Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Make a Zine

You wanna make some art? Tell a story? Share your Poetry? Get into a community and the internet just isn't cutting it?Make a zine!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Veterans Day Parades in Columbia

Historic photographs in the archives at the Walker Local & Family History Center offer a glimpse back at how military veterans have been celebrated in the city.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Power of the Vote

Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy. Richland Library's staff is working to make sure that every resident has the information and resources they need to successfully engage in the political process, ensuring their voice is heard.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Origins of South Carolina Pride

Friday, October 20, is the 2023 Famously Hot Pride Parade. How did Pride celebrations in South Carolina begin and who played a role in the origins of the Gay and Lesbian Pride March?
Blog
Richland Library Main

What's your resolution?

No matter what your resolutions are for the new year, we hope that the library can play a part in helping you achieve your goals.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

"One day," said Wilson. "I will fix the roof on Gigi's house to keep out the wind and snow."--The One Day House by Julia Durango Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering or bringing people together to fix a problem too big for any one person, these stories of community let us know that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of the people around us.
Blog
Richland Library Main

On the Streets Where We Live

If you’ve ever walked or biked around downtown Columbia, you’ve probably encountered impatience from drivers waiting for you to clear a crosswalk or pedal through an intersection. The unspoken assumption in this scenario is that streets are primarily for cars, and any other uses take a back seat (so to speak) to this imperative.
Blog
Richland Library Blythewood

Columbia Women: A Walking Tour

Grab your walking shoes for a brief stroll and learn more about a few of the women who have made huge impacts and continue to advance Columbia, the South, and our nation.
Staff Picks

A Year of Black History

A Year of Black History Continues Folktales, comics and history ... here we are! Also, Hoopla is allowing 15 checkouts for the month of February, as well as bonus borrows. Hoopla offers many comic book/graphic novels to choose from! Please, enter your email address and password associated with Hoopla.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Let’s Talk Race and Justice Playlist

As Racial Justice Week comes to a close, check out these engaging discussions with past guests, thought leaders and community members that encourage honest dialogue on injustices, anti-racism and diversity.
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

In the Know: City of Columbia Mayoral Forum (2021)

Local residents had an opportunity to get to know each of the candidates before heading to the polls and casting their vote during the Municipal Election on November 2, 2021. During the nonpartisan forum, viewers heard from Tameika Isaac Devine, Sam Johnson, Daniel Rickenmann and Moe Baddourah. The candidates shared their plans to move the City of Columbia forward in a virtual, moderated discussion. Check out this blog for more Mayoral Forum details and resources!
Child enjoys StoryWalk at Doko Meadows in Blythewood
Service

Find a StoryWalk® Near You

Located at public parks throughout Richland County, our StoryWalks® are a delightful way for children — and adults — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time.

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Civic Engagement is Civic Power

Are you interested in being more involved in your community? Find out why it's important to be civically engaged and more!
Blog
Richland Library Main

Celebrating National Bike Month

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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Get Your News with U.S. Newsstream

If you have grown weary of paywalls impeding your access to reliable news (or of “free” subscriptions that offer only limited access, at the cost of surrendering some personal information), consider using U.S. Newsstream to essentially bypass paywalls and find the latest on US politics, COVID-19 vaccines, and world news.
Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grace for President

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

Your Privacy + The Census 

The easiest way to prevent a Census worker from knocking on your door is to fill out your Census online now. But what if you are worried about your privacy?
Blog
Richland Library Northeast

Latinos/as, Hispanics, LatinX in the Census

The first Latinos in the United States of America settled in Florida in 1565 but the U.S. Census did not recognize this population until 1980--leaving their identity in limbo.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Voting in Columbia, a historical perspective

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, granting the right to have a voice in our society. For anyone deprived of these rights, the struggle to secure them has been worth the fight. Explore some historic touchpoints that converge around the evolution of the right to vote in Columbia.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Census Through The Centuries

Because of the “72 year rule,” the 2020 Census will not be available for genealogists until 2092. When it is released, will your descendants be able to find you in the 2020 Census?