Staff Picks

Read All about It: Diverse Families in Picture Books

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.
Staff Picks

First Person Narratives

It is said that the best way to get to know a person is by walking a mile in their shoes. Perhaps that is what is so fascinating about first person narratives. They give you the opportunity to get inside the head of that character and experience the story through their eyes. You share their feelings and experiences, and are immersed in their world in a way that is different from other perspectives. So take a different view and check out a few of these first person narratives.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kindness & Caring

Everyone can show kindness and everyone needs a little kindness. Waving hello, offering to help someone carry a heavy load or making a card for a friend can brighten someone's day. Let these books inspire you to find ways to let people know that you care. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Social Issues in Teen Fiction

Studies have shown that reading fiction increases empathy and makes it easier to understand someone else’s point-of-view. There’s no better way to tackle some of the complex issues facing our country during election season than seeking out diverse perspectives.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

Sharing books about feelings gives children the language to name their emotions. These stories can also give children the opportunity to explore feelings and imagine how they might behave if they were a character in the story. Talking about emotions with a trusted caregiver builds a solid foundation of mental health. Check out some of these great read-alouds and start your conversation today!
Staff Picks

New in Science

Science writing has its own celebrities, and a few them have new books coming out. Astrophysicist Janna Levin is back with her fourth book, Black Hole Survival Guide, while famed biologist and #1 world “ant guy” Edward O. Wilson sums up a long lifetime of research and discovery with Tales from the Ant World.
Staff Picks

Elections and Issues Information for Teens

Every vote matters and every voice counts. Make sure your voice is heard by learning more about the political process, political figures, and challenging issues in the titles below. Access even more information on these topics using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database, or dig into some fantastic fiction on important social subjects.
Staff Picks

Billion Dollar Loser (and other new business books you may enjoy)

Check out these new business titles recently added to our collection. Considering the news of the antitrust suit that the US Department of Justice has just brought against Google, Zephyr Teachout’s Break ’em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money is a timely read indeed.
Staff Picks

The Brutal History of Black Bodies & Medicine

As with so much of American history, the field of medicine made advancements at the expense of numerous Black lives. Yet, this trauma did not end with emancipation. The stereotypes and inhumane treatment persisted through Jim Crow. The vestiges remain today and play out in racial health disparities that have come into even sharper focus with COVID-19.
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

Several of these new titles have been getting rave reviews, for example Debora Harding’s Dancing with the Octopus, a shocking true-crime memoir, and Kerri Arsenault’s Mill Town, about the author’s return to her struggling blue-collar hometown in Maine.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels

Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture. Check out these chapter books and novels to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives. Don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books list!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Kelly Starling Lyons

Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression. She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.
Staff Picks

Witches and Werewolves

Something wicked this way comes. Dust off your broom and check out these books about witches and werewolves that you can really sink your teeth into. They're sure to put a spell on you.
Staff Picks

Gothic Literature

Featuring windswept moors, crumbling towers, abandoned castles, and maybe a ghost or two, Gothic Literature is all about atmosphere. From English manors to Southern mansions, these often supernatural tales merge deep passions with chill dread. Just be sure to read them with the lights on and don't answer the strange knocking at your door.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Middle Grade & Teen Novels

Discover the stories, cultures, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these compelling novels for middle grade and teen readers. 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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books

Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books. 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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture. Check out these picture books to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives. And don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels book list!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Sharon Draper

Sharon Draper (born 1948) grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she majored in English at Pepperdine University then earned her Masters of Arts in English at Miami University of Ohio. Always an avid reader, Draper taught at Cincinnati public schools.
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
Staff Picks

2020 Kirkus Prize Finalists

The finalists for this year's Kirkus Prize have just been announced. The prize, which was created in 2014, goes to books in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature. The winners in the three categories will be announced on November 5. Check out the finalists listed below from our collection.
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy. This right has not always been guaranteed or given to every citizen. Discover the history and the people who fought and continue to fight for the power of the vote. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Mariko Tamaki

