Staff Picks

Just Checked In

This list is regularly updated and shows some of the latest items that have been checked in at the library.
Staff Picks

Coming Soon for Children

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
Staff Picks

Coming Soon for Teens

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
Staff Picks

Coming Soon for Adults

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
Staff Picks

Coming Soon

This list is regularly updated and shows items that have been ordered and will soon be available for checkout.
Staff Picks

Most Popular

This list is regularly updated and shows 500 of the most popular items being checked out at the library.
Staff Picks

Just Checked In for Teens

This list is regularly updated and shows some of the latest items that have been checked in at the library.
Staff Picks

Teen Books to Celebrate AAPI Month

May is Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month and what better way to honor that community than with stories? These book are by and about the AAPI community with a focus on the teen years. Enjoy!
Staff Picks

Teen Murder Mysteries

Put on your deerstalker hat and get into these murder mysteries for young adults. 
Staff Picks

What We're Reading: April 2024

Check out what the members of the Richland Library Team are reading this month! We can help you discover great titles for adults, teens, and children.All titles linked here are in print format, but other formats may be available. Check the catalog and the monthly What We're Reading Libby shelf for eBooks and eAudiobooks. 
Staff Picks

Spring Has Sprung

Lighthearted reads perfect for the season; These spring-themed teen novels whisk readers away on delightful adventures filled with budding romance, refreshing growth, and self-discovery. From blooming friendships to whimsical escapades, these stories capture the essence of springtime.
Staff Picks

Sight-Reading: Music-Inspired YA

Music is an essential aspect of teen culture for any generation so it makes sense there's a lot of books about music-lovers! Check out these music-inspired reads for a harmonious experience. 
Staff Picks

Naruto Readalikes for Teens

The Naruto manga series has long been popular with teens--and for good reason! It's got magic, friendship, action, and it's a coming of age story. While manga reading still counts as reading, here are some novels with similar themes for fans ready to branch out.  Believe it!
Staff Picks

Shake it Up: YA Adaptations of Shakespeare

Adaptations and remixes of the Western canon are super trendy in teen literature these days! Here's a closer look at shaken-up Shakespeare retellings. 
Staff Picks

What We're Reading: March 2024

Check out what the members of the Richland Library Team are reading this month! We can help you discover great titles for adults, teens, and children.All titles linked here are in print format, but other formats may be available. Check the catalog and the monthly What We're Reading Libby shelf for eBooks and eAudiobooks. 
Staff Picks

2024 New Year, New Me: Middle Grade and Teen Books

Recommended by Richland Library staff, this list is what happens when we decide to kick-off the new year with a challenge--reading outside of our comfort zones.  From nonfiction to manga, romance to historical fiction, we stretched ourselves and our reading habits to explore new genres and authors.  
Staff Picks

What We're Reading: February 2024

Check out what the members of the Richland Library Team are reading this month! We can help you discover great titles for adults, teens, and children.All titles linked here are in print format, but other formats may be available. Check the catalog and the monthly What We're Reading Libby shelf for eBooks and eAudiobooks. 
Staff Picks

Austen-tacious: YA Adaptations of Jane Austen

There's no rizz like Jane Austen rizz. Perhaps that's why Jane Austen retellings have enduring appeal to young romantics. Check out this list curated by my colleage Hannah C. and me for a Valentine's read.  
Staff Picks

2023 Best Middle Grade and Teen Books featuring Diverse Characters or Experiences

Selected by Richland Library staff, these books represent some of our favorite stories (and non-fiction) featuring diverse characters published in 2023--plus a few older titles that we wanted to make sure you didn't miss.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Staff Picks

Gift Guide: Books for Your K-Pop Obsessed Teen

In a same vein as the "British Invasion" cultural phenomenon of the 1960's, Korean culture has significantly influenced Gen Z's tastes and trends . From K-dramas (Korean soap operas), K-beauty (Korean beauty products), to K-pop (Korean pop music), Korean cultural influence has been all the rage with the youth. If you have a young person in your life who loves K-pop, these might be some good titles to extend that interest into reading. 
Staff Picks

Teen Horror & Thrillers | 2023 Releases

In the mood for something a little scary and/or thrilling? Check out these 2023 releases to find the perfect title for this Halloween season!
Staff Picks

Honoring Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary: Youth Titles

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop emerging from the streets of the Bronx in New York City. Over the last 50 years Hip-Hop's influence has reached music lovers world wide, creating a culture and life style of its own. These titles bring the music and rich culture of Hip-Hop to life for young audiences. 
Staff Picks

Back to School Titles for Teen Readers

Starting a new school year is filled with so many new adventures and feelings. Check out these titles for teen readers to help prepare for the upcoming academic year!
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Disability Pride Month

