you’ve ever walked or biked around downtown Columbia, you’ve probably encountered impatience from drivers waiting for you to clear a crosswalk or pedal through an intersection.  The unspoken assumption in this scenario is that streets are primarily for cars, and any other uses take a back seat (so to speak) to this imperative.

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. 

The Beauty That Remains
Freaking out
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Lily W.
  • Monday, April 25
A recent study from the CDC found that 37.1% of teenage students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, often due to issues such as “school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, family loss or illness, and reduced access to health care.” However, the report also found that “poor mental health, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors were less prevalent among those who felt close to persons at school and were virtually connected with others during the pandemic.”
The Heartbeat of Trees
National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America
Staff Picks

Arbor Day Reads

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, April 22
National Arbor Day is observed annually on the last Friday in April (4/29 this year), although South Carolina marks its own Arbor Day on the first Friday in December, since saplings planted at that time of year will have a better chance of becoming established before the brutal heat of summer arrives.
They Went Left.
Code Name Verity /.
Staff Picks

World War II in Teen Fiction

  • Brittany C.
  • Thursday, April 21
One of the most common requests the Teen Center receives is World War II fiction. Spanning seven years from 1939 to 1945, World War II involved more than thirty countries and is considered one of the deadliest wars in history. It is no surprise that there are many inspiring and heartbreaking stories of bravery and resilience from all over the world. The authors featured below have used the power of historical fiction to capture these stories. Check them out! 
Lulu and Milagro's Search for Clarity.
Grace and Fury
Staff Picks

Siblings in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, April 21
Siblings, love them or hate them (or perhaps a little of both), are a part of many of our lives. The interpersonal relationship of growing up with another family member is rich, sometimes messy, but often times contains unconditional love. Check out these teen titles below that feature strong sibling relationships.   
Blog
Richland Library Main

Decision Day 2022

  • Brittany C.
  • Friday, April 15

The weather is getting warmer, spring break is here, and high school seniors are starting to get that bittersweet feeling.

That Way Madness Lies
Saving Hamlet
Staff Picks

Borrowed from The Bard

  • Kei G.
  • Thursday, April 07
William Shakespeare’s plays have influenced television, cinema, and literature for centuries. From Romeo and Juliet, to The Taming of the Shrew, and Hamlet, Shakespeare masterfully and poetically captures the comedic and tragic drama of teen relationships. Enjoy these titles which highlight the timelessness of The Bard’s genius through modern retellings of his works. 
The Bridge
Thirteen Reasons Why
Staff Picks

Suicide In Teen Fiction

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, April 01
According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24. Silence will not make the problem go away.
Rolling Thunder Revue
Don't Look Back
Staff Picks

Like the Wind Blowin' Through 1703 Taylor St.

  • Keith B.
  • Friday, April 01
Did you leave a Bob Dylan concert mystified, unsure of what you just heard? Did you find his voice rough and his manners rowdy? Were you intrigued by his literary lyrics and the fanatical spectacle? Take a deeper dive into Dylanology with this selection of materials.   Bob Dylan Setlists for Shows at The Columbia Township Auditorium 2022-03-29 
Hungry Hearts
With the Fire on High
Staff Picks

Teen Food Books

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, April 01
Do yourself a flavor and check out some of these teen titles featuring delectable eats that will have your mouth watering. From traveling abroad to study culinary arts in Spain (With the Fire on High) to working the locally owned women-run ice cream stand (Stay Sweet) to competing on a reality TV food competition (Where There's a Whisk), you'll be in foodie heaven.
Hard Reboot
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Staff Picks

Robots, Love, and Queer People!

  • Garrett W.
  • Monday, March 28
Books for teens and adults featuring robots, space flight, and rogue artificial intelligence. 
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Interview with Councilwoman Jesica Mackey

  • Brittany S.
  • Wednesday, March 30

I had the honor of chatting with Richland County Council Vice-Chair, Jesica Mackey, (District 9) about her leadership, community, and the importance of Women's History Month.

Everything is Illuminated
Fahrenheit 9/11
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #9 - Starting with 'Eva Luna')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 15
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life.  📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC)   Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Columbia Women: A Walking Tour

  • Heather B.
  • Monday, March 14

Grab your walking shoes for a brief stroll and learn more about a few of the women who have made huge impacts and continue to advance Columbia, the South, and our nation. 

Vinyl Moon
Salaam, with Love
Staff Picks

Diverse Teen Fiction in 2022

  • Brittany C.
  • Wednesday, March 09
From the legend of the Chinese moon goddess to a gender-bent retelling of The Three Musketeers, this year is already brimming with diverse titles from #OwnVoices authors. Check out these new titles from our collection below!
Eloise at the Plaza
Emma.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #8 - Starting with 'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 08
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life.  📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC)   Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Cooper

In Defense of Short Stories

  • Charlotte D.
  • Friday, June 30

Short stories sometimes get a bad rap - but these collections just might change your mind about the writing form.

