A Story About Afiya
A Story About Afiya
Staff Picks

#OwnVoice Picture Books for Caribbean Heritage Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, June 14
Caribbean Heritage Month celebrates and honors the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants living in the United States, particularly in government, sports, entertainment, and the arts. Caribbean Heritage Month was first officially observed on June 5th 2006. The following recommended titles are all from OnwVoice authors.
Not So Pure and Simple
The Closest I've Come
Staff Picks

Masculinity In Teen Literature

  • Thomas M.
  • Saturday, June 12
What makes someone a man? Is it just a matter of growing up physically and socially, or is it also a state of mind and spirit? The stories below show characters questioning, exploring, confronting, and affirming masculinity, ranging from maturity to toxicity.
The Night Watchman
A Treatise on Stars
Staff Picks

2021 Pulitzer Prizes

  • Bland L.
  • Saturday, June 12
The winners of the 2021 Pulitzer Prizes have just been announced. Check out the winners (and finalists) in the categories of fiction, history, general nonfiction, biography, and poetry from our collection.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown
Queenie
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Adults

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, June 11
Celebrate Loving Day by checking out novels featuring stories of interracial love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
The Sun Is Also a Star
Color Outside the Lines
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Tweens & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 10
Celebrate Loving Day by checking out novels featuring stories of biracial teens & tweens or interracial first love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
Black is Brown is Tan
The Case for Loving
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 10
Celebrate Loving Day by sharing stories of families brought together by love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
The Boy Who Grew a Forest
The Proudest Blue
Staff Picks

SC Picture Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, June 09
"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Black Brother, Black Brother
Things You Can't Say
Staff Picks

SC Junior Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, June 09
"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Mañanaland
Once Upon an Eid /.
Staff Picks

SC Children's Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, June 08
"Since 1976 when sixteen schools participated, the South Carolina Book Award program created by the South Carolina Association of School Librarians has expanded to include almost 64,000 participating students.
Return to Sender
Return to Sender
Staff Picks

Middle Grade books #ToImmigrantsWithLove

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, June 07
Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to reflect and honor the contributions that immigrants have made to our communities across the country and their integral role in the American story.
Don't Ask Me Where I'm from
Love, Hate & Other Filters
Staff Picks

Young Adult books #ToImmigrantsWithLove

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, June 07
Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to reflect and honor the contributions that immigrants have made to our communities across the country and their integral role in the American story.
The Proudest Blue
Mommy's Khimar
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Children's Books Featuring Muslim Characters

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Saturday, June 05
Take a look at the titles below to learn more about the Muslim religion and to read captivating stories about the Muslim Experience. 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.
Finna
Finna
Staff Picks

Read Proudly!

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, June 04
Celebrate Pride Month by reading these books by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A Lowcountry Bride.
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes
Staff Picks

Romantic Beach Reads

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, June 02
Fall in love this summer! Enjoy this list of Romantic fiction that's great for your Beach getaway!❤️🤟💕
The Last Train to Key West
Florence Adler Swims Forever
Staff Picks

Historical Beach Reads

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, June 02
Get lost this summer, and travel back in time! Enjoy this list of Historical fiction that's great for your Beach getaway! 🌊⛵🏖️
Children of Blood and Bone
Children of Blood and Bone
Staff Picks

I Like Big Books And I Cannot Lie: Teen Fiction Edition

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, June 02
There's something satisfying about cracking open a huge block of pages. The story will have time to breathe and you'll get to know the characters really well. Bonus: this year's Summer Learning Challenge recommends counting reading time in 30-minute chunks. What better way to add lots of reading time than spending it in one massive story? The books below all offer over 500 pages for your long-term reading experience, including print, ebook, and audiobook options.
Dead Dead Girls
While Justice Sleeps
Staff Picks

What's New in Mystery/Thrillers by Black Authors

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, June 01
Black authors have been traditionally underrepresented in Crime/Mystery books but times are changing for the better and it is exciting to see more inclusion and diversity in this genre. Do browse and checkout from this list of new titles which are riveting reads.
Our Favorite Day of the Year
The Boy Who Dreamed of Infinity
Staff Picks

