Staff Picks

LibraryReads for October 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in October 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

Fall Feels

It's fall, y'all! (I had to say it) and that means whether you are gearing up for Halloween, are getting your apples peeled, sliced, and ready to bake, or are just enjoying the crisp morning air, we've got some good reads for the season. 
Staff Picks

Mythological Retellings

Mythology and folklore are full of strange characters, bizarre circumstances, grand journeys and revenge plots gone horribly wrong. And while the classics will always remain the classics, every so often a writer comes along with a fresh take that can make us see a familiar story in a completely different way. They place these legends in new times and places.
Staff Picks

Aspiring Female Pilots

✈️Zara Rutherford, a 19-year old Belgian pilot, may become the world's youngest female pilot to fly around the world to date. Currently the title is held by Captain Shaesta Waiz, an Afghan refugee, who completed the trip in 2017 at age 30. Rutherford mentioned a huge reason for doing this flight was to help encourage more girls/young women to go into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)✈️
Staff Picks

Picks from Oprah's Book Club

Check out this list of Oprah's Book Club picks.The most recent Oprah pick is The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin 
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for September 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in September 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for July 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in July 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

SC Young Adult Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"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.
Staff Picks

YA and Middle Grade Reads for Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. The books recommend below showcase the continued fight for freedom.
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Adults

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.
Staff Picks

Celebrate Loving Day for Tweens & Teens

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.
Staff Picks

SC Junior Book Award Nominees 2021-2022

"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.
Staff Picks

Historical Beach Reads

Get lost this summer, and travel back in time!  Enjoy this list of Historical fiction that's great for your Beach getaway! 🌊⛵🏖️
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for June 2021

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!
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Historical Asian & Asian American Titles for Children and Teens

Read the historical fiction and nonfiction titles below to learn more about the Asian and Asian American 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.
Staff Picks

Movies for Workers' Day

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. 
Staff Picks

Female Spies

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.
Staff Picks

Women Authors Who Broke the Mold

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.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.  
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for March 2021

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!
Staff Picks

Ballentine Staff Picks

Check out some of these great titles recommended by the Ballentine branch staff.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

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.  
Staff Picks

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

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.  
Staff Picks

Booklist: Exploration for fun

Exploration Generation   Do you want to explore history and geography, whenever you want?  Then welcome to a new way of thinking of generations. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

It's All About the Bridgertons, Baby

Let's face it, we all loved Bridgerton on Netflix, based on Julia Quinn's book series of the same name. Maybe you loved it because of the regency romance, or maybe it was the costumes, the fake relationship, or the witty banter. Whatever it was, we've got some historical romance novels to fill the void that the brief series left. 
Staff Picks

Books Inspired by Jane Austen

It has been over 200 years since Jane Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility, was published in 1811, and though her works were all published anonymously, her name is now known all around the world. Her works have been translated into over 40 languages and have been republished and retold countless times. Many film and tv adaptations have also been produced (although no one can beat Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy). These are just a few of the amazing works inspired by Jane Austen.
Staff Picks

LibraryReads for January 2021

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in January 2021, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
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

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

LibraryReads for December 2020

Each month, LibraryReads lists the top upcoming titles recommended by librarians across the country.  All these books will be published in December 2020, so stay ahead of the curve and get on the holds list now!
Staff Picks

Time Travel

If you could travel to any point in time, what would it be? Would you go back in time...or forward? While time travel is not yet a reality, we can experience it vicariously through the lives of different fictional characters. Choose your time machine carefully though because you never know where you might end up.
Staff Picks

YA Books about Family and Self Discovery

Blood bound, blended, or chosen family can get complicated. Delve into the family secrets, rivalries, and, time honored traditions in the following novels. Looking for more?  Check out our personalized recommendations form or call us at 803-799-9084.
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

Debut Novels of 2020

Do you read faster than your favorite author can crank out her latest book? While you are waiting, try one of these debut novels by your newest favorite author! 
Staff Picks

The Brutal History of Black Bodies & Medicine

As with so much of American history, the field of medicine made advancements at the expense of numerous Black lives.  Yet, this trauma did not end with emancipation.  The stereotypes and inhumane treatment persisted through Jim Crow.  The vestiges remain today and play out in racial health disparities that have come into even sharper focus with COVID-19.
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

Read All About It: Kelly Starling Lyons

Award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, surrounded by creativity and artistic expression.  She has now written more than a dozen books for children, from picture books to beginning readers to chapter books, focusing on the African-American experience and giving young people stories to reflect their own lives and culture.
Staff Picks

Witches and Werewolves

Something wicked this way comes. Dust off your broom and check out these books about witches and werewolves that you can really sink your teeth into. They're sure to put a spell on you.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Middle Grade & Teen Novels

Discover the stories, cultures, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these compelling novels 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.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books

Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books.   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: Sharon Draper

Sharon Draper (born 1948) grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where she majored in English at Pepperdine University then earned her Masters of Arts in English at Miami University of Ohio. Always an avid reader, Draper taught at Cincinnati public schools.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Joyce Hansen

Joyce Hansen is the author of many novels and nonfiction works for children and young adults.  Her books are a mixture of contemporary and historical fiction, and she has also written and contributed to several works of non-fiction focused on African American historical subjects.
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote for Families

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  Sharing books together is a great way to introduce our civic responsibility, the history and the power of the vote.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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

Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books for children and teens.   When asked, “Why do you write?”  Ms. McKissack said, “I write because there is a need to have books for, by, and about the African American experience and how we helped to develop this country."  Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

Share these #OwnVoices picture books and middle grade novels together and begin the practice of having regular and honest family conversations about race.   Embrace Race offers 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race that will help you get started.  
Staff Picks

