A Snake Falls to Earth
Ancestor Approved
Staff Picks

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

  • Saturday, October 03
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.
Rock Your Mocs
Una Huna
Staff Picks

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

  • Saturday, October 03
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: On The Run

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, October 23

iRead features the best ebooks, eaudiobooks and print books for children and teens curated by the Children's Room and Teen Center staff.  

Whether it's running from danger or running towards adventure, these are stories of friends and family discovering new things about the world and themselves.  

A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Freedom Soup.
Staff Picks

Fry Bread, Bi-Bim-Bop, & More!

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, October 02
While we all have our differences, one thing we can all agree on is food! There are so many cultures and countries all over the world that have delicious dishes that everyone can enjoy. From kimchi to tamales, our tastebuds await the next yummy surprise and insight into both familiar and new worlds.  Read these stories to learn more about different types of tasty cuisines, the unique characters behind these cuisines, and how these cuisines bring us all together.
Dirty Wars and Polished Silver
The Mammoth Book of Combat
Staff Picks

The First Casualty

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, October 01
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.
Dreamers
Dreamers.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Hispanic Heritage Month in Picture Books

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, October 01
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!
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black Female Illustrators Spotlight

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23

When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. - We Need Diverse Books 

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grace for President

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, October 12

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grace for President), songs and rhymes ( Sunny Day by Elizabeth Mitchell, I Am Special and Young Soul by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo) and activities (Make Your Own Campaign Poster, "If I Were President," Make Your Own "I Voted" Badge & Design Your Own Readers Make Leaders Bookmark)

Blog
Richland Library Main

Top 10 Challenged Books of 2019

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, September 28

The American Library Association tracked 377 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2019. Overall, 566 books were targeted. Here are the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in 2019.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Sharon Draper

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, October 09

“I learned to dream through reading, learned to create dreams through writing, and learned to develop dreamers through teaching. I shall always be a dreamer. Come dream with me."--Sharon Draper

Tears of a Tiger
Blended
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Sharon Draper

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, September 25
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.
Witchborn
Undead Girl Gang
Staff Picks

Toil & Trouble - Teen Witches

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, September 25
There's a chill in the air which means spooky season is upon us. It's time to grab a warm beverage, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a great book as the nights grow longer and the leaves begin to fall. Check out the list below to bewitch yourself with paranormal tales of magic, spells, covens, and more. Looking for more? Check out our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Let It Snow
Let It Snow
Staff Picks

YA Novels to Film

  • Brittany S.
  • Thursday, September 24
The pages of the following novels came to life in movies and television shows. Check out the epic stories that started it all. 
What if It's Us
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian
Staff Picks

Must Read YA Realistic Fiction Novels

  • Brittany S.
  • Thursday, September 24
See Realistic Fiction at its finest. Walk down a school hallway, enter a pageant, and take a life altering trip while delving into these stories. 
Electricity in Your Life
Buried Sunlight
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, September 24
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!
Six of Crows
Graceling
Staff Picks

YA Fantasy Gold Mine

  • Brittany S.
  • Thursday, September 24
Take a trip to another realm with adventure around every corner in the following novels. 
The Remaking
The Boatman's Daughter
Staff Picks

It's Spooky Season

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, September 23
Grab your sweater, a hot beverage of choice, and cozy on up with a good book because it's officially Fall, y'all! Here are a few horror novels to get you into the #SpookySzn mood.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Toning the Sweep

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

If you've visited the library, you've likely had one of our library staff emphasize the importance of not only reading but that reading builds empathy.

I Dissent
American Women Activists' Writings
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, September 21
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.
Ruth Objects
On the Basis of Sex
Staff Picks

RIP RBG

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, September 21
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday, Sept.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: The Tía Lola Stories Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Monday, September 21

A touchstone series of cultural identity for middle grade readers, these novels center around 11-year-old Miguel Guzman and his sister Juanita, who move from New York City to Vermont with their recently divorced mother.  His flamboyant tía Lola arrives just as he’s trying to fit into a mostly white farming community. But her charm and cooking enthrall the family and neighbors, and teach them much about life, family, the Latinx culture, and community.

The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree
The Index of Self-Destructive Acts
Staff Picks

2020 National Book Awards: The Long Lists

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, September 18
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.
Furia
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

Teen Fiction for Hispanic Heritage Month

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, September 16
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) recognizes the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Celebrate by checking out these teen titles highlighting diverse characters and stories by #OwnVoices authors. Looking for more? Check out our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat

  • Ronisha J.
  • Thursday, June 23

This autobiography lets us know that we do not have to remain in our circumstance. If we want better, we can work to achieve better. It is OK to get help from others along the way. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Joyce Hansen

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, September 25

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.  Ms. Hansen currently lives in the midlands of South Carolina, and continues to write for youth. 

The Heart Calls Home
But That's Another Story
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Joyce Hansen

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, September 11
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.
Black Sunday
Clap when You Land
Staff Picks

2020 Kirkus Prize Finalists

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, September 10
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.
Lillian's Right to Vote
Election Collection
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09
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.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Mariko Tamaki

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, September 04
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Mariko Tamaki

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, September 06

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.