CSMCL's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020

  • Caitlin B.
  • Tuesday, June 01
The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2020 . This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens. Want more books? Ask your librarian for their recommendations or call the Children's Room at Richland Library Main (803.929.3434). We can send books to your closest Richland Library location.
Extra Lives
The Art of Cuphead
Staff Picks

Games, Gamers, Gaming: Nonfiction Works About Games and the People Who Love Them

  • Bryan B.
  • Wednesday, May 26
If you're like me, you grew up surrounded by video gaming, which led to a lifelong passion for interactive experiences. This collection of works are all about games, and the people like us who love them dearly. From narrative nonfiction about arguably the most influential game of the 1990s, to a deep dive on the culture of contemporary game design, these picks will surely satisfy any gamer (or nongamer's) curiosity.
Arsenic and Adobo
While Justice Sleeps
Staff Picks

Chiller-Thriller Reads to Beat the Heat

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, May 24
Ready to enjoy some of the heat of the Summer, with a hint of fun? Check out these riveting and thrilling books that are guarantee to take you on a ride. Enjoy!🤪
The Other Black Girl
Somebody's Daughter
Staff Picks

Goodreads Summer Reading List - JUNE 2021 releases

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, May 24
Join in on the fun with Goodreads Summer Reading list. Check out June 2021's book releases. Grab a copy, and get ahead of the heat that's following these top Summer Reads!! 🔥🔥🔥
The Personal Librarian
The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for June 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Monday, May 24
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in June 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Prince of Thorns
The Blade Itself
Staff Picks

Fantasy Fiction for Adults

  • Kristin A.
  • Friday, May 21
Looking for an escape? Within the pages of a great fantasy novel, you can step inside magnificent worlds, meet wonderful monsters and creatures, and fight alongside heroes and villains. Check out some of these great fantasy novels and get transported into a whole new world.
The Newcomer
The Girl with Stars in Her Eyes
Staff Picks

25 New Beach Reads

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, May 19
There is nothing better than reading a book by the beach, watching the waves during breaks and enjoying the sea breeze. Here are some new books published in 2021 which you can browse and checkout and pack in that beach bag!
Sky in the Deep
Loki's Wolves
Staff Picks

Vikings and Norse Mythology For Teens

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, May 18
Stories featuring vikings and Norse mythology usually feature epic battles, magic runes, and trickster gods. Forget horned helmets and Avengers, these books spin new tales from history and folklore of long ago.
The White Tiger
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021:Read a Book by a Journalist (Fiction)

  • Chantal W.
  • Tuesday, May 18
One of our prompts for the 2021 #BroaderBookshelf Challenge is to read a book by a journalist, but if nonfiction is not your game then try your hand at these fiction offerings. There are some great middle grade titles here if you want to try your hand at something different or if you have a kiddo with whom you would like to share the reading experience.
Watch over Me
The Education of Ivy Blake
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads to Celebrate National Foster Care Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Monday, May 17
National Foster Care Month has been observed during the Month of May in the United States since 1988 when President Ronald Reagan recognized May as a month to show appreciation and gratitude to foster parents across the nation. The purpose of National Foster Care Month continues to evolve based on the needs of the time. For example, in 2019, the theme for National Foster Care Month was "Foster Care as a Support to Families, not a Substitute for Parents."
Aquaman
Battlestar Galactica. Season One
Staff Picks

Art Representing Asian American, Pacific Islanders

  • Helene F.
  • Monday, May 10
Graphic novels and manga, with the aid of movies and anime, have been great ways to bring cultures together. Here is a list of some of my favorite titles with AAPI characters and artists. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Akira.
Cowboy Bebop
Staff Picks