In the Garden with Children: Stories and Activities

Columbia's plants and flowers are bursting with color and life, so it's the perfect time to enjoy a good garden story or activity.  Want more eaudiobook or ebook recommendations?  Call Richland Library Main (803) 799-9084, One of our staff members would be happy to create recommendations just for you.
Staff Picks

Set in SC

Sometimes it's nice to read something and know exactly where the author is taking you, whether its your favorite restaurant in Charleston, or a dusty road in Six Mile. Try one of these new(ish) titles that take place in South Carolina. 
Staff Picks

Staff Picks: Sandhills

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

Reality Break: eaudio Edition

Reality got you down? Take a break from the news and the COVID-19 panic with these eaudiobooks available for free with your Richland Library card. The best part- you don't even have to leave your house, so social distance yourself and get lost in a good (eaudio)book! 
Staff Picks

Picks from the Belletrist Book Club

Check out these picks from Emma Robert's Belletrist Book Club. The April 2024 Pick is Memory Piece by Lisa Ko 
Staff Picks

Strong Female Protagonists

Celebrate National Women's History Month with these great reads featuring strong female leads. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
Staff Picks

I've Read Everything by Danielle Steel...

Read everything by Danielle Steel and don't know what to read next? Check out some of these read-alike authors and titles to find your new favorite! Ask your local librarian or check out Novelist for even more suggestions!
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

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

Historical Turn of the Strange

Historical twists and turns   Ever felt there were things unseen?  Do you enjoy mixing history with the unusual?  Then soar to your local library or personal electronic device to check them out.  Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions.
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

Community Wide Reads

Its wonderful when diverse people connect by shared reading. One Book One Community is a book selected to be read by the whole community. Its the biggest and best local book club. The 2019 book selection is Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. The reading culminates in an author event at Richland Library Main. 
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

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Whole Family

Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15th to October 15th. This is a time of celebration and a moment to reflect on the contributions of this community. Books are a fantastic way to learn and build empathy, and the following list includes great reading materials for every member of your family. 
Staff Picks

New Historical Fiction

These are the must read historical fiction titles for 2019 (so far!)
Staff Picks

World Class Series

In a book slump?  Thinking about starting a new series?  Here are a few suggestions of the first book in a series, across all genres that will help you get the reading bug.
Staff Picks

Lend Me Your Eyre

Are you a fan of Jane Eyre?  Do you want to be?  Check out these titles that are inspired by Charlotte Bronte's classic story.  And check out Jane Eyre too if you haven't already.
Staff Picks

If You Loved Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch Try...

Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece The Goldfinch is an expertly crafted coming-of-age story full of everything an award winning book should have and more. It is emotional, gripping, and paced to match real life with an over-arching melancholy tone. The connection between art and humanity is one of the prominent themes, and Tartt's arresting language makes this book one that will stick with you for years to come. The audiobook is a work of art in and of itself, with the narrator David Pittu's Audie award-winning perfomance.
Staff Picks

Indigenous Arts: Books by Native American Authors

Decolonize your bookshelf with these books from Native American and Canadian First Nations authors.  From fantasy to memoir to young adult and graphic novels, these authors are writing rich and varied books for everyone.  You may notice that there are many recent titles - we are currently in the middle of a Native literary Renaissance, so expect to see even more great books from these perspectives!
Staff Picks

Books About Books

If you like books, you might like reading about books and others who love them.  Check out these titles that are sure to make you rethink your relationships with ink and paper.  Some are familiar and others are strange, but all will show how a love of books can shape a life.
Staff Picks

Teleport through historical fiction

Who says you can't teleport! Teleport back in time, following these independent women. Hurry to your local library or personal electronic device to check them out and see what you would do in their place! Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions.
Staff Picks

Homeschooling: Ancient History

Studying the ancients this year? Ready to build a pyramid of LEGO's? Want to stage your own Olympic Games? Have you always wanted to try your hand at writing on a clay tablet?  Carve your way through these ancient history books and create hands-on lessons for all ages. History curriculum is fun and FREE at your library. 
Staff Picks

Move over Sherlock

There are new detectives in town!  These women are trailblazers!  Hurry to the library help crack the case along with them.  Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!   
Staff Picks

Celebrating Local African American Writers

Celebrate local African American writers by checking out some of these titles from Richland Library's Local Author Collection.  These authors offer something for everyone--from science fiction to cookbooks.  Discover a new favorite or get inspired to write your own story.   
Staff Picks

Different from All Other Nights: Jewish Non-Holocaust Historical Fiction

There are many beautiful, moving historical fiction books about the Holocaust.  None of them are on this list!  If you'd like to read some fiction about the many other periods in Jewish history, this list is for you.  (Some of these may have characters with memories of the Holocaust or partially take place in World War II, but the Holocaust experience is not the main focus.)
Staff Picks

Kosher Cornbread: The Jewish Experience in the South

Shalom, y'all!  The South has been home to vibrant Jewish communities for centuries.  Enjoy this list of fiction and non-fiction books about the Jewish experience south of the Mason-Dixon line. This list is part of the #BroaderBookshelf2019 reading challenge.  Find more lists here.
Staff Picks

One Book, One Community 2018

A timely read around Veteran's Day, Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried is a ground-breaking meditation on war, memory, imagination and the redemptive power of storytelling. Critically acclaimed, it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Whether you grab a hard copy or an eBook, we encourage you to join your friends and neighbors as we come together during One Book, One Community for this shared reading experience.
Staff Picks

7 Books Your Neighbors Have Read

Every February, One Book, One Community encourages Midlands’ area residents to read the same book at the same time--ultimately connecting the community through a shared reading experience.  From Conroy to Rash and beyond, here's a peek at what your neighbors have been reading for the last several years: