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

Women Making History for Tweens & Teens

From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021.  Let's be clear.  Women have always made history.  Sadly, they have been overshadowed, overlooked or just plain erased from many history books.  But no more. 
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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!
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Inspired to Grow Your Relationships?!

We have just the books to help you develop those relationships that matter to you. We've got you covered whether it's with a significant other, yourself, friends and/or family. 
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283,755 Books and Counting

With 283,755 English-language books published to date on World War II, you might think the subject, great and multifaceted as it is, had been thoroughly mined and exhausted by now.  Instead, the war, a perennial favorite topic for nonfiction fans, continues to receive fresh treatment at the hands of historians with new insights gleaned from access to previously unexamined primary sources and archival material.
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#OwnVoices: Native American Authors

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. 
Staff Picks

Anthologies for Teens

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.
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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. 
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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.
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Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

Being mindful, taking a breath and finding your calm can be challenging on a good day.  Add in busy schedules, family stresses, worries and world events, it can seem impossible--especially for children who haven't mastered self-regulation.  Even good changes like holidays or vacations can make children feel overwhelmed:  
Staff Picks

Food Writing (and Watching)

 These passionate works are not just about the foods, but the science behind them as well as the lives of the people who create, consume, and make their living through it. 
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. 
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Oprah Magazine Best Books of 2020

"Books are both solace and inspiration. They light the way, even while enabling temporary escape from life's worries...we wanted to share the best books 2020 had to offer." - Oprah magazine 
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Amazon Editors' Top 20 Best Books of 2020

Every year Amazon's Editors select 100 titles they deemed as the best books to represent that year. Titles vary from literature and fiction, mystery, thriller, and suspense, romance, cooking, food, and wine, children's books, and many many more. 
Staff Picks

Award Winning Books for Teens

Culled from state, national, and professional awards, the titles below were chosen by teens, teachers, librarians, and reviewers as the best in young adult literature.  From memoirs and biographies (Hey Kiddo, The Great Nijinsky, Ordinary Hazards) to literary and inventive fiction (Pet, Clap When You Land, Dig) and popular titles (Frankly in Love, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me), you’re sure to find something you lo
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

An Arbor Day Celebration

Arbor Day (the first Friday in December) is the beginning of tree planting season in South Carolina.  Celebrate safely by finding moments to walk among the trees and appreciate their quiet majesty. Reading can also deepen our knowledge of even every day subjects. This curated selection of books offers titles for everyone - stories about the importance of trees, the science and even hands-on activities. 
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2020 National Book Awards

The winners of the 2020 National Book Awards have just been announced:
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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.
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Jill Biden's Reading List

Dr. Jill Biden, former Second Lady of the United States and soon to be First Lady, is also an accomplished English professor and champion of community colleges. In her memoir, Where The Light Enters, she quotes a bunch of authors across a spectrum of genres. Here is a reading list made up of the works she cites.
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

LibraryReads for November 2020

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

Science writing has its own celebrities, and a few them have new books coming out.  Astrophysicist Janna Levin is back with her fourth book, Black Hole Survival Guide, while famed biologist and #1 world “ant guy” Edward O. Wilson sums up a long lifetime of research and discovery with Tales from the Ant World. 
Staff Picks

Elections and Issues Information for Teens

Every vote matters and every voice counts. Make sure your voice is heard by learning more about the political process, political figures, and challenging issues in the titles below.  Access even more information on these topics using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database, or dig into some fantastic fiction on important social subjects.
Staff Picks

Billion Dollar Loser (and other new business books you may enjoy)

Check out these new business titles recently added to our collection.  Considering the news of the antitrust suit that the US Department of Justice has just brought against Google, Zephyr Teachout’s Break ’em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money is a timely read indeed.
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.
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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

Educating and Preparing Yourself for Childbirth

Congratulations on your new addition! Listed below are a few informative books for the expecting mother and family. These topics range from what to eat while you're pregnant to the various birthing types. It's always good to brush up on some of the latest advice from current moms, but during this season of COVID it's more important than ever. Hopefully, some of these titles can be useful for you, or a loved one. 
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Elections in the United States

Brush up on your knowledge of voting and elections in the United States using these resources.
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

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

Nobel Poetry

American poet Louise Glück has just been awarded this year’s Nobel Prize in literature.  Despite poetry’s status as the “oldest” literary genre, this most distinguished of literary prizes has more often gone to fiction writers than to poets in recent years. If you’re curious to explore Glück’s poetry, as well as that of other remarkable poets who have received the Nobel in the past fifty years, check out any of the titles listed below from our collection.
Staff Picks