Where to Start Your Anime Journey

  • Bryan B.
  • Saturday, May 01
Anime can be an overwhelming medium, especially for someone new. This collection of anime movies are a great starting point to begin your exploration of the medium. Works range from family friendly works by Hayao Miyazaki to the deep and psychological works of the late Satoshi Kon. Whichever you choose, you're bound to find a new world in anime.
The Killing Floor.
10,000 Black Men Named George.
Staff Picks

Movies for Workers' Day

  • Keith B.
  • Thursday, April 29
The first day of May has been celebrated as International Workers' Day since 1889 when labor activists were demonstrating and organizing for the eight-hour-day. The following list is made up of dramatic features, documentaries, and educational series on the labor movement, unionizing, leftist political activism, economic inequality, and working conditions. Mostly focused on American culture and history, it nontheless includes films set around the globe, helping to illustrate the shared struggles of workers everywhere.
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Staff Picks

Lower Richland Staff Picks

  • Bryan B.
  • Thursday, April 29
Lower Richland is Richland Library's newest location, located in Hopkins! Here are some staff picks to help get to know us better:
The Gilded Wolves
Children of Blood and Bone
Staff Picks

For Fans of Shadow and Bone

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, April 28
Binge watched your way through Netflix's new number one show Shadow and Bone yet? You can of course pick up Grishaverse creator Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy or Six of Crows duology to finish the tale.
While Justice Sleeps
The Newcomer
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for May 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Monday, April 26
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in May 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Thyme of Death
Garden Spells
Staff Picks

Herbal Medicine fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 23
As we cultivate our gardens and spruce up the place, why not entertain yourself with some herbal medicinal reads? Fiction, of course! Let's take a break from the dust, dirt, and heat. Time to grab a glass of ice cold lemonade, tea, or infused water and add just a hint of herbal fun to the mix.
The Factory
Atlas Shrugged. Part 1.
Staff Picks

Are There Limits to Human Creativity? (Philosophical fiction)

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, April 21
A list of 30 top philosophical reads--included with these selections are various formats (eAudio, eBook, Blu-Ray or DVD, & Standard or Large print). Enjoy your journey with these philosophical fiction novels that will make you think and analyze the conditions and nature of humans, and maybe gain a different perspective. Some of these titles have been made into motion pictures or turned into TV shows. Feel free to decide if there are limits to human creativity...
Pitch
Bad News Bears
Staff Picks

Batter Up for the Next Season of Baseball

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Whether you watch on TV or attend the games in person, it's time to gear up and get your head back in the game. There's a mixture of books, videos, and eOption material for spectators and the aspiring/training athlete. Batter UP!
Does My Head Look Big in This?
First Comes Marriage
Staff Picks

Biographies and Novels that Explore the Arab American Experience

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Tuesday, April 13
Let’s take the time to celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have roots in 22 countries located in the Middle East and North African regions and within all those countries, there are various languages, religions, traditions that are now part of the American story. Explore their stories though verse, memories, and more.
On Fragile Waves
Bestiary
Staff Picks

Recent Magical Realism

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, April 12
When you need a stretch of the imagination, a break from mainstream fiction and predictable mysteries, and like books that are a little weird but not too weird, give one of these newer magical realism releases a try.
Red Sparrow
Three Hours in Paris
Staff Picks

Female Spies

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, April 12
Female spies are more than just the femme fatales shown in moves and television. They must have ingenuity, talent, and more than just a little courage. From tales of real heroines from history, to espionage fiction inspired by the bravery of these women, these stories are full of intrigue, espionage, and thrilling edge of your seat storytelling at its best.
Anansi the Spider
Folk Tales & Fables of Asia & Australia
Staff Picks

Good Folk Tales and Fairy Tales for Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, April 09
In their well-respected book, Storytelling: Art and Technique, Ellin Greene and Augusta Baker tell us: "A good story for telling is one that has something to say and that says it in the best possible way." Check out some of these books to learn more about the traditional art of storytelling and to find folk tales and fairy tales that have something to say and are written in the best possible way!
Crying in H Mart
The Best We Could Do
Staff Picks