Mariko Tamaki was born in Toronto, Ontario. Her writing often deals with the inner turmoil of teenagers, especially in titles such as Skim and This One Summer, both illustrated by her cousin Jillian Tamaki, as well as Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, illustrated by Rosemary Valer-O’Connell. Tamaki’s protagonists are marked by her talent for writing authentic flaws and personal conflict.
Staff Picks

Space Opera

Craving dramatic, large-scale science fiction adventure and characters you won't soon forget? Travel the stars with these Space Opera titles and discover your new out of this world read. Looking for more great titles? Find your new favorite title using our Personalized Reading Recommendations.
Staff Picks

Teen Viral Sensations

This year we've all been a bit more plugged in than usual. Whether you're connecting with friends and family via Zoom, emailing in your homework assignments, scrolling through social media on your phone, or even participating in virtual role playing games with your peers, the internet and technology is essential. But have you ever wondered what would happen if you went viral? This list of teen fiction titles explores what it would be like to experience a sudden onslaught of fame and attention from viral videos, blogs, YouTube channels, comics, and more.
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest for Families

Inspire your future leaders with these stories of people who made a difference. Discover how these activists found their voice, fought for their rights and used the power of protest to create change. You can also take action with our DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. Ms. Grimes has said that reading and writing helped her get through her darkest times as a child. Helping children process grief through stories is a significant part of her writing. She wants children to see themselves in literature.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Immigrant & Refugee Stories in Novels

Children and families immigrate or flee their country because of war, hunger or the dream of something greater. But life in their new home isn't always easy and everyone isn't always welcoming. Read these stories to find out how they figure it out, make friends and how they embrace their new life while holding firm to who they are.
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest

Black protest has power. The power to change minds, laws, even nations. Black protest shapes history and leaders. Learn more about the triumphs and the struggles of black protest and activism by checking out these titles today. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Thought Leaders to Read

Thought leaders are the go-to people that we turn to to get inspiration for a movement; their ideas and actions are influential and substantial.Here are a few folx who are leading the charge of race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Give their books a read, follow them on social media and then feel free to share key takeaways, interesting articles, or your personal experiences on our Let's Talk Race padlet.
Staff Picks

Diverse Teen Fantasy Books

Looking for some escapism? Check out these exciting and diverse teen fantasy titles released in 2020 to explore new worlds filled with unique magic. From adventures of a gender-fluid pirate discovering a mermaid (The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea) to a Bolivian politics inspired tale of a decoy queen (Woven in Moonlight) to a fairy tale retelling of a black heroine fighting the patriarchy (Cinderella is Dead) and more, you'll be sure to find spellbinding stories in each of these books.
Staff Picks

If You Like Wings of Fire, then try...

For fans craving adventure, talking animals and dragons (of course), check out one of these new middle grade fantasies today. Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Lamar Giles

Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books. He sold his first short story at age 21. He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R.
Staff Picks

Literary Fiction

Known for its complex form, language, and style, Literary Fiction often explores the facets of the human condition and aims to provide insight that creates a stronger understanding of the world. Looking for more great titles? Find your new favorite title using our Personalized Reading Recommendations.
Staff Picks

​Nostalgic Teen Vampire Reads

The recent release of Midnight Sun, the fifth book in the Twilight saga, may have you craving more of that supernatural, vampire romance and angst. We've got you covered with all the old teen favorites and maybe some you may have missed. Sink your teeth into these for forbidden love, boarding school drama, dark and mysterious secrets, and more. Want more recommendations? Try out our our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages. She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016). Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020). Ms.
Staff Picks

Let's Read Middle Eastern and South Asian YA Authors

Looking to diversify your bookshelf? Check out the titles below from some of our favorite Middle Eastern and South Asian authors. Whether drawing inspiration from traditional stories, high fantasy, or the American teen experience, these books capture teen life in all its drama, joy, and magic.
Staff Picks

Fall in Love with these Teen Romances

Looking for a read to make your heart flutter and cheeks flush? These latest teen romances are full of first loves, self-discovery, meet-cutes, opposites attract, fake dating contracts, and more.
Staff Picks

