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.

Love from A to Z
Love from a to Z
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Disability Pride Month

  • Alex B.
  • Saturday, July 01
According to the American Bar Association, July is Disability Pride Month which "celebrates disabled persons embracing their disabilities as integral parts of who they are." Teens can enjoy these books centering and celebrating the experiences of disabled people. 
Anything but Typical
Anything but Typical
Staff Picks

Disability Pride for Middle Grade Readers

  • Alex B.
  • Saturday, July 01
According to the American Bar Association, July is Disability Pride Month "a time for the disability community to come together, uplift, and amplify one another’s voices and be heard." These books for middle graders center disabled people's voices and celebrate their experiences. 
500 All-time Great Recipes
Ancient Israel
Staff Picks

The Selden K. Smith Holocaust Collection, Part 1

  • Leighan C.
  • Friday, June 30
Richland Library welcomes items from the personal Holocaust collection of Dr. Selden K. Smith. Housed primarily at Richland Library Main the collection includes over 250 items.
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Big Words & Big Dreams

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, July 07

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills. This month's school readiness skill is about growing your child's proficiency with your home language.  

Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With The Banned: Flamer

  • Lindsey T.
  • Tuesday, June 27

Flamer by Mike Curato is challenged in the Beaufort County School District in South Carolina. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

It Came from the Closet
Queer Fear
Staff Picks

Queer Horror

  • Leighan C.
  • Friday, June 02
Horror isn't just for Halloween.  Shiver through Pride Month with help from these frightful reads and listens by LGBTQIA+ authors and/or featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.  
The Mermaid Princesses
The Jumbies
Staff Picks

Books Featuring Black Mermaids & Sirens

  • Ashley S.
  • Thursday, May 25
In celebration of Disney's release of the live action version of The Little Mermaid, check out these amazing titles that feature Black mermaids and sirens. Mermaids and sirens are fantastical creatures; however, they have religious and historical importance to the Black community. Some of these titles are light-hearted while others explore more complex themes such as grief, racism, misogyny, slavery, and more. What they all have in common is the celebration of the impact that mermaids and sirens have had on the Black community for centuries. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Local Woman Charity Adams Recognized

  • Margaret D.
  • Friday, April 28

The United States Department of Defense recently recognized Columbia woman Charity E. Adams (1918 – 2002) for her groundbreaking role as the first African American woman to lead a military unit overseas during wartime.

We Are Not Free
Valiant Ladies
Staff Picks

The Past That Lingers

  • Diamond T.
  • Tuesday, March 28
Gripping, unforgettable stories that will leave a tight vise around your heart.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Tribute to Drink Small

  • Margaret D.
  • Wednesday, February 22

Drink Small, a local musical treasure, recently turned 90 years old. Let’s reflect on Mr. Small’s career and legacy.

Iron Widow
Reclaim the Stars
Staff Picks

Infectious Tales

  • Diamond T.
  • Tuesday, January 31
Settle in for the thrill rides and action-packed pages of these futuristic narratives.
Number the Stars
Hitler Youth
Staff Picks

Tween Books for International Holocaust Remembrance Day

  • Alex B.
  • Friday, January 27
The United Nations observes January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day as it's the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Six million Jews died through systemic persecution under the Nazi regime 1933-1945. Now more than ever, it's crucial to talk to kids about important events in history. Check out these books for kids aged 9+ for age appropriate fiction and nonfiction books about the Holocaust.   Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum website for more information: https://www.ushmm.org/ 
To Look a Nazi in the Eye
The Light in Hidden Places
Staff Picks

International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Teens

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, January 26
"Oskar Groening, the man accused of aiding and abetting in the murder of more than three hundred thousand Jews in the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, was about to enter the German courtroom."--To Look a Nazi in the Eye:  A Teen's Account of a War Criminal Trial by Kathy Kacer with Jordana Lebowitz
Stars of the Night
The Story of Bodri
Staff Picks

International Holocaust Remembrance Day for Young Readers

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, January 26
“There will be times when you'll feel lonely and homesick.  Let the stars of the night and the sun of the day be the messenger of our thoughts and love.”― Stars of the Night:  The Courageous Children of the Czech Kindertransport by Caren Stelson | illustrated by Selina Alko
Queen of the Tiles
Hollow Fires
Staff Picks

Nail Biting Thrillers

  • Diamond T.
  • Thursday, January 05
These bold, deeply chilling titles will have you on edge through each disturbing twist and turn. 
Saving Main Street
The LEGO Story
Staff Picks

New Business Books

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, December 22
Notable new titles include Walt Bogdanich’s When McKinsey Comes to Town, about the influential and controversial consulting firm known for the draconian measures it often recommends to its client businesses, and Gary Rivlin’s Saving Main Street, about the re
Blog
Richland Library Main

First Steps to the Library: Cuddle Up with a Good Book

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, January 12

First Steps to the Library highlights the skills young children need to be ready for school and helps caregivers understand how they can grow these skills.  This month's school readiness skill is developing an interest in books and a motivation to read.  

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Indigo Dreaming

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 21

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.

