Voyaging Southward from the Strait of Magellan
Prague Pictures
Staff Picks

Travel Writing, Classic to Contemporary

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, May 11
As summer approaches and public health restrictions are eased, the prospect of travel, long denied for many, beckons invitingly.  If you are not quite ready to plan a trip yet, consider some of the best that travel writing has to offer, from classics like William Bartram’s exploration of the Southeast in the 1770s to the latest from best-selling travel writer/novelist Paul Theroux.  The following list leans heavily toward the literary travel-writing end of the spectrum (no Fodor’s or Rick Steves guides here).  Only one title per author is included, although severa
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.
Bossypants
Talking to Strangers
Staff Picks

10 Books for Graduates

  • Brittany S.
  • Thursday, May 06
When the confetti falls and the celebration ends, what is next? Check out these helpful and inspiring titles as you enter a new chapter of your life. 
Maya Lin
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian & Asian American Biographies for Children

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, April 30
Celebrate the amazing accomplishments and stories of Asians and Asian Americans of yesterday and today, by reading the wonderful and powerful titles below.  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.
A Different Pond
The Best We Could Do
Staff Picks

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

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, April 30
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.
Ladies Get Paid
Humor, Seriously
Staff Picks

Ladies Get Paid (and other new business books you might enjoy)

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, April 30
Check out these business and finance books recently added to our collection.  Popular titles include Ladies Get Paid, a manifesto on workplace equality by Claire Wasserman, and Black, White, and The Grey, a memoir by Mashama Bailey and John O.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Celebrating National Bike Month

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, May 20

May is National Bike Month, and although it may strike you as something that was only recently adopted, it has actually been observed since 1956.

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:
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Between the World and Me

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Angry. Scared. Tired. These are only a few of the words to describe how the Black community is feeling right now and how it has felt for the past four hundred years.

Blog
Richland Library Main

The Profound Poetry in 'The Prophet'

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, April 28

There are twenty poems on topics such as Love, Marriage, Children, Giving, Joy and Sorrow, Work, Laws, Freedom, Friendship, Teaching, Pain, Crime and Punishment, and much more. Each poem is simple yet sublime with a mystical message.

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!
Our Time is Now
Our Time is Now
Staff Picks

Our Vulnerable Democracy: Past, Present and Future

  • Chantal W.
  • Friday, April 23
One of the many things that we learned in the year 2020 is that democracy is a fragile thing.   How do we as regular citizens combat white supremacy?  How do we go about demanding that the institutions that are the foundation of our democracy and government be fairer and actually represent all of us and not just some of us? 
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...
Herb Gardening for Dummies
The Integrative Guide to Good Health
Staff Picks

Herbal Guides from the Ground Up

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Great Weather!  Awesome Temperatures! Spring Cleaning! Now, How About Your Garden? Dig into These Books to Get Your Herbs Up and Growing.
East
The Mission Chinese Food Cookbook
Staff Picks

Food Brings Us Together: Asian and Asian American Cookbooks

  • Morgan R.
  • Friday, April 16
Vibrant fresh vegetables, tangy sauces, savory meats and a kick of heat can serve as the base of many Asian dishes and who can say no to that? Foodie or not, there's something in here for everyone.
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!
Martha Stewart's Organizing
Complete Guide to Natural Home Remedies
Staff Picks

Inspiration for Spring Cleaning

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 16
Need a lot of pick-me-up this year to kick off your Spring cleaning? Try some of this titles to inspire your creative cleaning flow!   NEXT STOP:   
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. 
Billie Holiday
Dianne Reeves
Staff Picks

Jazz Appreciation Month: Women in Jazz

  • Chantal W.
  • Monday, April 05
Jazz is a male dominated field, but women have contributed significantly since it began.  Most of the women of Jazz that are well known to most of us (especially those of us who are not aficionados of the genre) do tend to be the vocalists, rather than the instrumentalists.  Here is a list of books, music and film to help you learn more about both.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.

A Place Inside of Me
Ellington Was Not A Street.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: African American Experiences in Poetry

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 02
"for there is love inside me true love deep down inside of me I am in love with my people"-- A Place Inside of Me:  A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott   These #OwnVoices collections, picture books and novels for older readers explore themes of community and connection, family and faith, racism and resilience.  These books give poetic voice to African American experiences and history and should be read and shared by everyone.  
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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

She Changed Her Name

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, May 20

Many generations work together to reveal how Sojourner Truth fits in our history or herstory.

Blog
Richland Library Main

The White Tiger: A Book Review

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, March 27

There has been a resurgence of interest in Aravind Adiga’s book The White Tiger as Netflix recently released a movie of the same name based on this 2008 Booker prize-winning exemplary work of fiction. 

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.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Sunday, March 28

In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.  