The Silence of the Girls
Milkman
Staff Picks

2020 International Dublin Literary Award: The Short List

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, September 04
The short list for this year's International Dublin Literary Award has just been announced.  Established in 1994, this is one of the largest literary prizes around, at €100,000, and is awarded to a novel written or translated into English.  The winner will be announced on October 22.  In the meantime, check out the ten short list titles from our collection.  (Seven of the ten have already won other major literary prizes.)
The Job
The Globotics Upheaval
Staff Picks

Labor and Its Discontents

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, September 03
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
Don't Read the Comments
Girl Gone Viral
Staff Picks

Teen Viral Sensations

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, September 03
This year we've all been a bit more plugged in than usual. Whether you're connecting with friends and family via Zoom, emailing in your homework assignments, scrolling through social media on your phone, or even participating in virtual role playing games with your peers, the internet and technology is essential. But have you ever wondered what would happen if you went viral? This list of teen fiction titles explores what it would be like to experience a sudden onslaught of fame and attention from viral videos, blogs, YouTube channels, comics, and more.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Crown

  • DJ Barber
  • Thursday, June 23

Derrick Barnes captures one of the most pivotal moments of a black boy’s life: his first haircut.

The Ballad of Black Tom
Kindred
Staff Picks

After Lovecraft

  • Sara M.
  • Monday, August 31
Check out this list of books that engage with Lovecraftian cosmic horror ideas and with Lovecraft's xenophobia and bigotry.
The Discomfort of Evening
The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree
Staff Picks

2020 International Booker Prize

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, August 27
The International Booker Prize was created in 2004 to recognize fictional works that weren't eligible for the regular Booker Prize (awarded to authors hailing from anywhere in the British Commonwealth).  This year's winner is Dutch author Marieke Lucas Rijneveld for her debut novel, The Discomfort of Evening, about a young girl from a farming family who blames herself when tragedy befalls them.
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Children of Blood and Bone

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, June 23

Seventeen-year-old Zélie, her older brother Tzain, and rogue princess Amari fight to restore magic to the land and activate a new generation of magi, but they are ruthlessly pursued by the crown prince, who believes the return of magic will mean the end of the monarchy.

Lift As You Climb
Dreams of Freedom
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, August 22
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.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nikki Grimes

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24

Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry.  She writes so that children will see themselves in literature. 

Kamala Harris
Almost Zero
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Nikki Grimes

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 21
Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes has earned several accolades for her writing and poetry. Ms. Grimes has said that reading and writing helped her get through her darkest times as a child.  Helping children process grief through stories is a significant part of her writing. She wants children to see themselves in literature. 
Front Desk
Yes! We Are Latinos
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Immigrant & Refugee Stories in Novels

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 21
Children and families immigrate or flee their country because of war, hunger or the dream of something greater.  But life in their new home isn't always easy and everyone isn't always welcoming.  Read these stories to find out how they figure it out, make friends and how they embrace their new life while holding firm to who they are.  
Islandborn
The Big Umbrella
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Immigrant and Refugee Stories in Picture Books

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, August 20
Children and families immigrate or flee their country because of war, hunger, or the dream of something greater. However, life in their new home isn't always easy, and everyone isn't always welcoming.  Read these stories to find out how they figure it out, make friends, and how they embrace their new life while holding firm to who they are.  
Between the World and Me
The Water Dancer
Staff Picks

Thought Leaders to Read

  • Morgan R.
  • Wednesday, August 19
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.
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin
Seven Deadly Shadows
Staff Picks

Diverse Teen Fantasy Books

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, August 19
Looking for some escapism? Check out these exciting and diverse teen fantasy titles released in 2020 to explore new worlds filled with unique magic. From adventures of a gender-fluid pirate discovering a mermaid (The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea) to a Bolivian politics inspired tale of a decoy queen (Woven in Moonlight) to a fairy tale retelling of a black heroine fighting the patriarchy (Cinderella is Dead) and more, you'll be sure to find spellbinding stories in each of these books.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The Vanishing Half - A Review

  • Mahogany S.
  • Thursday, June 23

The Vanishing Half is a bittersweet look into the lives of twin sisters and how they deal with separation, betrayal, abuse, and a changing world. The sisters deal with the oppressive weight of being black in a time where lynchings were still commonplace as children, where light skin is seen as preferential and passing for white is as taboo as it is desirable.

Marked
Demon in My View
Staff Picks

​Nostalgic Teen Vampire Reads

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, August 12
The recent release of Midnight Sun, the fifth book in the Twilight saga, may have you craving more of that supernatural, vampire romance and angst. We've got you covered with all the old teen favorites and maybe some you may have missed. Sink your teeth into these for forbidden love, boarding school drama, dark and mysterious secrets, and more.  Want more recommendations? Try out our our Personalized Recommendations form to find your next great read!
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost and Patina

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

In my opinion Jason Reynolds's work connects to everyone but especially kids in the same type of urban background that he himself is from. His style of writing draws people in regardless of age or race and that is something that I love in an author.

