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!
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.
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.
The Book of Mother
Cursed Bunny
Staff Picks

2022 International Booker Prize

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, April 19
The long list and short list titles were announced this month for the 2022 International Booker Prize. This prize was created in 2004 to recognize works of fiction that weren't eligible for the regular Booker Prize (awarded to books by authors hailing from anywhere in the British Commonwealth). The winner will be announced on 26 May, but in the meantime, check out these nominees from our collection.
Portrait of a Thief
The Startup Wife
Staff Picks

Novels by Asian and Asian-American Authors

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, April 19
Taking place everywhere from far and wide, to worlds built in fantasy, these titles written by authors of Asian descent are the perfect way to delve into a sliver of a different culture, background or experience. Don't forget to participate in the #BroaderBookshelf challenge or get more ideas about what to read by filling out a Personalized Recommendation form.
No More Plastic
Reuse This Book!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Taking Care of Mother Earth

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 18
"She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and decided to make a change."--No More Plastic | Alma Fullerton Discover how pollution and litter damage the air, land and seas and what you can do each day to take care of our planet. Earth day is every day when you read one of these books. Find more great stories when you Read All About It: This Land is Our Land.
Jabari Jumps
Violet Shrink
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Jabari Jumps Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, April 14
Visit Richland Library's Jabari Jumps StoryWalk® at Caughman Road Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and find your courage to try something new. Next, check out some of these good books to continue the stories at home! Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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.
Bellevue
CERTAIN PEOPLE
Staff Picks

True Tales of the Gilded Age

  • Sara M.
  • Tuesday, April 05
Are you all caught up on the HBO series The Gilded Age? Check out these nonfiction books about the real people and places of New York society in the late nineteenth century.
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.
The Memory Police
The Good Son
Staff Picks

Without Borders: Books in Translation

  • Kristin A.
  • Tuesday, March 29
Books have no borders. Without reading translated books, we only experience a tiny sliver of the literature that the world has to offer. Authors are writing incredible books in a variety of languages throughout the world, but only a very small percentage are translated into English. By reading books published in other countries, you are able to delve deep into that author's culture in a way you wouldn't otherwise be able to do without a passport. So broaden your bookshelf and try one of these translated books today.
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.
Your Money or Your Life
Get Good with Money
Staff Picks

Personal Finance Books By Women

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, March 20
The history of money is full of barriers to women. For example, until 1974, American banks could refuse to issue credit to unmarried women and require a husband's signature for married women. Today, many of those barriers have been broken and anyone can attain financial freedom. For Women's History Month, here is a list of personal finance books packed with good advice, all authored by women.
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!
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!
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.
The Girls Who Stepped out of Line
The Unwomanly Face of War
Staff Picks

Her Story: Women Heroes of WWII

  • Kristin A.
  • Thursday, March 03
Women have always served their countries in many ways during wartime, but the sheer scope of World War II demanded more of them than ever — and they answered the call. Around the world, women served as military nurses, pilots, resistance fighters, codebreakers, spies, and served in other roles. For decades, their stories went untold. For Women's History Month, we're celebrating these courageous women and the important role they played during this time. Thrilling and inspiring, these books will shed new light on the women who answered the call to serve their country.
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!
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!
How to Be Fine
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead
Staff Picks

Mental Health Month

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, February 21
If you are feeling depressed, lonely, or are just having a bad day, try one of these titles and let reading briefly take you out of reality. Whether you are looking for something to make you laugh, an out-of-this-world sci-fi, or need a little self-help action, we've got you covered. For personalized recommendations, click here. You are not alone. These resources may help you:
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.
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.
Orwell's Roses
A Little Devil in America
Staff Picks

2021 National Book Critics Circle Award Finalists

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, February 10
The finalists for the 2021 National Book Critics Circle Awards were recently announced. Given annually since 1976, they are the only major book awards selected by critics. The winners will be announced in March. Check out the following finalists from our collection, in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, biography, autobiography, poetry, and criticism. (The list also includes the finalists for the NBCC's John Leonard Prize for Best First Book.)
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.
A Lot Like Adiós
Have We Met?
Staff Picks

Romance Novels by Authors of Color

  • Morgan R.
  • Saturday, January 22
Whether you are looking for something to read while getting cozy by the fire, or catching some rays at the beach, these books are sure to heat things up.
Skin of the Sea
Skin of the Sea
Staff Picks

Teen Mermaids & Sirens

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 13
Stories of mermaids and sirens are prevalent in myths and legends all around the world. Dive into some YA titles about living below water, iridescent scales of all colors, and the alluring appeal of these mythical beings.
Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Staff Picks