The First Casualty

The first casualty of war, it has been famously said, is the truth, which is why war correspondents have played such a crucial role throughout history.  And it hasn’t been just a “boys’ club” – Martha Gellhorn, Rebecca West, and others made a name for themselves reporting from zones of conflict.  More recently, Marie Colvin (tragically killed in Syria in 2012) and Clarissa Ward (author of a new memoir, On All Fronts) have done the same.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

Hispanic Heritage month is a celebration of the countless contributions of Hispanic culture.  Check out these picture books to learn more about how Hispanic culture has influenced our literature and our lives.  And don't miss our Hispanic Heritage Month in Novels book list!
Staff Picks

25 Non Fiction Books About India

Here is a snapshot of the several non fiction books on India in our collection. Do browse through these titles which range in topics from politics, to economics, to travel, food and culture. These books will serve as a looking glass into India.
Staff Picks

Challenged!

This year we celebrate Banned Book Week September 22-28. What’s that? Well, since the 1980s libraries all over the world celebrate challenged titles and spread awareness about the freedom to read each year at the end of September. Why these books? Some people feel like the content of these titles is not appropriate and should be censored and taken off bookshelves. No worries though, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom works tirelessly to advocate for our right to have access to these titles.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

How is electricity made?  And how does it get to my house?  From understanding the basics of electricity to a mystery complete with experiments, this list has all that you need to become an energy expert.   And...just in time for Energy Action Month, learn about alternative energy like solar and wind and how to conserve and save energy.   Energy expert?  You'll be an energy star!
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
Staff Picks

Food to Fall For

Does the chill in the air make you crave hardier fare? Then check out one of these delectable delights!
Staff Picks

2020 National Book Awards: The Long Lists

The long lists for the 2020 National Book Awards have just been announced.  The winners will be announced on November 18.  Check out the following titles from our collection in the award categories of fiction, nonfiction, literature in translation, young people's literature, and poetry.
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

2020 Kirkus Prize Finalists

The finalists for this year's Kirkus Prize have just been announced.  The prize, which was created in 2014, goes to books in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and young readers' literature.  The winners in the three categories will be announced on November 5.  Check out the finalists listed below from our collection.
Staff Picks

Indian Art

Explore the world of Indian art and its vast history, interpretations, and celebration of culture.
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  This right has not always been guaranteed or given to every citizen.  Discover the history and the people who fought and continue to fight for 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

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

Labor and Its Discontents

The world of work was being upended even before the coronavirus pandemic drove the US unemployment rate to record highs.  The “gig economy,” robotics, and offshoring, to name but a few factors, have reshaped traditional employment in ways that are not yet fully understood.  As we observe Labor Day, this is a good time to take a look at how we got here and what may be in store for us in the labor market.  The books listed below offer a range of views on the subject, from critiques of Silicon Valley’s role in degrading work life to constructive advice on finding mea
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest for Families

Inspire your future leaders with these stories of people who made a difference.  Discover how these activists found their voice, fought for their rights and used the power of protest to create change.   You can also take action with our DIY Storytime:  Get Up, Stand Up.  
Staff Picks

Back to School... at Home: The Book List

It is time to set up space for your school year. Starting at home? Check out these great titles that will inspire you to create a space that is fun and functional for you and your children. Study, explore, create, and make the grade! 
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest

Black protest has power.  The power to change minds, laws, even nations.  Black protest shapes history and leaders.  Learn more about the triumphs and the struggles of black protest and activism by checking out these titles today.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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

Immigration and First Generation Stories for Teens

Explore the lives of teens through the lens of these immigration and first generation stories.  Focusing on characters who are straddling two worlds and two cultures, these stories explore the richness of the immigrant experience, the challenge of naturalization, and the complexity of living within two communities simultaneously. 
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

All the Water in the World: Children's Books about Water

Raindrops, rivers, oceans, ice. Water, in all its different forms, is all around us. While some of us are lucky to have reliable access to water, for many others, the search for clean water is a daily struggle. Dive into some of these books to help your children understand the power of water, the importance of keeping our waterways clean and the global issues of water scarcity and conservation. 
Staff Picks

The Bomb, 75 Years On

August 6, 2020, marks the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, an event that hastened the end of World War II but also caused the deaths of an estimated 70,000-126,000 Japanese civilians.  It also inaugurated the Cold War and the costly arms race that gripped the world for the next few decades.
Staff Picks

