Staff Picks

Lower Richland Staff Picks

Lower Richland is Richland Library's newest location, located in Hopkins! Here are some staff picks to help get to know us better:
Staff Picks

Biographies and Novels that Explore the Arab American Experience

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.     
Staff Picks

Women's History Month: Graphic Novels For YA Readers

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. 
Staff Picks

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

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:
Staff Picks

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Graphic Novel Recommendations for YA Readers

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 raise aw
Staff Picks

Black History In Comics

Black history is rich with fascinating people whose names and lives deserve to be celebrated. Some of those stories are included below, representing different eras and walks of life. The power of art in nonfiction comics comes from how artists choose to depict the world and people in it. Experience some of that power for yourself by checking out one of these graphic novels in print or online.
Staff Picks

A Little Something Extra From Hoopla

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.
Staff Picks

100 New Graphic Novels for Children

Grab a stack of these new graphic novels from 2020-2021 and catch up on what you've been missing. There are 100 here to chose from!
Staff Picks

7 Books Based on Podcasts You Love

Love these podcasts, but desperate for more content? You and me both! Check out these titles to support your favorite podcasts. 
Staff Picks

New Manga Series of 2020

Here are series that launched or received new editions in 2020, expanding manga shelves for readers to escape into a number of genres.
Staff Picks

YA Books to Feed Your Angst

Don't underestimate the power of catharsis! It may seem counterintuitive, but a sad book can be just the thing to expel some angst. 
Staff Picks

Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Books of 2020

The 12th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book awards decided by readers, posted the winners December 8, 2020--after three rounds of voting that started late October 2020. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig won overall best book of the year. Listed below are the winners for all 20 categories ranging from Fiction, Humor, Memoir & Autobiography, Food & Cookbooks, Graphic Novels, Debut Novels, Picture Books and many more. 
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

Children at this age are branching out into longer books.  Novels can echo their real life experiences, but they can also tell new stories, boosting their imaginations and building their empathy.  Books for tweens can be their way of fitting in or standing out.  These books can also offer comfort during this time of transition and help them discover who they might grow up to be. 
Staff Picks

Great Recent Manga For Teens

If you know a manga addict who's on the lookout for a great new series to burrow through, give these series a try. From the gentle fantasy of Delicious In Dungeon, Witch Hat Atelier, and Flying Witch to the action/horror of Demon Slayer and The Promised Neverland, there's plenty to stimulate the imagination. Readers looking for something more realistic will enjoy the relationship drama of Blue Flag as well as the cuteness of Tomo-chan Is A Girl and Shortcake Cake.
Staff Picks

2020's Hottest Comics & Graphic Novels For Teens

From superheroes to memoirs to D&D campaigns, the past year was full of great graphic novels for teens. Some are standalone while others lead to series, making gift ideas as compact or stacked as your recipient would like.
Staff Picks

Sandhills Staff Picks of 2020

December is one of my favorite months because it is the time of year when everyone puts out their "Best of" lists. Here are the top picks curated by staff at the Sandhills location. 
Staff Picks

Friendship

Friendships near and far Connecting with friends and family, we are able to listen to each other's experiences.  Let these items show us that we are not alone in how it feels to be human.    Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Diverse Families in Novels

Family is what holds these stories together as the characters experience life-changing moments, face difficult truths and each other.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. Find more resources on race, equity, and inclusion, here.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

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

New in Biography and Memoir

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

Comics For Fans of "The Boys"

If you've caught up on the subversive superhero series The Boys and are looking for comics in the same vein, check out the titles below. Whether you're looking for irreverent humor, icons falling from grace, redemption for imperfect heroes, or protagonists who fight dirty to take on dark evils, these series are for you. As an additional recommendation, click here to check out Irredeemable from Hoopla.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels

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

Year of the misfits

Misfits taking the stage   Have you ever felt like a fish out of water?  Have you wanted to step out of your comfort zone? Different people, becoming a family, in every sense of the word.  Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

2020 Harvey Award Winners

The winners of the 2020 Harvey Awards, which are selected by comics industry professionals, have been announced across six categories. Check out some of the best recent comics below. The full list of nominees can be found here.  
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Mariko Tamaki

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

Thought Leaders to Read

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

Read All About It: Tom Feelings

Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud. 
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Nnedi Okorafor