True You
What Riley Wore
Staff Picks

Picture Books for Trans* Week of Visibility

  • Alex B.
  • Thursday, November 17
Trans* Week of Visibility (Nov. 13-19) is a time to celebrate gender diversity and examine the unique struggles members of the trans* community face. These pictures help normalize the full spectrum of gender identity because every child deserves to be represented in literature. 
Descendant of the Crane
The Brilliant Death
Staff Picks

High Fantasy with a Bite

  • Diamond T.
  • Wednesday, November 02
Lush World building and magic systems with high stakes, a fantasy lover's treasure trove. 
Vanessa Jared's Got a Man
A Proposal They Can't Refuse
Staff Picks

BIPOC Romances - November 2022

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, November 01
Find your next favorite romance author with this list! Below you'll find a mix of authors from the last 2 years. Enjoy!❤️
Crema
Moonstruck. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Cozy Cafe Romances

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, October 19
It's cuffing season! Read these romances about finding a new bae over a cup of coffee and maybe a side of magic. 
Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With The Banned: Boy Erased

  • Lindsey T.
  • Friday, October 07

Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family by Garrard Conley is challenged in Texas. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Disability Visibility in Children's Literature

  • Caitlin B.
  • Monday, September 12

To me, the greatest beauty of children's literature is that books help us empathize with those who are different from us or who have different lived experiences than our own.

Blog
Richland Library Main

The Personal Librarian - A Review

  • Ashley S.
  • Wednesday, September 28

“Changing your name is easy. Changing your soul is impossible.” - Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray

Blog
Richland Library St. Andrews

I'm With the Banned: The Magic Fish

  • Lindsey T.
  • Thursday, September 01

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen is challenged in both Florida and Texas. Learn more about this title here and why it might be banned. 

The Charmed List
Staff Picks

Love is in the Air

  • Diamond T.
  • Monday, August 29
Bask in first loves, cute antics and books full of laughter, romance and great friendships. 
Lilla the Accidental Witch
Moonstruck. Vol. 01
Staff Picks

Queer Magic

  • Alex B.
  • Monday, August 22
Being yourself is about as magical as it gets! Check out these titles for LGBTQ+ fantasy novels and graphic novels. 
A Quick & Easy Guide to Queer & Trans Identities
The Columbia Anthology of Gay Literature
Staff Picks

LGBTQIA Readers' Guide

  • Zita R.
  • Monday, July 18
We have a growing collection of non-fiction titles about The LQBTQ+ experience, history, politics, health, literature, and art. Here are a few that you can check out as a physical book to carry to the coffee shop, and maybe even read! 
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: The Magic Fish

  • 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 Memory Librarian
Black Sci-fi Short Stories
Staff Picks

Afrofuturism and Africanfuturism

  • Adele C.
  • Friday, June 17
Early late at night I wander off into a land You can go, but you mustn't tell a soul There's a world inside Where dreamers meet each other Once you go it's hard to come back Let me paint your canvas as you dance  
The Donkey and the Rock
Monkey King Wreaks Havoc in Heaven
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Asian Folklore Titles for Youth

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Friday, June 10
Read and celebrate the amazing Asian folklore stories about grand heroes, exciting adventures, and fantastical places 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.
My Brother's Husband, Vol. 01
How to Be Ace
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels and Manga

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, June 08
Graphic novels and manga aren't exclusively for children and they aren't just for straight people either! Here's some excellent titles depicting the diversity in the LGBTQ+ community. 
Level Up
The Good Retirement Guide 2022
Staff Picks

New Business Books

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, June 03
Noteworthy new titles include Level Up: Rise Above the Hidden Forces Holding Your Business Back, by Georgia politician (and serial entrepreneur) Stacey Abrams and her business partner, Lara Hodgson; Dade Hayes and Dawn Chmielewski’s Binge Times: Inside Hollywood's Furious Billion-Dol
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Why is Juneteenth Celebrated?

  • Brittany S.
  • Saturday, July 02

Join us as we reflect on Juneteenth with stories that honor the past, illuminate black culture, and commemorate living unapologetically free.

Ace of Spades
Kings, Queens, and In-betweens
Staff Picks

Teen Books for Celebrating Pride Month

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, June 01
Great news: June is LGBTQIA+ month! Better news: queer representation in young adult literature flourishes year round. From gay time travel romance to LGBTQ+ history, queer representation can take many forms so there's something for everyone in the rainbow. Reading's a great way to feel affirmed in your identity. There's nothing so magical as seeing yourself represented in media. 
Her Stories
African Folklore in the New World
Staff Picks

A Tale to Tell Thru Time: BIPOC Oral Literature

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, May 18
Most people's first experience with oral literature or folk literature was most likely a lullaby, nursery rhyme or an urban legend. Oral literature is handed down orally through the word of mouth from one generation to another and serves to communicate ideas,  knowledge, cultural practices, emotions, beliefs, and the appreciation of life. Oral literature much like oral tradition is preserved by speaking, listening, and remembering.  The following booklist highlights African, African American, and indigenous people oral literature.  
The One Day House
No Voice Too Small
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Connecting with Our Community

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, May 04
"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.
Portrait of a Thief
The Startup Wife
Staff Picks

Novels by Asian and Asian-American Authors

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, April 19
Taking place everywhere from far and wide, to worlds built in fantasy, these titles written by authors of Asian descent are the perfect way to delve into a sliver of a different culture, background or experience. Don't forget to participate in the #BroaderBookshelf challenge or get more ideas about what to read by filling out a Personalized Recommendation form. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

Dinner Table Talks: Missing Daddy and Dad Bakes

  • Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
    Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, June 06

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.