25 Essential Books About Asian American Identity and Experience

  • Mona Verma
  • Tuesday, April 06
It is really unjust and unfortunate to see the sharp rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. Books are a great way to educate oneself about the Asian American experience. Racism can be combated by reading these human stories and understanding that we are all more alike than different.
Ernest Hemingway
Across the River and into the Trees
Staff Picks

One True Sentence

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, April 06
With Ken Burns's highly anticipated three-part documentary on Ernest Hemingway currently airing on PBS, now is a good time to dive into the works of this most celebrated of 20th century American literary masters, whose writing style profoundly influenced (for better or worse) many authors who followed him and whose literary sensibility is still something of a touchstone. In addition to Hemingway's own fiction, nonfiction, and correspondence, the following list includes the definitive multivolume biography by Michael Reynolds, as well as Mary Dearborn's critically acclaimed 2017 bio.
The Pros of Cons
Beauty Queens
Staff Picks

Teen Books to Make You Laugh

  • Alison B.
  • Saturday, April 03
Looking for laughs in your reading selection? Try some of these humorous teen titles from an alien-hunting cheerleader (Flying by Carrie Jones) to a convention center mismatched with a percussion competition, fandom con, & taxidermy championship (The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry) that'll have you chuckling and smiling throughout.
Artemis
Reynard the Fox
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Antihero's and Villains as the protagonist

  • Mahogany S.
  • Thursday, April 01
Do you believe there's always an "other" side to each story? Well here they are. Read some titles that talk about the perspective of the villain or an antihero. Some are tricksters and some are downright murderers. All are darkly enjoyable. Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Brazen
Drawing Power
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Graphic Novels For YA Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Monday, March 29
Women History Month is a time to celebrate and examine women’s history, issues, and contributions. Our team's contributions this month will be providing a quality booklist every Monday featuring strong female characters, movements, and historical figures.
Back to Front and Upside Down!
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Younger Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Saturday, March 27
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person's growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to ra
Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, March 26
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, these girls are the stars of their own stories all while sharing their (mis)adventures, making us laugh and introducing us to their family and friends. These friends of Ramona may be new, but they are sure to find a place on your family's bookshelf and in your family's heart.
1, 2, 3. Play with Me!.
1, 2, Trees!.
Staff Picks

Playaway Launchpads for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 24
Have you tried our Playaway Launchpads for children yet? These tablets are pre-loaded with content for children, designed with a simple, easy-to-use interface. No need to worry about download time and or Wi-Fi. There are all kinds of tablets to try - interactive learning, stories, math, science, STEAM, short movies, languages - there is something of interest to every child. Fun for road trips or just an afternoon at home - try one today.
The Intimacy Experiment
The Music of Bees
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for April 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, March 23
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in April 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Watch Us Rise
With the Fire on High
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Realistic Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Monday, March 22
Women are strong, creative, hardworking, innovative, inspiring, and so much more. The women that go down in history and those that impact lives and communities around us were young teen girls at one point. Explore what it's like living as a young lady, the highs and lows as well as the joys and difficulties, in these contemporary teen fiction books.
The Making of Asian America
Internment
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: The Asian & Asian American Experience

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, March 19
Reading books is a great way to begin working on becoming more anti-racist, and the words on a page can help provide insight into the thoughts, feelings, fears, pain, hopes, and wishes of another human being. Below is a list of titles about the Asian and Asian American experience, to get you started on having a better understanding of what it means to be of Asian heritage in America and how to be a better and more vocal ally. Also, take a look at these past Richland Library booklists for more recommendations:
The Paradise Snare
Bloodlist
Staff Picks

Women Authors Who Broke the Mold

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, March 19
Women authors have been writing the best thought-provoking novels since the 1960s on. The genre of these authors ranges from Historical Fiction to Fantasy and Science Fiction, some with vampires, dragons, or aliens from space. C.S. Friedman's title is coming soon. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Snap
And then There Were None
Staff Picks