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!
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.
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!
The Removed
Love After the End
Staff Picks

Books by Indigenous Authors

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 16
Listed below are works by Indigenous authors and their various formats. 
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.
45-love
55 Dynamic Agility & Conditioning Drills for Tennis
Staff Picks

Swing into Tennis (Game, Set, Match)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, March 11
A list of Tennis related material has been compiled as you gear up for the courts. Lace up your shoes and tighten your strings, it's time to ace this year's season. 
Blog
Richland Library Cooper

Paving the Way: Celebrating Women's History Month

  • Rehana H.
  • Sunday, March 14

Few people are labeled the "first", but Navy Lt. j.g. Madeline G. Swegle is not your average sailor. As of July 31, 2020, she's officially the Navy's first Black female tactical air pilot, marking a significant milestone for naval aviation. Find out more about her and check out these books featuring women in uniform; their stories, achievements and determination.

The Truths We Hold
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Staff Picks

40 Inspiring Biographies of Remarkable Women

  • Mona Verma
  • Monday, March 08
Biographies and memoirs are raw, real and riveting. We can learn so much about the lives of these strong women from books where human stories intersperse with history, culture and the political climate. Do read and get empowered.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.

The Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
Staff Picks

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

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“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.  
The Disordered Cosmos
The Best American Science and Nature Writing 2020
Staff Picks

New in Science

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, March 05
Catch up on the latest developments in science with these fascinating new titles.  Among them are books by best-selling science writers Carl Zimmer (Life’s Edge) and Elizabeth Kolbert (Under a White Sky), and by scientists such as Nobel laureate Frank Wilczek (
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Class Act

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, August 07

New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, is now joined by Jerry Craft’s powerful Class Act.

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
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

Let’s show out children a world where everyone does not look the same, worship the same, or even think the same—and that this is the beauty of the world. Let’s teach them that in spite of our differences, we’re more alike than different, and learning brings us closer together. Let’s join together and Read WOKE Across America!

Between Two Kingdoms
Undaunted
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, March 01
Check out the latest biographies and memoirs added to our collection.  Among the titles receiving a lot of buzz are Between Two Kingdoms, a memoir of cancer survival by Suleika Jaouad, and Just as I Am, by screen and stage legend Cicely Tyson, who died on January 28.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01

Jason Reynolds is an author and poet who grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Inspired by Queen Latifah and the other rappers he listened to in his youth, he began writing poetry at the age of 9. 

In January 2020, Jason Reynolds was named as the Library of Congress’s national ambassador for young people’s literature, a position designed to encourage young people to develop an interest in reading.

Black Comix Returns
Nelson Mandela
Staff Picks

Black History In Comics

  • Thomas M.
  • Thursday, February 25
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.
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.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Undefeated

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Unforgettable. Undeniable. Unflappable. Unafraid. These are just a few of the words that can be used to describe this Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-Winning book by author Kwame Alexander and illustrator Kadir Nelson.

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!
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: A Story About Afiya

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, March 11

DIY Storytimes are curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook, songs and activities.  

Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the sweet story of Afiya and her dress, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet, James Berry, with fresh illustrations by Anna Cunha.

The Way You Make Me Feel
Simon Vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Young Adult Romance Novels

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, February 22
Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these young adult romances!  They're great books for teens and they also have a lot of crossover appeal for adults.  All of the subgenres in adult romance appear in YA romance as well, so you're sure to find something you love here!
The 5 AM Club
Getting Things Done
Staff Picks

Stay Motivated and Win this Year!

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, February 17
A list of personal development books have been created to assist you on your journey to victory! 2020 is gone and over, but 2021 has 365 brand new ways for you to prove just how resilient you are. We already have a month in the hole, let's take advantage of the next few. You're only a decision away...
Black Widow
Lumberjanes. Campfire Songs
Staff Picks

100 New Graphic Novels for Children

  • Jenny D.
  • Monday, February 15
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!
The Witness
The Unsung Hero
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Romantic Suspense

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, February 15
Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these romantic suspense novels!  Romantic suspense books still have a central romance plot, but they also have a thriller or suspense element that shares the spotlight.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Stamped: This is Not a History Book

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Monday, February 15

"This is not a history book...." There's so much packed in that one profound statement that Jason Reynolds reiterates at the beginning of Stamped: Antriracism, Racism, and You by Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black History Is American History

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23

Black History Month should not be just a time to celebrate African Americans who have paved the way for us all to thrive. It should be a time to challenge the stubbornly persistent tendency to teach Black History as a footnote to American history.

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!
Spoiler Alert
Motorcycle Man
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Contemporary Romance Novels

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, February 08
Fulfill the "Read a Romance Novel" prompt for this year's Broader Bookshelf challenge with one of these contemporary romances.  A contemporary romance is set in the time it was written in, but can be about anything - this list has books about cowboys, cosplayers, yarn store owners, and princes!  (A surprising number of princes.)  
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.  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: One Crazy Summer

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books. These discussions will build our capacity for talking about race and define our roles in fighting against both every day and systemic racism.

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. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Bring On the Blessings (Book #1 of Blessings series)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, June 23

When a post-Reconstruction African-American community succumbs to a desperate need for funds and purpose, its mayor puts the small town up for sale and finds a buyer in Bernardine Brown, who believes the town's sale to be a sign from God. 🏠🏠

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.