RM's Reading List

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 13
Kim Namjoon, also known by his stage name RM, is the leader of the worldwide famous K-pop group BTS. Beyond being a talented rapper, creative songwriter/producer, team mentor, and impressive dancer, he is also an avid reader. Below is a list of reading recommendations he has shared spanning across genres and countries of origin.
The Sun is Also a Star
The 5th Wave
Staff Picks

Young Adult Book To Movie Adaptations

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 05
Is the book always better than the movie? What if the book is young adult fiction? Sometimes the author's voice is too unique on paper to be translated to the silver screen. Or can actors and visual style add a fresh, new angle? Reading and then watching a story (or vice versa) can lead to interesting insights about what makes one version of a story better... or worse.
The Girl with the Louding Voice
Black Sunday
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022: African Authors

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, January 04
Fulfill the prompt, "Read a book by an author from an African nation" with one of these engaging books. Find out more information about the #BroaderBookshelf challenge here. Need more suggestions? Fill out a Personalized Reading Recommendation form. It's a quick and easy way to find your next favorite read.
Moon of the Crusted Snow
No Exit
Staff Picks

Stone Cold Thrillers

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, January 03
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a crime book. Whether you’re in the mood for chilling psychological suspense, Nordic Noir, or a good old fashioned detective story, there’s a little something for everyone in this reading list. Check out some of the best snowy page-turners below.
Patricia Highsmith
Redeeming Justice
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, December 29
Notable new releases include Chinese artist/activist Ai Weiwei’s 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows and Indian economist (and prolific author) Amartya Sen’s Home in the World. Carole Angier’s
The Bad Seed
The Good Egg
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Children's eBooks 📱

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends' and neighbors' children were reading in 2021? Us too! Long story, short. It was a good year to be a wimpy kid, a teen wizard, or Dog Man.
Ruin and Rising
Shadow and Bone
Staff Picks

Top Checkouts 2021: Teen eBooks 📱

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, December 29
Curious as to what your friends and classmates were reading in 2021? Us too! Series seem to take top marks across teen formats in 2021--with lots of checkouts of The Grisha Trilogy and A Court of Thorns and Roses Series as well as older favorites like the Twilight series and The Hunger Games.
Naturalist
The Ants
Staff Picks

Naturalist: E. O. Wilson, 1929-2021

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, December 28
In his long and distinguished career, scientist and author Edward O. Wilson, who died on 26 December, wrote as much for a popular audience as he did for his academic peers. In addition to several books on ants (on which he was a world authority), he published widely on evolutionary biology and conservation. One of his collaborations with fellow ant expert Bert Hölldobler, The Ants, won the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
After Henry
Staff Picks

Remembering Joan Didion

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, December 27
Joan Didion, who died at age 87 on 23 December, astutely sized up American culture from the 1960s onward in a series of nonfiction and fiction works that met with both critical and popular acclaim. The prolific Didion is perhaps still best known for her first two essay collections, Slouching Towards Bethlehem and
Trillions
Get Good with Money
Staff Picks

New Business Books

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, December 22
This batch of new business books features some sharp corporate take-downs, including Peter Robison’s Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing and Bartow J.
Super Volcanoes
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2021
Staff Picks

New in Science

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, December 21
Check out the latest in science writing from our collection. Notable titles include Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, by best-selling author Mary Roach (dubbed "America's funniest science writer" by the WaPo) and Scientist: E. O.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Fairy Tale Comics
Staff Picks

Graphic Novel Adaptations

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, December 20
How does an artist take the descriptions and inner lives of prose characters and translate them into pictures and poses against backgrounds? This list represents a wide range of stylistic adaptations of prose stories and poems, including manga versions of several classics. Visual elements and speech bubbles can also help developing readers comfortably navigate the text. These graphic novels are great for fresh takes on old favorites as well as gateways for new readers to get hooked.
Intimacies
The Reading List
Staff Picks

35 Best Book Club Picks of 2021

  • Mona Verma
  • Monday, December 20
Book clubs are a great way to spark conversations and connect with people. After reading a really good book, I am always curious to know what other people thought of it. It is interesting to see how each person interprets a book differently and the animated discussions which follow based on how you relate to the book.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Howl's Moving Castle.
Staff Picks

Celebrating Chosen Family

  • Emily Barber
  • Wednesday, December 15
"Found or chosen families play an important role in the lives of queer people ... For these people, family becomes not a biological happenstance, but a group of supportive people providing unconditional support." — Pallas Gutierrez, GLAAD Campus Ambassador Sometimes family doesn't end up being who you're born with. Celebrate the family you choose with these titles.
The Beatles
The Beatles Anthology.
Staff Picks

Can't Get Enough Beatles?