According to the American Bar Association, July is Disability Pride Month which "celebrates disabled persons embracing their disabilities as integral parts of who they are." Teens can enjoy these books centering and celebrating the experiences of disabled people. 
Staff Picks

Disability Pride for Middle Grade Readers

According to the American Bar Association, July is Disability Pride Month "a time for the disability community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard." These books for middle graders center disabled people's voices and celebrate their experiences. 
Staff Picks

Exciting Adventures & Romantic Reads for Teens

Summer is a time for adventure. Whether it's a search for love, or a battle for survival, summer is an opportunity to travel to rich landscapes and meet extraordinary people. These books have been selected for their diverse characters, thrilling settings, and plots that will have you swiftly turning the pages. 
Staff Picks

Best Friends Forever: YA Reads on Friendship

The bond between best friends is unique and powerful! These YA reads portray the highs and lows of the treasured BFF connection and what it means to have someone through thick and thin.
Staff Picks

A Bouquet of Books

Enjoy the floral designs on these YA covers...but beware! Some flowers have thorns!
Staff Picks

YA Verse Novels

April is National Poetry Month! Novels-in-verse use poetry to create unique stories with each stanza. Take a break from typical prose and try a poetic novel that has its own distinct style and flair!
Staff Picks

The Past That Lingers

Gripping, unforgettable stories that will leave a tight vise around your heart.
Staff Picks

Courageous Heroines

Celebrate Women's History Month this year with action/adventure novels featuring heroic leading ladies!
Staff Picks

Infectious Tales

Settle in for the thrill rides and action-packed pages of these futuristic narratives.
Staff Picks

Romances to Swoon Over

Are you a romantic that wears their heart on their sleeve? Get in the lovey-dovey mood this coming Valentine's Day with a read sure to give you that butterflies in the stomach feeling!
Staff Picks

Tween Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The United Nations observes January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day as it's the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Six million Jews died through systemic persecution under the Nazi regime 1933-1945. Now more than ever, it's crucial to talk to kids about important events in history. Check out these books for kids aged 9+ for age appropriate fiction and nonfiction books about the Holocaust.   Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website for more information: https://www.ushmm.org/ 
Staff Picks

International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Teens

"Oskar Groening, the man accused of aiding and abetting in the murder of more than three hundred thousand Jews in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, was about to enter the German courtroom."--To Look a Nazi in the Eye:  A Teen's Account of a War Criminal Trial by Kathy Kacer with Jordana Lebowitz
Staff Picks

Social Justice Reads for Teen Activists

Each year, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his activism and legacy within the civil rights movement. This year for Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 16) learn more about historic and modern experiences with racial injustice and get inspired to effect change with any of these YA #OwnVoices titles:
Staff Picks

Nail Biting Thrillers

These bold, deeply chilling titles will have you on edge through each disturbing twist and turn. 
Staff Picks

Young Adult Women's Wrongs

I support women's rights, and I also support women's wrongs. Anti-heroines are just plain fun! Check out these books for women you love to hate. 
Staff Picks

Mysteries to Keep You Guessing

True Crime stories, Whodunits, and Paranormal Investigations have a way of intriguing many of us. Indulge your inner sleuth with any of these YA Mystery titles. 
Staff Picks

Coming of Age Stories for the New Year

The start of a New Year is a great time to discover new talents or hobbies and define your personality—as they say, “New Year, New You!” Check out these Coming-of-Age stories featuring characters discovering their true selves as you set goals and reflect on what makes you unique! 
Staff Picks

Can We Book You For Prom??

It's prom season! Get hyped before the big night with these books! 
Staff Picks

2022 Picks for Younger Teens

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.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470. 
Staff Picks

Screen to Page: Familiar Favorites for Teens

Want to read more about your favorite characters? Check out these media tie-in titles to get more details and depth on familiar faces from movies and comics.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470. 
Staff Picks

2022 Teen Series Additions

Your favorite stories continue in these latest additions to popular YA series. From epic fantasies to edge-of-your seat thrillers, you won't want to miss the next books in these addictive teen series.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470. 
Staff Picks

Teen Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2022

From mystical worlds to galaxies in deep space, scientific and magical adventures await you between the pages of these 2022 Sci-Fi and Fantasy titles!
Staff Picks

2022 Teen Fiction Debut Authors

Stuck in a reading rut? Check out a fresh, new read by a 2022 debut author to inspire and engage your inner bookworm! Looking for more recommendations? Find more with our Great Gifts for Teen Readers guide.
Staff Picks

Issue-Driven Teen Titles of 2022

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.
Staff Picks

YA Adventures through Time & Space

Time is of the essence! Don’t hesitate to pick up one of these sci-fi picks and immerse yourself in inter-dimensional journeys through time and space. 
Staff Picks

