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: 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 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

Crafty Kids

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

The Magic of Mac Barnett

Picture books push and stretch a child's imagination, breathing magic into the everyday. And Mac Barnett is a master of this magic.  Ready to sprinkle some magic into your child's world? Try some of my favorite books by Mac Barnett. 
Staff Picks

The Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019

The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019. This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens.
Staff Picks

Children's Books for Adults

These works might have been written with children in mind, but there's something for everyone in these classics.
Staff Picks

Classic Children's Books

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

Talking with Children About Dementia

Books are one of the best ways to open the door on a topic and start a conversation with your children about tough issues like a dementia diagnosis. While there are many books out there, below are some of our staff's recommendations to help get the conversation started for your family. For more on dementia, visit RichlandLibrary.com/Access.
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Earth Science and Astronomy

Create a map of the stars, observe the phases of the moon, start a rock collection, or build a model volcano. There is nothing like hands-on experiments for making learning fun and unforgettable.  Dig into rocks, minerals, and the night sky for free at your library. 
Staff Picks

Homeschooling: Medieval History

Studying the Middle Ages? Ready to host a medieval feast? Construct a trebuchet or create a family coat of arms?  Build hands-on lessons complete with knights and castles for free at your library. 
Staff Picks

Homeschooling Early American History

Studying explorers? Looking for books about Jamestown? Draw a map, sew a costume, or try a colonial recipe. From early colonial days to westward expansion, revolutionize your year with these great books!    Homeschooling history is fun and free with resources from your library!
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

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

Great Books for Ages 11-12-13

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

Great Books for Ages 9-10-11

Hand selected by the Children's Room staff, these books are sure to appease the late elementary students who are wading their way to middle school. Be sure to ask your local librarian for even more suggestions. You can check out 60 books with your library card!
Staff Picks

If You Like Dog Man...

If you love the wildly popular series Dog Man by Dav Pilkey but are craving more titles faster than he can crank them out, try these! Some will have your sides in stitches, others will satisfy the quest for comics. You can check out 60 books with your Richland Library card. Ask your local librarian for even more great suggestions!
Staff Picks

Good Books for 12 & 13 Year Olds

The tween years are full of excitement, change and looking forward to the future. Leaving childhood behind can be a scary prospect, but there are some wonderful books to take along on this journey. Check out these great reads for tweens.
Staff Picks

Love Maze Runner? Check out that book to movie and more!

6 Books and Their Movies Just in Time For Holiday Travel!  Hurry to your local library and check out these futuristic titles to read and then watch the movie.  Also, ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

Love Percy Jackson? Read these five books!

5 books to read if you love Percy Jackson! Join these new characters in their adventures and coming of age stories.  Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions! 
Staff Picks

Mysteries for Ages 8-12

Over Magic Tree House? Done with The A-Z Mysteries? Looking for something more meaty? Here is a list perfect for 8-12 year olds who love a good mystery.  
Staff Picks

Great Books for Preschoolers

During the preschool years it is essential your child hear a wealth of picture books. Reading aloud at least 20 minutes a day will greatly impact his emotional, social, and intellectual development. Doing so introduces him to the wider world, instills curiosity, and prepares him for learning how to read when he goes to school. The best news? You can check out 60 books with your Richland Library card!
Staff Picks

Great Books for Babies

Your baby is born with 1 billion unconnected brain neurons. Much of his brain development and those developing connections depend on the sensory experiences he has in his early years, and the language he hears. The best way to help develop his brain, his understanding of language, and an appreciation for high quality art is to introduce him to books as soon as he is born. The best news? You can check out 60 books with your Richland Library card!
Staff Picks

Check It Out!: Black Girl Magic

Celebrate the magic and beauty of black girls by reading these awesome, contemporary stories of friendship, families and love. Want more great books?  Your Richland Library staff is always happy to help—from volunteer opportunities, book clubs or more books in that series she loves, we’re here to help you and your family.  
Staff Picks

Popular Titles for Reluctant Readers

For new readers, finding a book that hooks them in makes all the difference when it's time to practice their developing reading skills. A fast plot, a healthy dose of silliness, and a few furry characters go a long way in making reading fun. Try out these titles and you might be surprised to find your reluctant reader asks for more. Special thanks to Children's Room staff members Emily Johansson, Morgan Ryan, and Heather McCue for their recommendations.