  • Allison T.
  • Tuesday, December 14
After watching Get Back, Peter Jackson's film that reworks footage from the Beatles Let It Be sessions, are you craving more about the fab four? We have just the thing for you!
Tokyo Ghoul. Vol. 01
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. Part 4, Diamond is Unbreakable, Vol. 1
Staff Picks

Most Popular Manga of 2021

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, December 13
2021 was the year of the great manga shortage, but Richland County found plenty to enjoy from their local library's shelves! Data from every Richland Library location was tabulated to form the list of popular manga series below. Each series is listed by its first volume so that new readers can catch up to the hottest manga. In some cases, volumes from much later in a series ranked highly, which is a great sign that fans stuck around.
Carrie
Carrie.
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #4 - Starting with 'Carrie')

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, December 13
☕ 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!
Beloved
Bel Canto
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #3 - Starting with 'Bambi')

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, December 13
☕ 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!
Interview with the Vampire
Angel Time
Staff Picks

The Queen of the Vampires: Anne Rice

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, December 13
Anne Rice, the queen of the vampires and Gothic literature, has passed away at the age of 80. She was best known for her best-selling series, the Vampire Chronicles and the Mayfair Witches. "Interview with the Vampire" was made into a successful feature film in 1994, helping to reignite interest in the vampire genre, which continues to this day.
You Should See Me in a Crown
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction For Dormant Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, December 08
Lifelong reading can be a rewarding habit, but some young people may not see themselves as readers. Sometimes called "dormant readers," these teens seem to read and write just fine, but they do not read books for pleasure. Fortunately for them, there are plenty of compelling stories in print, online, and audio. Below is a list of Quick Picks For Reluctant Young Adult Readers titles from the past three years of the Young Adult Library Services Association's selections.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Children of Blood and Bone
Staff Picks

Most Popular Teen Fiction of 2021

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, December 03
What have been the most popular teen fiction titles of 2021? We put together data from every Richland Library location to create the following list. You might recognize some of these titles, while others may surprise you.
Royal Holiday
The Christmas Train
Staff Picks

Merry and Bright: Festive Holiday Reads

  • Kristin A.
  • Friday, December 03
It's the most wonderful time of the year! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a festive read. From mysteries to romances, these books are wrapped up with loads of holiday cheer.
Taste of Home Handmade Food Gifts.
Handmade Gifts.
Staff Picks

Handmade Holidays

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, December 03
Is there anything better than receiving a handmade gift from someone knowing they personalized it just for you and put their time, effort and thought into it? Return the favor by creating something one-of-a-kind for someone who is one-of-a-kind.
The Jasmine Project
Perfectly Parvin
Staff Picks

2021 Teen Books for Younger Readers

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, December 02
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.
Last Night at the Telegraph Club
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

2021 Teen Award Winners

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, December 02
Get to know a recent award winner with this list. Compiled from Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) award lists and the South Carolina Book Awards, these titles encapsulate the best of what young adult literature has to offer this year, and the breadth of talent among YA authors.
This Indian Kid
#NotYourPrincess
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous and Native Biographies & History for Older Readers

  • Thursday, December 02
Discover the true stories and history of Indigenous and Native people of the Americas in these titles 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.
Now Beacon, Now Sea
The Secret to Superhuman Strength
Staff Picks

New York Times Books of the Year: Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Sunday, November 28
The recently released list of the New York Times notable books of 2021 includes a number of compelling biographies and memoirs you won't want to miss. Check these titles out from our collection.
Feminist Af
Every Body Shines
Staff Picks

Issue-Driven Teen Titles

  • Richland Library
  • Tuesday, November 23
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.
Winterkeep
Rule of Wolves
Staff Picks

New Additions to Popular Teen Series

  • Alison B.
  • Monday, November 22
Your favorites go on in these latest additions to popular YA series. From epic fantasy conclusions (A Vow So Bold and Deadly & The Desolations of the Devil's Acre) to anxiously awaited thriller continuations (The Hawthorne Legacy & The Box in the Woods), you won't want to miss the next books in these addictive teen series.
The Holiday Switch
Let It Snow
Staff Picks

Teen Holiday Romances

  • Alison B.
  • Monday, November 22
Looking for some holiday spirit? Grab a mug of hot cocoa, your favorite fuzzy blanket, and curl up beneath some twinkling lights with one of these sweet, festive romances that'll have you wishing you too could be caught under the mistletoe or snowed in together with your crush.
1984
1984
Staff Picks

Rory Gilmore's Reading Challenge (List #1 - Starting with '1984')