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

2020 Eisner Award Winners

Check out the winners of the 2020 Eisner Awards, announced at San Diego Comic-Con. You can see a full list of categories, nominees, and winners here, as well as the broadcast of the awards hosted by Phil LaMarr here. Keep in mind that Eisner categories span across various creative roles, formats, and target age ranges.
Staff Picks

In the News: eBooks for Children & Teens

Check out these great ebooks and audiobooks recently featured on WIS News 10 and curated by our Children's Room and Teen Center team. Want more eaudiobook or ebook recommendations?  Call Richland Library Main (803) 799-9084 from 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday or Ask-a-Librarian.  One of our staff members would be happy to create recommendations just for you.
Staff Picks

Comics Connections For Live-Action Series

A lot of popular shows are inspired by or spun off into graphic novels these days, including the titles below. Explore the comics roots and adaptations of several hot live-action shows via Hoopla. These titles are immediately available for digital checkout with no wait times!
Staff Picks

How To Find Big Comics On Hoopla

Whether you're in the mood for a nice, long comic on Hoopla or are simply looking to maximize your last checkout for the month, here are some search terms that will go the distance in the search field: “Book One,” “Omnibus,” “Complete,” and “Deluxe Edition.” Some great examples of the results are listed below. Settle in and enjoy!
Staff Picks

Staff Picks: Sandhills

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

Graphic Novels In Living Color

In Collaboration with Avery Harrison Enjoy these graphic novels that celebrate African American History Month, as well as the month of March. Make your way down to your local library or personal electronic device to check them out.  Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions.
Staff Picks

Melanin Poppin' Graphic Novels

This list features Graphic Novels that have Black or Brown Protagonists and/or Secondary Characters. 
Staff Picks

AF AM Teen & YA Reads

Explore coming of age with these compelling novels centered around being young and black-- ranging from romance, psych thrillers, fantasy, and much more. 
Staff Picks

These Graphic Novels Will Shock and Horrify You!

These works are not for the faint of heart! These are some of the best of the best of horror comics and manga, each one more horrifying than the last. Readers, beware!   CN: Blood, Gore, Language, Nudity (They're not for kids!)
Staff Picks

If You Liked Saga, Then Try...

End the Decade with some great Image Comics! If you like quirkiness, beautiful art, and/or a little bit of moral ambiguity, give these comics a try. 
Staff Picks

Children's Books for Adults

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

Sandhills Staff Picks of 2019

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

Wordless Graphic Novels

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then these titles speak volumes. These examples of sheer visual storytelling will illuminate the imagination.
Staff Picks

Southeast Staff Picks Pt. 3

Have you ever wondered what we're checking out? Take a look at what titles Richland Library Southeast and Lower Richland's staff have picked as their faves. There's definitely a variety to choose from!
Staff Picks

Southeast Staff Picks Pt. 2

Have you ever wondered what we're checking out? Take a look at what titles Richland Library Southeast and Lower Richland's staff have picked as their faves. There's definitely a variety to choose from!
Staff Picks

Ten Terrifying Comics

Fans of the grotesque, gory, and macabre will feel right at home in these comics for mature readers, while regular readers will quickly feel squeamish.
Staff Picks

Five Great Comics For Fans of Dungeons, Dragons, and Tabletop RPGs

Whether you've got your own Dungeons & Dragons handbooks or have never rolled 20-sided dice before, we have some great graphic novels for you. Each of these titles puts a unique spin on the imagination, teamwork, and personalities that go into role-playing games. If you're between the ages of 12-18 and interested in joining a D&D group, contact the Richland Library Teen Center at (803) 929-3470 and ask about registering for one of our upcoming sessions.
Staff Picks

Van Gogh and His Inspirations: Artistic Cultivation

Check out this list of companion titles for the Columbia Museum of Art's upcoming exhibition: Van Gogh and His Inspirations (October 4, 2019 - January 12, 2020). This list includes both books about Van Gogh, titles that inspired the artist and title inspired by the artist, setting and time period.
Staff Picks

Scary Stories to Keep You Up All Night

It's almost fall, the perfect time for dark, eerie, spine-tingling tales! Don't be afraid to pick up one of these horror story collections, full of enough thrills and chills to give you nightmares. 
Staff Picks

Growing Up 80's

If you've finished the latest season of Stranger Things and you're full of nostalgia, check out these books about coming of age in the 1980's!
Staff Picks