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Colorism in Genesis Begins Again

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, June 23

While there are lots of books, articles, and videos that highlight how to talk about race, Genesis Begins Again brings forward a new conversation surrounding the topic of colorism.

Only Mostly Devastated
Yes No Maybe So
Staff Picks

Fall in Love with these Teen Romances

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, July 23
Looking for a read to make your heart flutter and cheeks flush? These latest teen romances are full of first loves, self-discovery, meet-cutes, opposites attract, fake dating contracts, and more. 
Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: The March Trilogy

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

On Friday, July 17, 2020, the world felt a little dimmer, as we lost Civil Rights leader and hero Congressman John Lewis. This was an immense loss that seemed to take away a light that shined so brightly, but we will always have this light.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Conversation Starters

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, July 10

Books to help you gain a better understanding of race and inclusion. 

Blog
Richland Library North Main

#OwnVoices: Ghost Boys

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

The present and past collide in this children's novel about race, fighting for justice, and how the two impact young people.

Americanah
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: 50 Fiction Books to Add to Your TBR Pile

  • Chantal W.
  • Monday, June 15
Here are some fiction titles that focus on the theme of race.  Most of these titles are by #OwnVoices authors, with a few books written by white authors who are exploring the topic of race and trying to understand their biases better.  An #OwnVoices author is defined as typically being "from a marginalized or under-represented group writing about their own experiences/from their own perspective, rather than someone from an outside perspective writing as a character from an underrepresented group." 
Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Who are the real monsters?

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, June 24

This is a list of films that are a kaleidoscope of life that happens to everyday people like us.  Each film is available to stream for free with a Richland Library card.

Blog
Richland Library Main

5 Films for Free: Comfort Food Comedies

  • Sara M.
  • Friday, June 24

The five selections this week are comedies, because laughter may not always be the best medicine but it can certainly distract you from the fact that you're running out of toilet paper!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Your Daily Dose of Children's Authors & Illustrators

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, March 26

From readings to art clubs to book-based activities, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite authors and illustrators who are going digital to help you and your family join in on the fun. 

Memory Piece
A Likely Story
Staff Picks

Picks from the Belletrist Book Club

  • Megan M.
  • Wednesday, March 04
Check out these picks from Emma Robert's Belletrist Book Club. The April 2024 Pick is Memory Piece by Lisa Ko 
Weathering
The 1619 Project
Staff Picks

Spark a Conversation

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, January 16
As Americans continue to confront the inequities that plague our community when it comes to race and diversity, we continue to become more aware of innate biases and prejudices, and are looking for ways to change the stranglehold that racism has on our society. Whether we get there by looking deeper within ourselves to make changes to the way we think and act, or search outside our bubbles to create a positive impact in the broader sense- these books will help move the conversation forward. Audiobooks, ebooks, eaudio, and book club sets may be available. 
Blog
Richland Library Lower Richland

Mind-Bending Fiction

  • Bryan B.
  • Thursday, December 05

These tales of extreme circumstances and games of death lead you to wonder what exactly is going on...

Blog
Richland Library Main

Pachinko - A Book Review

  • Mona Verma
  • Thursday, December 05

The reason why Pachinko has resonated so deeply with its readers is that the seemingly simple themes of family, faith, fate, and identity are also profoundly universal.

Blog
Richland Library Main

What We're Reading 📚: October 2019

  • Chantal W.
  • Tuesday, October 29

Look what we've been reading!   You should totally check these titles 📘 out to read in print📖, ebook📱, or audio book🎧

Blog
Richland Library Main

Required Reading Refresh

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Tuesday, October 29

Pique your teen reader’s interest by recommending these fresh takes on the required reading from your glory days.

Blog
Richland Library Main

A Tribute to Toni Morrison

  • Mona Verma
  • Wednesday, February 17

Toni Morrison was an inspiration. A bold, beautiful, strong, Black woman. A Nobel prize winning author extraordinaire, an empowered and outspoken literary icon, I always looked up to her in admiration. Here is a blog in remembrance.

Blog
Richland Library North Main

So you want to read...Octavia Butler

  • Mahogany S.
  • Saturday, August 17

Octavia Butler's Birthday was on June 22nd, so you may have been seeing her name on different blogs and news sites.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Tea Obreht's Inland: A Book Review

  • Sarah C.
  • Tuesday, July 09

Following nearly eight years after her New York Times bestselling hit The Tiger’s Wife, Tea Obreht’s new novel Inland is worth every bit of the wait.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Becoming: A Book Review

  • Mona Verma
  • Saturday, March 16

  In a reading guide to her memoir, Michelle writes, “My main hope was to create something that could be useful to other people, to give them something they could use in their own lives. So I focused on telling my story as honestly as I could. I’m not settling scores or giving a political play-by-play.”

Blog
Richland Library Main

Small Great Things: A Book Review

  • Mona Verma
  • Monday, February 11

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” Jodi Picoult named her novel “Small Great Things” as a tribute to this saying.

The Jazz of Physics
The Universal Sense
Staff Picks

The Science of Music

  • Sarah C.
  • Friday, December 21
Explore everything from the natural origins of music to the way sound affects the human brain with these fascinating reads! 
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