20 Best Psychological Thriller Books I Have Read

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, March 17
I am a fan of psychological thrillers. I love the adrenalin filled suspense, the insight into the complexities of the human mind and the ending you never saw coming. There are a lot of books in this popular genre and some are better than the others. Sometimes a book is promising but the ending can be a let down or a disappointment. These twenty books are my personal favorites and they are the best of the best in psychological suspense. Do read, you will be riveted.
The Malevolent Volume
Unspeakable Acts
Staff Picks

Dark Reads

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, March 17
Hunker down with a few Dark and Gritty reads.
Buzz Kill
The Eagle Has Landed
Staff Picks

Underrated Science Fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 16
Here is a list of Science Fiction that is worth reading. Whether your new to the genre or jumping back in, we got you covered!
Other Words for Home
Walk Two Moons.
Staff Picks

Classroom Reads on Hoopla for Middle School

  • Rebecca T.
  • Monday, March 15
Looking for a great novel for your class to read together? Try one of these eBook titles available for download on Hoopla that are perfect for a middle school reader! Materials on Hoopla are available for simultaneous, instant access - meaning every student in your class could read the same eBook at the same time. Each customer may borrow 10 items a month from Hoopla.
The Gilded Ones
Children of Blood and Bone
Staff Picks

Fierce Female Protagonists in Teen Fantasy

  • Brittany C.
  • Thursday, March 11
Fierce female protagonists fill the pages of our favorite books these days. From Deka who leaves her life behind to train for battle in The Gilded Ones to Jenna who learns her secret may be the only way to save her kingdom in Shielded, these warriors are brave, strong, and so much fun to read about. For our favorite heroines and their riveting stories, check out the list below!
The Scapegracers
Undead Girl Gang
Staff Picks

Teen Witchy Reads for WandaVision Fans

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, March 11
The latest hit from the Marvel Universe may have wrapped last week with the finale of WandaVision, but there are plenty of riveting reads of powerful witches and complex female characters to fill that void.
A Boy Called Bat
Down the Rabbit Hole
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Recommendations for Middle Grade Readers

  • Jenny D.
  • Wednesday, March 10
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person's growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to ra
Love from a to Z
Love from A to Z
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Fiction Recommendations for YA Readers

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, March 03
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a persons growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to rai
Miles Morales
Falcon
Staff Picks

A Little Something Extra From Hoopla

  • Helene F.
  • Wednesday, February 24
When Ten Titles Is Not Enough Would you like to check out more graphic novels than 10 a month through Hoopla? For the month of February you are able to search for titles under More Bonus Borrows. Check back the first day of March for More Bonus Borrows. You can then search for only comics under the Format bar on the left side of the screen. Call your local librarian for more suggestions. (803) 799-9084.
The Windsor Knot
Wild Sign
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for March 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Wednesday, February 24
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in March 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Tess of the Road
Damsel
Staff Picks

There's Always Room for Dragons in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, February 16
Fantasy stories are full of interesting magical creatures, but nothing holds a flame to the fire-breathing behemoths that are dragons. From treasure hoarders to city destroyers to faithful companions and more, check out the young adult books below for stories of fierce and fiery drakes.
The Meet-cute Project
Together, Apart
Staff Picks

New Teen Romances

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, February 10
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If you're feeling the love in the air or want something sweet to make your heart melt, swoon over these teen picks below.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It
The Echo Wife
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for February 2021

  • Sarah C.
  • Monday, February 08
Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country. All these books will be published in February 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
My Best Friend's Exorcism
Magic Bites
Staff Picks

Ballentine Staff Picks

  • Kristin A.
  • Monday, February 08
Check out some of these great titles recommended by the Ballentine branch staff.
Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Fire Safety

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
It's always a good time to talk about fire safety. Share these books with your child and discuss what to do if there's a fire in your home or in their school. Reading together will make them feel safe and confident that they know what to do in case of an emergency. If you want to know more about firefighters and how they keep us safe, check out Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks.
What Do Firefighters Do?
Fire Engine.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
Firefighters work hard to keep us safe. Find out more about how they keep us safe, what they wear to keep them safe and the equipment they use (especially fire trucks) by reading these fiction and nonfiction titles about these first responder heroes. If you want to know how to keep yourself safe around fire, check out Read All About It: Fire Safety.
The Black Flamingo
The Black Flamingo
Staff Picks