Adventures in Road Tripping

If you need some inspiration for your own summer travel plans, or if you want to take a journey without leaving the comfort of your favorite reading spot, check out these novels about road trips. Join characters as they learn more about themselves while they travel across America, throughout the world, and even across dimensions!
Staff Picks

Queer Comics For Teens

Below is a list of graphic novels featuring queer leads for teen readers. They range from realistic to fantastical, but they share a theme of acceptance and pride in who you are.
Staff Picks

Queer Comics For Young Readers

Enjoy this list of books featuring queer characters, great for young readers every month of the year.
Staff Picks

Inspired by Alice

If you can't get enough of the absurd fantasy world and peculiar characters of Lewis Carroll's classic Alice tales, try these modern books, inspired by the magic of Wonderland. 
Staff Picks

Ten Toasty Manga Recommendations From the Teen Anime Club

The teen anime club at Richland Library Main, T.O.A.S.T. (Team Of Anime-Seeking Teens) recommends the following ten titles for anyone looking to give manga a try. You will find romance, fantasy, science fiction, action, horror, and lots of gorgeous artwork in the pages of these series.
Staff Picks

The Many, Many Reading Recommendations From NashiCon 2019

Richland Library was at NashiCon asking attendees what they're reading. The responses available in our catalog are listed below, including plenty of manga and novels for all kinds of readers.
Staff Picks

Women in STEM

Check out these stories of women who thrived in male-dominated STEM fields.
Staff Picks

Flying Higher, Further, Faster With Captain Marvel

Looking forward to the Captain Marvel movie? Take flight with Carol Danvers, noted air force pilot, cat lover, and superhero, across several of her comics adventures listed below.
Staff Picks

Robot Companions

We've all heard the terrifying stories of robot uprisings, but these books explore other potential relationships with technology. Imagine a future with robots as companions, and discover more about what it means to be human.
Staff Picks

Level Up: Non-fiction for Gamers

Be at the top of your game with these books that celebrate the rich history, diversity, creativity, and evolution in video game culture. 
Staff Picks

Great Marvel Comics For Tweens

If you're looking for inventive, exciting Marvel action that lights up the page but isn't too spicy for younger readers, check out the graphic novels below.
Staff Picks

Comics With Black Protagonists

Check out the list below for print and digital comics featuring black protagonists, including superheroes, historical figures, and fiction of all sorts.
Staff Picks

Comics With Black Protagonists

Check out the list below for print and digital comics featuring black protagonists, including superheroes, historical figures, and fiction of all sorts.
Staff Picks

Great Graphic Novels For Teens 2019

If you are between the ages of 12-18 or just looking for great comics, this list is for you. The latest Great Graphic Novels For Teens list, provided by the Young Adult Library Services Association, covers graphic novels of all genres, from science fiction and fantasy to realistic fiction and biography. Check out the titles below available for checkout in print and digitally through Hoopla.
Staff Picks

Great Books for Ages 11-12-13

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

Great Books for Ages 9-10-11

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

If You Like Dog Man...

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

Moving Pictures: The Jewish Experience in Graphic Novels

From Superman to Maus, comics wouldn't be the same without Jewish creators.  Enjoy this list of graphic novels about the Jewish experience and nonfiction books about Jewish contributions to sequential art. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf2019 reading challenge.  Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

New Manga of 2018

With 2018 winding down, let's take a look back at all the new manga titles and series that came out in the past year. These debuts range from fantasy and science fiction to romance and drama. Every "Vol. 1" is an invitation to try something new.
Staff Picks

If You Liked: Spider-Man Into The Spider-Verse

If Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse made you want to add more Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, and wider Spider-Verse stories to your reading web, we've got easy access to comics and readalikes. No wallcrawling required.
Staff Picks

If You Liked: Aquaman

Would you like to take a deep dive into the world of Aquaman, especially after seeing the new movie? Whether you're just dipping your toe into legends of Atlantis or looking to make a splash into all things Atlantean, Richland Library is your pipeline for good comics.
Staff Picks

Wandering Star: Jewish Speculative Fiction

Rich traditions of Jewish folklore, culture, and history inform these science fiction and fantasy books.  They feature Jewish characters, themes, and stories. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf2019 reading challenge.  Find more lists here.