Soulswift
Undead Girl Gang
Staff Picks

Teen Hidden Gems

  • Alison B.
  • Sunday, March 06
You've read the bestsellers and the trending titles on social media, now try some young adult books that flew under the radar and you may have missed. Discover a new favorite in these teen books that deserve more love.
And We Rise
Freedom Swimmer
Staff Picks

Teen Historical Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, March 01
Bridge the gap between past and present in these latest teen historical fiction novels. From disappearances in 1400s Korea (The Forest of Stolen Girls) to a diverse reimagining of Little Women in 1863 (So Many Beginnings) to dreams of an aspiring 1950s Broadway actress (Mazie), no matter what year you're in, you'll find something to keep you turning pages.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood.
Driving Miss Daisy.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #7 - Starting with 'Deenie')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 01
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life.  📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC)   Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Blackout Book Review

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

Are you looking for #Blackgirlmagic for Black History Month? If so, Blackout is the book for you! Take a look at my review of the novel and see if entices you to read it.  

The Crimson Petal and the White.
Crucible
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #6 - Starting with 'The Crimson Petal & The White')

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, February 22
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life.  📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC)   Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
Dune
Dune.
Staff Picks

What to Read If You Like: 'DUNE'

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, February 18
So, you've finally seen the movie and/or read the book. Great! Check out the rest of the Dune series or other series of similar themes!  Be careful with how much spice you consume...
Mister Miracle
Naomi Season One.
Staff Picks

Black Superheroes (2022 Update)

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, February 16
Following 2019's list of Comics With Black Protagonists, here are some recent releases featuring black superheroes. Some are from big, established universes, while others star in their own fantasy series.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Switching to LECA: Another Way to Grow Houseplants

  • Brianna K.
  • Tuesday, March 15

In the fall of 2021, I decided to change my houseplants' growing medium from soil to LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate). At that time, I had over 30 houseplants and found it challenging to keep up with their watering schedules and pest control. Then, one day, I came across a video on YouTube about LECA.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Love & Money

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 04

There are no perfect solutions in love or money, but there are some simple ways to increase your chances of success.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Count of Monte Cristo (2002.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #5 - Starting with 'The Code of the Woosters')

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, February 11
☕ Take a deep dive into all the books seen and referenced on the Gilmore Girls from Season 1 to A Year in the Life.  📚 Just in time for our winter weather. So, grab your books, a cup of coffee (or hot cocoa), and bundle up by the fire. ❄️Smells Like Snow❄️ (except for SC)   Since there are 408 titles, there will be multiple lists sent out over the next few months. Enjoy!
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.
Nothing but Blackened Teeth
Taaqtumi
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Folk Horror

  • Sara M.
  • Thursday, February 10
Did you really love Midsommar?  Want more of The Wicker Man?  Then you want more folk horror in your life!  Folk horror takes some element from folklore - nature spirits, Fair Folk, Japanese oni  - and incorporates it into a horror narrative.  Whether it's a creepy cult, the darkest part of the forest, or an animal that doesn't look quite right in the broad daylight, folk horror delivers the scares.  
What if It's Us
Counting Down with You
Staff Picks

Swoon-Worthy Romance in Teen Fiction

  • Brittany C.
  • Sunday, February 06
Looking for the perfect romance to curl up with? While romance can span many genres, there's nothing quite like a sweet contemporary romance to lift you up and teen fiction has plenty! Check out this list of swoon-worthy stories sure to sweep you off your feet. 
Ace of Spades
Ace of Spades
Staff Picks

Teen Dark Academia

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, February 04
Dark academia is on the rise. Not sure what it is? Think tweed blazer and plaid skirt uniforms, sprawling gothic architecture campuses and boarding schools, and mysteries with dark and morbid origins. Whether it's joining a secret society, witnessing a murder, or caving under the immense pressure of classes, these students might have to risk it all to accomplish their goals. 
The Sparrow
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Fantastic Voyages

  • Sara M.
  • Friday, February 04
Fulfill the "Read a book about a journey" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these fantasy, sci-fi, or horror books!   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Let’s Talk Race and Justice Playlist

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, September 25

As Racial Justice Week comes to a close, check out these engaging discussions with past guests, thought leaders and community members that encourage honest dialogue on injustices, anti-racism and diversity.

Blog
Richland Library Main

The Intersection of Race & LGBTQI2SA+ Liberation | Celebrating Racial Justice Week

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, January 20

Quite often it is assumed that the LGBTQI2SA+ community is exempt from the discussion of systemic racism. Unfortunately, these assumptions could not be further from the truth. Racism and discrimination as it applies to LGBTQI2SA+ community is evident in access to health care, housing, and even social media platforms like dating websites.

Dread Nation
Handling the Undead
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - Horror with Zombies

  • Sara M.
  • Thursday, January 20
Do you like your books to have brrrrains?  Perhaps a little bite?  This list has all kinds of zombies - fast zombies, slow zombies, disease zombies, magic zombies, any kind of zombie you want. Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library Eastover

Flower Pot “Whatever You Want” Dish

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Wednesday, January 19

This project is easy, fun, and enjoyable to make. I made sure to use the phrase, “Whatever you want” because the possibilities of what you can create with this project are endless…believe me.