YA Book Recommendations for Black History Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Thursday, February 04
28 books that celebrate and explore black culture, communities, social dynamics, and identities. Find great Middle Grade #OwnVoices Black History Month Recommendations here.
Pete the Cat and the Cool Caterpillar
For Whom the Ball Rolls
Staff Picks

Richland Library's Top Ten Circulated Children's Books in 2020 📚

  • Chantal W.
  • Tuesday, February 02
Here are the top ten circulated children's books of 2020. These are the tried and true titles that families return to again and again because their kiddos love them so much! That Mo Willems is a popular author! See any of your favorites here?
Barracoon
The Best American Magazine Writing 2020
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: A Book List Inspired by 1619

  • Richland Library
  • Tuesday, February 02
Inspired by the New York Times' 1619 audio series hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, each title in this list corresponds to the thematic elements of an episode. For episode 3, listen to our curated playlist in Freegal.
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, January 28
2021. We made it, but not without a heaping dose of anxiety and fear. If worry is affecting you, you can bet it’s also affecting your little one.
If It Makes You Happy
The (other) F Word
Staff Picks

Teen Body Positivity

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, January 22
Body positivity encourages self-love and the acceptance of all bodies. These teen books featuring plus size main characters celebrate and remind us that you don't have to be a certain size or shape to be the hero or fall in love.
Camp of the Angel
Ghost in the Capitol
Staff Picks

Children's Novels Set in South Carolina

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 15
See South Carolina through the eyes of many different authors - these children's novels are set in the palmetto state. Try a few of these and explore the state through historical fiction or contemporary stories.
A Winter's Promise.
The Circle
Staff Picks

Teen Books in Translation

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 14
We live in a globalized world, so why not read like it? These teen titles are from a variety of countries and languages and have been translated into English. Great literature spans the entire Earth, so don't miss out on interesting cultures in these stories of adventure, mystery, history, and more.
Jonny Appleseed
New Poets of Native Nations
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: Native American Authors

  • Kristin A.
  • Wednesday, January 13
Looking for a new great read? Try a book by a Native American author. Some of their works will shed light on activism, culture, and history while others expose the challenges of living on reservations or establishing an identity in the modern world.
Cure for the Common Universe
Guy in Real Life
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction About Gamers

  • Thomas M.
  • Wednesday, January 13
Gaming can lead people to do a lot more than escape into power fantasies about saving the world. The characters in these stories use their skills in the virtual and real world to socialize, find romance, stand up for themselves and others, resist corporate and government control, and yes, save the world.
The Cure for Cold Feet
Izzy Kline Has Butterflies
Staff Picks

Children's Novels in Verse

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 08
Want to try something different? Choose one of these novels where the narrative is told entirely through a series of poems. Once you read one, you'll be hooked on this creative way to tell a story.
Baseball Crazy
Beware!
Staff Picks

A Long List of Short Stories for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, January 08
Collections of short stories are a great way to bite off a little reading at a time - and a fun way to discover new authors you have never read before. Funny, sad, scary, sporty, thought-provoking - there's a short story collection on this list for you. Curl up and enjoy one story or devour the whole thing all at once.
Tokyo Ghoul
Vampire Knight
Staff Picks

Light Novels: Like Anime and Manga, But Books

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, January 08
Light novels tend to make for light reading - quick, fun page-turners that are easily adapted into and from manga and anime. We have a growing collection of light novels in print and online, listed below.
All out
Because You Love to Hate Me
Staff Picks

Anthologies for Teens

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, January 05
Anthologies are a unique format that can bring together a wide array of voices, both new and familiar, on a variety of genres and topics. In recent years, young adult anthologies have been on the rise in number and popularity.