The Dog Days of Summer

Too hot to go outside? Then stay in and chill with your favorite canine companion and one of these great reads! Not finding what you are looking for? Call us at 803-799-9084 for more great suggestions.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books for children and teens. When asked, “Why do you write?” Ms. McKissack said, “I write because there is a need to have books for, by, and about the African American experience and how we helped to develop this country." Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

Share these #OwnVoices picture books and middle grade novels together and begin the practice of having regular and honest family conversations about race. Embrace Race offers 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race that will help you get started.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Memoirs & Biographies for Middle Schoolers

Memoirs and biographies are real life stories that inspire. From samurais to cowboys, writers to activists, this list is full of people who have faced hardship and triumphed. Download one of these amazing ebooks or eaudiobooks to start reading or listening today.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Teens & Adults

Talk about race and the black experience in America with these #OwnVoices titles for teens and adults.
Staff Picks

Locked Room Mysteries

A murder has taken place, but the door is locked from the inside and the murderer is nowhere to be found. Do you have what it takes to solve an impossible murder? Practice your social distancing and amateur sleuth skills with these e-books and e-audiobooks, available for free with your Richland Library card, that are certain to have you guessing not only whodunit, but howdunit until the very end.
Staff Picks

Set in SC

Sometimes it's nice to read something and know exactly where the author is taking you, whether its your favorite restaurant in Charleston, or a dusty road in Six Mile. Try one of these new(ish) titles that take place in South Carolina.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: STEAM Picture Books

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Engineering Stories & Facts

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Technology Stories & Facts

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Math Stories, Concepts & Activities

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Facts & Activities

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Stories

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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Celebrating Moms

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.
Staff Picks

Immerse Yourself in a Full Cast Audiobook Today!

Right now seems like a perfect time to take a voyage through space (Illuminae), travel into a fantasy world (Princess Academy and Redwall), or maybe just lose yourself in a mystery (Sadie, The Graveyard Book), a charming romance (Meet Cute, Boy Meets Boy), or some award-winning realistic fiction (Monster, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl). With full cast recordings, these eaudiobooks will transport you into your new favorite story.
Staff Picks

Listen to an Odyssey Award Winner!

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.
Staff Picks

In the News: eBooks for Children & Teens

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.
Staff Picks

Family Storytime: eAudiobook Edition

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.
Staff Picks

For Your Listening Pleasure: Teen Audiobooks from the SC Book Awards

We love audiobooks for long days at home- they're a perfect companion for cleaning, cooking, or working on a new maker project. Check out some of the Teen Center's favorites from this year's SC Book Award nominees. The best part? They're all available on Hoopla, 24/7, with no wait list. Happy listening!
Staff Picks

Staff Picks: Sandhills

Enjoy this collection of books, music, movies, and more from the staff at Richland Library Sandhills.
Staff Picks

The Luck of the Irish

Try your luck with these works written by Irish authors. They are as lush and captivating as the Emerald Isle itself. Or, ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

For the Love of Dogs

Whether you are dog-obsessed or just dog-curious, there's a little something for everyone on this list. Sit. Stay. Read!
Staff Picks

#BlackGirlMagic

The #BlackGirlMagic movement took off in 2013 and has since "become a rallying cry and affirmation for black women all over", says originator CaShawn Thompson. Check out these out to keep the magic alive. It's just a tiny sampling of what Richland Library has to offer!
Staff Picks

Strong Female Protagonists

Celebrate National Women's History Month with these great reads featuring strong female leads. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

Classic Sci-Fi

Enjoy this classic selection of science fiction works: From the macabre visions of Mary Shelley and H. P. Lovecraft, to the contemporary works of Andy Weir and James S. A. Corey, these pieces are a great start for anyone looking to get into Science Fiction, or to round out their bibliography as an existing fan.
Staff Picks

Christian Living Ebooks

In these ebooks authors share their wisdom on how to understand scripture for what it is--not what we want it to be. Tag along on a journey of navigating spiritual life and overcoming the doubts that keep us from living a devoted Christian life.
Staff Picks

Fantasy in Your Fantasy - Part 2

If you'd like to spice up your Romance reading with a few ghosts, vampires, werewolves and others, check out these paranormal romance titles. Part 2 of 2
Staff Picks