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, November 18
☕ 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!
The Ballad of Black Tom
New Cthulhu 2
Staff Picks

Cosmic Horror

  • Chantal W.
  • Tuesday, November 16
Here are some novels of cosmic horror - the horror of the unknowable and incomprehensible.
#NotYourPrincess
Native American Voices on Identity, Art, and Culture
Staff Picks

Soaring Voices

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, November 12
Many First Nation voices, past and present tell us of their worlds, experiences and dreams. Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.
Apple
#NotYourPrincess
Staff Picks

YA Reads for Native American Heritage Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Friday, November 12
November is Native American Heritage Month/American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This month celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, histories, and important contributions of Native people. It also educates the public about the unique challenges that Native people have historically and presently face.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Ultimate Guide
The Aromatherapy Companion
Staff Picks

Aromatherapy Makes Sense

  • Lisa G.
  • Tuesday, November 09
aromatherapy: inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes broadly : the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being “Aromatherapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatherapy. Accessed 9 Nov. 2021. Check out these materials to get started with aromatherapy!
The Promise
A Passage North
Staff Picks

2021 Booker Prizewinner

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, November 05
South African novelist/playwright Damon Galgut has won the 2021 Booker Prize, England's most prestigious literary award, for his epic novel The Promise, the intergenerational story of an Afrikaner farming family torn apart by an unfulfilled bequest of the family matriarch. (Galgut has twice before been shortlisted for the prize.)
All That She Carried
A Little Devil in America
Staff Picks

2021 National Book Award Finalists

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, November 02
The 2021 National Book Award finalists in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature have recently been announced. While you're waiting to learn who the winners will be (to be announced on 17 November), check out these finalists from our collection. 2021 National Book Awards
The Bird Way
The Genius of Birds
Staff Picks

For the Birds

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, November 02
Check out these great reads about our fine feathered friends and those who love to watch them!
It's Getting Scot in Here.
Cockatiels at Seven
Staff Picks

That's So Punny!

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, November 01
If you're looking for a bit of comedic relief, here are a few titles that will either make you groan, or make you laugh out loud and say "that's so punny!"
The Last Thing He Told Me
Malibu
Staff Picks

Sandhills Staff Picks

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, October 27
Curious to know what our staff read, watch, and listen to? Well you’re in luck, because we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you! Bonus: You can use one of these titles to fulfil the #BroaderBookshelf 2021 prompt to "Read a book suggested by a Library staff member".
Home Before Dark
Let the Right One in
Staff Picks

35 Horror Reads For Halloween

  • Mona Verma
  • Sunday, October 24
These terrifying novels will get you in the mood for Halloween. If you are looking for spine tingling fear and dread, creepy chills and the thrill of feeling spooked, do check out these titles which include timeless horror classics mixed with contemporary scary fiction. Warning: After reading one or more of these books you may want to sleep with your lights on!
No One is Talking About This
Call Me by Your Name
Staff Picks

If you can't make it to the Charleston Literary Festival . . .

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, October 21
This year's Charleston Literary Festival, running from 5-14 November, features a stellar lineup of speakers, with an admirable mix of fiction and nonfiction authors, ranging from icons such as Paul Auster and Walter Isaacson to recent stars such as Yaa Gyasi and Patricia Lockwood. But if you can't make it to the festival, don't worry - Richland Library features many titles by the participating authors. Check out the list below; given the variety of the author list, you're sure to find something to intrigue you.
Dear Martin
Black Enough
Staff Picks

Introducing: Nic Stone

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Wednesday, October 20
Author Nic Stone is a YA favorite, and it's no surprise, as her debut novel, Dear Martin, openly and honestly tackles the reality that teens (especially Black teens) face on a daily basis. This book, which is also one of Time Magazine's 100 Best YA Books of All Time, has led to other great titles that you are sure to enjoy reading. Below are the many titles written by Stone, as well as other titles that include her work that are available for check out from Richland Library!
Dear Martin
Everything Within and in Between
Staff Picks

Books for Fans of Nic Stone

  • Brittany C.
  • Tuesday, October 19
Acclaimed YA author NIC STONE is inspiring the next generation of social activists with her vivid and painfully timely novels. Her debut Dear Martin—a #1 New York Times bestseller taught in classrooms across the country—and its stunning sequel Dear Justyce, deftly explore themes of oppression, liberation, and race relations in America. Find more information about Nic Stone and her works here!
K-pop Confidential
Wicked Fox
Staff Picks