New in Science

Most of these new science books are already available as ebooks, with print copies available or on order in some cases.  Needless to say, Debora MacKenzie’s COVID-19 and Meera Senthilingam’s Outbreaks and Epidemics have been getting a lot of notice.  Other intriguing titles include Paul Sutter’s
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: Friendships Inspired by Frog & Toad

In this new world of social distancing and self-isolation, we’re all finding out how important it is to have good friends. We hope you enjoy these charming stories of friendships, inspired by Frog and Toad. Fans of Frog and Toad may want to check out our DIY Storytime: Frog and Toads Are Friends.
Staff Picks

New Business Books

Most of these recently published business titles are already available in e-book format, with print copies on order in some cases.  Among the notable new books is Susanne Tedrick’s Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators, which one reviewer describes as “most valuable in its close focus on the realities of the tech world.”  Also getting a lot of buzz is
Staff Picks

The Dog Days of Summer

Too hot to go outside? Then stay in and chill with your favorite canine companion and one of these great reads! Not finding what you are looking for? Call us at 803-799-9084 for more great suggestions.
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

New in Biography and Memoir

You can place a hold on any of these new titles for pickup at one of our four locations with drive-through pickup windows (Ballentine, Northeast, Sandhills, and St.
Staff Picks

Season of Self Care

Although it is important to prioritize your body's health, it is especially important now more than ever. Included below are titles that range from meditation to other alternative ways of healing your mind, body and soul. Take a deep breath and know that you are not in this journey alone. Hope you enjoy!
Staff Picks

Books You Can Read in a Day

Not ready to tackle another 500 page novel? Looking for a quick read that still packs a big punch? We've got you covered. Each of these great titles is 100 pages or less, but will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. The perfect size for a lazy afternoon on the couch. 
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Memoirs & Biographies for Middle Schoolers

Memoirs and biographies are real life stories that inspire.  From samurais to cowboys, writers to activists, this list is full of people who have faced hardship and triumphed.  Download one of these amazing ebooks or eaudiobooks to start reading or listening today. 
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Teens & Adults

Talk about race and the black experience in America with these #OwnVoices titles for teens and adults.
Staff Picks

Racial Equity and Inclusion

Take some time to explore these films that address racial equity and inclusion at a critical time in history.
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Becoming Actively Antiracist

It is one thing to say, "I'm not a racist", but it is entirely another thing to be an antiracist. It takes active listening, reading to learn (and unlearn), self-reflection, and educating oneself. Here are a few books to help you begin the work of becoming an antiracist. Here are a few more collections that may interest you: Race Matters book list
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

Read All About It: STEAM Picture Books

Full STEAM ahead! Picture books about sciene, engineering, art, and math from Richland library's digital collection.   To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.  If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately. 
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Engineering Stories & Facts

Give yourself a firm foundation by reading or listening to these books featuring stories and facts about architecture and engineering. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.  If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately. 
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Technology Stories & Facts

Take off with technology by reading these stories, learning new facts and getting hands-on with your own gizmos and machines. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.  If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately. 
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Math Stories, Concepts & Activities

Multiply your skills with these stories, concept and activity books that add up to a lot of math fun. To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.  If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately. 
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Science Facts & Activities

Discover awesome science facts and activities about astronomy, exploding ants, the human body and more by reading (or listening to) these great books! To start reading or listening today, all you need is your Richland Library card, a laptop or mobile device and Wi-Fi access.  If you don't have a Richland Library card, apply online and start accessing all of our online resources immediately. 
Staff Picks

Backyard Naturalist

Now that we're all stuck at home, we've probably paid a lot more attention to the creatures in our own backyard. Maybe we've become a bit more curious about their lives. Here are some ebooks to find out more.
Staff Picks

Reality Break: Get Creative Edition

Stuck at home? Starting to go a little stir-crazy? Why not use this time to learn a new skill like how to repair a flat bicycle tire, or get lost in a new-found hobby like paint pouring? Take a moment for some self-care action by making your own sugar scrub, or declutter your space so you can focus on what's important. Check out this small sampling to get those creative juices flowing, break out of the Netflix binge, (maybe change out of your pajamas?) and let yourself experience something new!
Staff Picks

E-Books Guaranteed to Make You Laugh

In this time of uncertainty we are all in need of a good belly-rolling, tears streaming down our cheeks, gasping for breath laugh. Practice your social distancing with this list of e-books, available for free with your Richland Library card, that are certain to whisk you away to a world of comedic comfort all without ever leaving your couch. 
Staff Picks

Art Books For Gamers On Hoopla

Go beyond the surface of your favorite videogames with these art books and visual guides, often including commentary from the original creative teams.