It's Complicated

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

High Fantasy with a Bite

Lush World building and magic systems with high stakes, a fantasy lover's treasure trove. 
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2022 - African Countries Authors (Southern Africa)

Check out one of these titles and fulfill the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge prompt "read a book by an author from an African nation".  This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf 2022 Reading Challenge. Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

11 YA Books for Adults

Of course anyone can read YA! Here's a few books to get you started if you've never read anything in the YA genre as an adult. From dystopian fiction (Scythe and The Grace Year) to romance (Instructions for Dancing) to fantasy (This Woven Kingdom and Strange the Dreamer), there's a little something for every reader.  
Staff Picks

13 YA Titles to Celebrate 13 'Midnights'

Today, Taylor Swift released her much-anticipated album "Midnights" chronicling thirteen midnights in the singer/songwriter's life. Here's a corresponding selection of thirteen YA titles which reflect the romance, angst, and atmosphere of Swift's newest album and her oeuvre as a whole. 
Staff Picks

Keep it Creepy

Keep it creepy this October with some YA horror! Supernatural scares, suspenseful thrillers, and tales of true crime--all guaranteed to keep you up at night.
Staff Picks

YA Horror for Spooky Season

It's never too early to get spooky! You'll get a scream out of these young adult horror books. 
Staff Picks

Love is in the Air

Bask in first loves, cute antics and books full of laughter, romance and great friendships. 
Staff Picks

Queer Magic

Being yourself is about as magical as it gets! Check out these titles for LGBTQ+ fantasy novels and graphic novels. 
Staff Picks

Disability Visibility

Disability visibility is an opportunity to honor each person’s uniqueness as a part of human diversity. With this selection of YA novels, we invite you to challenge ableism and enjoy a variety of books dedicated to disabled representation.
Staff Picks

Sandhills Staff Picks: Summer 2022 Edition

Not sure what to read, watch or listen to? We can help! The staff at Sandhills love to give recommendations! Here are some of our favorites to talk about. Check out our Personalized Recommendation service here.
Staff Picks

Greek Myth Retellings for Teens

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

Awakened Myths for Teens

Witches, demons & aliens galore. From Dragons to stars and everything in between. This book list has a little bit of everything. 
Staff Picks

Jams to Go for Teen

From K-Pop to Hip-Hop, turn up the volume and tune in to one of these great reads.
Staff Picks

Funky Hair, Don't Care

With hair this fabulous, what's a bad hair day?  Rebel styles and adorned weaves aplenty!
Staff Picks

#Stranded

Isolated? Cut off” Left behind? Let one of these books come to your rescue.
Staff Picks

YA Books Packed with Pride

Join the journey as these characters learn, discover and grow as their true selves.
Staff Picks

All Camped Out

Grab your sleeping bag, sunscreen, and bug spray- we're heading to summer camp! Smores are optional. 
Staff Picks

500+ Page Teen Fiction

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

Top Picks for YA Debuts of 2022

Looking for some new debut authors? These popular titles show the best and brightest of 2022 (so far)! For more great teen books, check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Staff Picks

Celebrating Every Body: Teen Body Positivity & Self Image

Body positivity encourages us to challenge how society views the body and promotes the acceptance of all bodies regardless of weight, complexion, skin texture, height, and disability. These teen titles invite us to embrace everything that makes us different and unique.
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Sci-Fi Books for Teens

This Pride Month, are you looking for LGBTQ+ teen books with superheroes, aliens, space travel, and other science fiction elements? Check out these titles! For more, take a look at our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470.
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Fantasy Books for Teens

This Pride Month, are you looking for LGBTQ+ teen books with witches, dragons, magic, and other fantasy elements? Check out these titles! For more, take a look at our personalized recommendations form or give us a call at 803.929.3470.
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Celebrating Pride Month

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

Read with Pride

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

South Carolina Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

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.
Staff Picks

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominees 2022-2023

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.
Staff Picks

Youth Titles to Read for Mental Health Awareness Month

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. 
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 16, 17, 18

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!
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 13, 14, 15

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! 
Staff Picks

Feel-Good LGBTQ+ Teen Fiction

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.
Staff Picks

Highly Anticipated Teen Reads for May

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!
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Mental Health Awareness Month

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.”
Staff Picks

World War II in Teen Fiction

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! 
Staff Picks

Siblings in Teen Fiction

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.   
Staff Picks

Borrowed from The Bard

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. 
Staff Picks

Teen Food Books

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.
Staff Picks

Robots, Love, and Queer People!

Books for teens and adults featuring robots, space flight, and rogue artificial intelligence. 
Staff Picks

Diverse Teen Fiction in 2022

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!
Staff Picks

Teen Hidden Gems

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.