For Fans of K-Pop

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, October 19
Are you a BLINK? ARMY? NCTzen? ONCE? Or just curious about the K-Pop phenomena sweeping the globe with catchy beats, synchronized dancing, idol personas, and more? Do you love swooning over romantic and thrilling K-dramas? Explore the world of Korean pop music and the city of Seoul with the titles below as teens audition to debut, train vigorously, balance fame, date secretly, and chase their dreams.
The Hazel Wood
The Darkest Part of the Forest
Staff Picks

YA Woods to be Wary of

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, October 18
Get lost in the woods with this festive fall titles.
Haikyu! Vol. 01
A Map to the Sun
Staff Picks

Thrilling Sports Graphic Novels and Manga

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, October 15
Even non-sports fans will get swept up in the tension, drama, and emotions of these books. They’re all slam dunks...or touchdowns...or goals...you get the point. Enjoy!
Nightchaser
Bounty
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - One Word Titles (Romance)

  • Mahogany S.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Books with One Word Titles span genres. Here are some Romance titles that are only one word. Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Gearbreakers
The Candle and the Flame
Staff Picks

Altered Bingo: YA edition Booklist

  • Diamond T.
  • Tuesday, October 12
Looking for your next must read? From Classic Categories like Fairy Tale Retellings, myster​ies and books that make you cry, to fun ones like a book with an incredible fight scene, an unreliable narrator and even a space opera. This list has them all. Have fun linking each title with a Book Bingo Category or filling your own chart with new ones.
The Anxiety Survival Guide for Teens
Other Boys
Staff Picks

Anxiety is overwhelming. These books can help.

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, October 11
Anxiety comes in many forms, all of them personal. Recognizing and describing anxiety is an important step in learning how to manage it. The books below include fictional stories where characters struggle with and confront their anxiety, as well as nonfiction books that deal directly with causes and solutions regarding anxiety.
I Know You Remember
I Know You Remember
Staff Picks

Teen Mysteries

  • Alex B.
  • Saturday, October 09
Investigate these mysteries for teens to get clued in on how great they are!
The Final Girl Support Group
The Exorcist
Staff Picks

Nightmarish Reads

  • Kristin A.
  • Tuesday, October 05
Get into the spooky season with one of these great horror tales. Just make sure that the lights are all on and the windows are all secure, and whatever you do, don't answer the knock at front door.
The Taking of Jake Livingston
The Companion
Staff Picks

Latest YA Horror for Teens

  • Alison B.
  • Monday, October 04
October is here so it's time for some spooky reads! Whether your cup of tea (or pumpkin spice flavored beverage) is horrific hauntings or supernatural scares, this list of YA horror for teens is sure to add a chill to your fall.
Blended
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Multiracial Families in Middle Grade Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, October 01
“Tell the Court I love my wife, and it is just unfair that I can’t live with her in Virginia.” --Richard Loving In 1967, the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of interracial marriage in all 50 states in the case known as Loving v. Virginia. Our families may look different, may worship differently and may speak a different language. Check out one these middle grade novels and discover that, no matter our differences, love connects us all.
Battle Royale
The Hunger Games
Staff Picks

If You Like... Squid Game

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, October 01
Squid Game has taken the streaming world by storm. The mixture of gruesome survival games, social commentary, and colorful cast of characters means there's never a dull moment. Check out some of the titles below that are related to themes from the show.
Defy the Night
The Beautiful
Staff Picks

New Teen Fantasy From Your Favorite Authors

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, September 30
Red Queen, Legend, The Raven Boys, The Darkest Minds, and more. These titles are YA fan favorites from years past that made us fall in love with unique characters, unforgettable worldbuilding, shocking plot twists, and each writer's way with words. But these authors aren't done yet! There's more up their sleeves as they delve into new worlds and stories in their latest published releases. Make room on your TBR list for these fantasy series from your favorite teen authors!
Tacos, Tortas, and Tamales
Las Christmas
Staff Picks

A Taste of Latin America: 40 Cookbooks to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, September 25
September 15 to October 15 is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month in America. This month is chosen as a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico's independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.
For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts
Once Upon a Quinceañera
Staff Picks

30 Great Reads for National Hispanic Heritage Month (Non Fiction/Memoirs)

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, September 22
September 15 to October 15 is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month in America. This month is chosen as a nod to the anniversaries of national independence for a number of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all recognize September 15 as the date of their independence, while Mexico's independence is celebrated September 16 and Chile celebrates its independence September 18.
Future Tense Fiction
Clap when You Land
Staff Picks

Secret Ingredients ...

  • Helene F.
  • Tuesday, September 21
Americana literature is made better with stories told from Hispanic perspectives. Here are some fresh stories for our growth. Some of these titles are available as ebooks and other formats. You can also get personalized reading recommendations by email.