Richland Library is fully committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. Our collections, services and programming reflect the broad range of viewpoints and cultures that exist in our community, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide customers with unfettered access to information and safe spaces for all. 

Below you will find a variety of recommendations from Richland Library staff as well as blog posts and upcoming events. Additional resources on Race, Equity and Inclusion can be found, here.

Staff Picks

PEN America 2026 Winners: Nonfiction and Poetry

Explore the work of PEN America award-nominated contemporary nonfiction. You'll find fresh perspectives, vibrant language, and the inventive spirit that PEN America champions.
Staff Picks

The 2026 Lambda Literary Prize Finalists in Youth Categories

The Lambda Literary Prize finalists in the children's and young adult categories showcase the profound impact of storytelling on young minds. By addressing themes of diversity and inclusion, these books play a crucial role in helping young readers and their families feel understood and less alone.
Staff Picks

Random Books of Kindness!

Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 13th) with some books about compassion and goodwill. Be kind, one page at a time!
Staff Picks

Books by POC and Queer Librarians

To celebrate Library Lovers' Week, enjoy a book from this list of titles by librarians or former librarians who are POC and/or Queer.
Staff Picks

2025 Nommo Awards

The Nommo Awards recognize works of speculative fiction by Africans. That is, "science fiction, fantasy, stories of magic and traditional belief, alternative histories, horror and strange stuff that might not fit in anywhere else." Every other year, the members of the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) nominate works in the following categories: Novels, Novellas, Short Stories, and Graphic Novels.

Jul 26 2:30 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Main

Mark: A Call to Action Screening and Conversation

In recognition of the 35th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), discover the story of Dr. Mark Bookman, a fully disabled young man who overcame insurmountable odds, to become an international disability advocate. After screening, Mark: A Call to Action, members of the disability community will engage in conversation.
Staff Picks

Mothers and Others

Motherhood has many faces. The characters in these contemporary novels have seen them all.

Jul 24 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Southeast

Watch Freely: Hoppers

Jul 10 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Southeast

Watch Freely: Freakier Friday

Jun 19 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Southeast

Watch Freely: GOAT

Jun 01 2:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Southeast

Crafternoon: Knit-Tastical

For 9 - 12 year olds. Creativity in every loop. A beginners knitting four-day session ending with attendees making a special handcrafted project. Please attend all sessions June 1 - 4. Snacks provided.

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Staff Picks

Happy Mother's Day!

Celebrate Mother's Day with these phe-mom-enal picture books!
Staff Picks

PEN America 2025 Awards: Fiction

Explore the work of PEN America award-nominated contemporary fiction. You'll find fresh perspectives, vibrant language, and the inventive spirit that PEN America champions.

Apr 13 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Feb 09 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Dec 08 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Staff Picks

Humor Me: The Funniest Books Around

They say laughter is the best medicine, so here's your prescription! Side effects may include: split sides and slapped knees!
Staff Picks

LOL: Funny Books for Teens

Knee-slapping! Aisle-rolling! Side-splitting! These books will make you bust out laughing and take you on hilarious journeys with tons of heart. A laugh a day keeps the horrors away!

Aug 11 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book,
pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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May 11 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Mar 09 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Jan 12 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Nov 10 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Oct 13 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Sep 08 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Jul 14 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Jun 09 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Eastover

Book Group: Book and Brew Club

Join The Book and Brew (Tea/Coffee), where each month we explore a book, pairing it with tea and/or coffee that complements the book's themes and mood.

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Jul 16 9:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Northeast

Northeast Teaching Kitchen Teen Cooking Club

Ready to level up your cooking skills? In this hands-on teen culinary camp, participants will prep bold, flavorful kimchi on Day 1, then use it to create delicious kimchi fried rice on Day 2 while learning real kitchen skills in the Teaching Kitchen.

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Jul 15 9:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Northeast

Northeast Teaching Kitchen Teen Cooking Club

Ready to level up your cooking skills? In this hands-on teen culinary camp, participants will prep bold, flavorful kimchi on Day 1, then use it to create delicious kimchi fried rice on Day 2 while learning real kitchen skills in the Teaching Kitchen.

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Jun 18 9:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Northeast

Northeast Teaching Kitchen Teen Cooking Club

Learn to make pizza from scratch in this hands-on teen culinary camp! Participants will mix dough and prep toppings on Day 1, then shape, bake, and taste their pizzas and focaccia on Day 2 using tabletop pizza ovens in the Teaching Kitchen.

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Jun 17 9:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Northeast

Northeast Teaching Kitchen Teen Cooking Club

Learn to make pizza from scratch in this hands-on teen culinary camp! Participants will mix dough and prep toppings on Day 1, then shape, bake, and taste their pizzas and focaccia on Day 2 using tabletop pizza ovens in the Teaching Kitchen.

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Staff Picks

The 2026 Lambda Literary Prize Finalists In Adult Nonfiction and Poetry

The Lambda Literary Prize celebrates the best in Queer literature. This year's list of finalists in the adult nonfiction, drama, memoir, and poetry categories showcases a diverse array of voices and stories, reflecting the richness and complexity of Queer experiences.
Staff Picks

The 2026 Women's Prize for Non-Fiction Longlist

The 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction platforms the very best in non-fiction by women. The titles in this selection of books that were longlisted for the prize celebrate women’s voices in compelling, thought-provoking, and beautifully crafted narratives.

Jun 18 10:30 a.m.

Event
Richland Library Southeast

Fun Patrol With Sheriff Leon Lott

Staff Picks

Celebrate Ramadan!

Check out these children's titles that celebrate Ramadan!

May 18 6:00 p.m.

Event
Richland Library Northeast

Monday Bites with Chef Floyd

Fast. Fresh. Flavorful. Learn how to whip up quick and easy dishes that fit your packed schedule—only at Monday Bites in the Northeast Teaching Kitchen!

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Staff Picks

Creature Comforts: Children's Fiction Featuring Amazing Animals

Are you tired of reading about silly old humans? Need a new perspective? This list is for you! These are books that put animals center-stage and sometimes even let them narrate! Find out what stories they have to tell...
Staff Picks

Wild About Wildlife

Explore the abundance of Earth's biodiversity with these non-fiction reads that range from scientific deep-dives to personal memoir. Gain a new appreciation for all creatures of the natural world and learn about the ways in which the greatest minds in the field are working hard to protect them!
Staff Picks

The Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards

The Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards honors Black writers around the globe for literary achievement. Started in 2001, The Legacy Award is the first national award presented to Black writers by a national organization of Black writers. The Legacy Awards cover seven categories: Fiction, Debut Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. To learn more about The Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards visit their website here.
Staff Picks

Welcome Home: Haunted Houses

Welcome, welcome! Don't mind the door--it creaks. And if you see the lights flicker, no you don't. Enjoy your stay in these novel explorations of haunted houses. Make yourself at home.