Fantasy in Your Fantasy - Part 1

If you'd like to spice up your Romance reading with a few ghosts, vampires, werewolves and others, check out these paranormal romance titles. Part 1 of 2
Staff Picks

Spark a Conversation

As Americans continue to confront the inequities that plague our community when it comes to race and diversity, we continue to become more aware of innate biases and prejudices, and are looking for ways to change the stranglehold that racism has on our society. Whether we get there by looking deeper within ourselves to make changes to the way we think and act, or search outside our bubbles to create a positive impact in the broader sense- these books will help move the conversation forward. Audiobooks, ebooks, eaudio, and book club sets may be available.
Staff Picks

The New Roaring Twenties

Get out your flapper dresses and bob your hair! The 20's are back! Celebrate the start of the new decade by checking out some of these Jazz Age inspired reads. They'll have you doing the Charleston in no time! Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

Sandhills Staff Picks of 2019

It's that time of year again when "Best Of" lists are everywhere you turn. Well, we are jumping on the bandwagon here at Richland Library Sandhills and have curated a very special list just for you of our favorites reads this year (with just a few from last year!)
Staff Picks

Let Your Business Education Begin...

Don't have time to run out and get your MBA, but still interested in learning more about business? Here is a list of business books that many consider "classics" that may help inform you as an entrepreneur, investor or lifelong learner. So, read like a boss!
Staff Picks

Southeast Staff Picks Pt. 3

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!
Staff Picks

Southeast Staff Picks Pt. 2

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!
Staff Picks

I Like My Characters Quirky

Do you prefer interesting, unique characters? Check out this curated list of quirky, likeable, and relateable characters. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll want to read them over and over. Not finding what you are looking for? Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

Books with Bite - Zombie Edition

Some romance included *shudder*. Fast zombies, slow zombies, partial zombies - we got 'em. Enjoy the books that bite!
Staff Picks

Books with Bite - Vampire Edition

No romance included. All scary beasts, all the time. Enjoy the terror that comes with a bite.
Staff Picks

Women in Blue

Looking for mysteries or thrillers that have a strong female lead who carries a badge and solves the crime? Then try these books and authors!
Staff Picks

Southern Authors

From the South Carolina coastal waters, to the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, these authors are sure to make you feel right at home! Not finding what you are looking for? Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

American History- Without All The Sugar

America's history is deep, complicated, and pretty uncomfortable to talk about at times. These books delve into the complexities of America, its troublesome past, its noble accomplishments, and hopes for a brighter future. While these selections only scratch the surface, there are thousands more to be found at your local Richland Library location, or at your fingertips through our eResources apps.
Staff Picks

World Class Series

In a book slump? Thinking about starting a new series? Here are a few suggestions of the first book in a series, across all genres that will help you get the reading bug.
Staff Picks

Lend Me Your Eyre

Are you a fan of Jane Eyre? Do you want to be? Check out these titles that are inspired by Charlotte Bronte's classic story. And check out Jane Eyre too if you haven't already.
Staff Picks

Get to First Base: Sports Romances

Already love sports romances, or ready to dip your toe in the pool? To play doubles, you'll need to really get your head (and heart) in the game. Are you ready to make a forward pass? Be careful - you might get thrown a curve ball, but you definitely miss 100% of the shots you don't take!
Staff Picks

Homeschooling World History of the Modern Age

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.
Staff Picks

It Wasn't Funny at the Time - Hilarious Memoirs

I'm not saying there's no tragedy in these memoirs - some of them have a lot of awful things in them. I'm saying that whether they're sad or not, they're also full of laughs - just like life. Enjoy some of these humorous memoirs!
Staff Picks

In Their Own Words: Read by the Author

Did you know some of your favorite authors have narrated their own audio books? Check out one of these titles today to hear the story straight from the source.
Staff Picks

Ear Reading Favorites for Teens

Plug into these engaging titles for teens while walking, biking, or kicking back on the beach.
Staff Picks

Homeschooling: Ancient History

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.
Staff Picks

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

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!
Staff Picks

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

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.