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.

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.
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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grandma's Tiny House

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, December 07

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Grandma's Tiny House:  A Counting Story), songs and rhymes ( Dos Manitos Diez Deditos and 5 Green & Speckled Frogs) and activities (Counting with Nature, Matching with LEGOs & Number Scavenger Hunt).

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.

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.
Our Time is Now
Our Time Is Now
Staff Picks

The Power of the Vote

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09
Voting is a fundamental right for every adult citizen in a democracy.  This right has not always been guaranteed or given to every citizen.  Discover the history and the people who fought and continue to fight for the power of the vote.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

The Power of the Vote

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09

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 Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Dreamers

  • 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 everyday and systemic racism.

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.

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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

The Power of Protest

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, September 09

Injustice calls for action. If you are ready to take a stand, Richland Library is here connect you with resources and knowledge. 

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.  
When They Call You a Terrorist
John Lewis
Staff Picks

The Power of Protest

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, August 20
Black protest has power.  The power to change minds, laws, even nations.  Black protest shapes history and leaders.  Learn more about the triumphs and the struggles of black protest and activism by checking out these titles today.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
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.
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.

Spin
Black Enough
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Lamar Giles

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, August 14
Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books.  He sold his first short story at age 21.  He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Lamar Giles

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, August 14

Lamar Giles is an author, speaker and founding member of We Need Diverse Books.  He sold his first short story at age 21.  He independently published his novels and short stories under the pen name L.R. Giles before his debut young adult novel, Fake ID, was published by Harper Collins in 2014.  Giles has gone on to publish two middle grade and five young adult novels while simultaneously editing and contributing to multiple young adult and middle grade anthologies.

I Saw Your Face
Soul Looks Back in Wonder
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Tom Feelings

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, August 07
Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Tom Feelings

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Wednesday, August 12

Tom Feelings made his mark as one of the most important and influential artists and illustrators in all of children’s literature. He was dedicated to drawing black people, and especially children, so they would see themselves as beautiful and proud. 

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 North Main

Dinner Table Talks: New Kid

  • Jocelyn T.
    Heather M.
  • 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 everyday and systemic racism.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, July 31

Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages.  She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016).  Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020).  Ms. Okorafor continues to make her mark in the world of young adult and adult literature drawing on her African roots to imagine a truly brave new world.  

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.

Akata Witch
Black Panther. Long Live the King
Staff Picks

Author Spotlight: Nnedi Okorafor

  • Thomas M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
Nnedimma Nkemdili "Nnedi" Okorafor's body of work includes short stories, comics, and books for a variety of ages.  She has won multiple awards--everything from a World Fantasy Award (2011) to a Nebula and Hugo Award (2016).  Most recently, she was recognized by the Eisner Awards for her comic, LaGuardia (2020).  Ms.
My Rainbow
Neither
Staff Picks

Read All About It: LGBTQIA+ Picture Books

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, July 28
Read the rainbow and discover these LGBTQIA+ picture books that show us love is love and that we are truly free to be you and me. Looking for more good books? Get personalized reading recommendation lists  from children's literature experts. 
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.

What is Given from the Heart
The 20th Century Children's Book Treasury
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 17
In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books for children and teens.   When asked, “Why do you write?”  Ms. McKissack said, “I write because there is a need to have books for, by, and about the African American experience and how we helped to develop this country."  Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Patricia McKissack

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, July 31

In her lifetime, Patricia McKissack authored and co-authored more than 100 books about black people for black children and teens.  Ms. McKissack crafted her stories with grace and truth and she leaves behind a legacy of award-winning books.

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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Black History is America's History

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, July 04

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

Black history is America's history and it's a history that each American should know.    

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Holding Tight to Family

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, June 29

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

Celebrate family with Lil Alan, the Gaither sisters and the Watsons by sharing their stories, their connection and their love.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Get Up, Stand Up

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 26

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Get Up, Stand Up), songs and poems ( Funga Alafia; Warrior; and I Love You Too) and activities (Making Space: Speak Up; Chalk Your Walk; and Yard Signs).

 

Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Coming-of-Age Stories for Tweens, Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, June 27

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

Delve into these stories of growing up and self-discovery set in a world filled with judgment and possibility.  

Like Vanessa
Finding Langston
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

  • Children's Room
  • Saturday, June 13
Share these #OwnVoices picture books and middle grade novels together and begin the practice of having regular and honest family conversations about race.   Embrace Race offers 10 Tips for Teaching and Talking to Kids About Race that will help you get started.  
Free Lunch
Path to the Stars
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Memoirs & Biographies for Middle Schoolers

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, June 05
Memoirs and biographies are real life stories that inspire.  From samurais to cowboys, writers to activists, this list is full of people who have faced hardship and triumphed.  Download one of these amazing ebooks or eaudiobooks to start reading or listening today. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Let's Talk Race for Children & Families

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05

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

When it comes to children, adults have the opportunity, through literature and stories, to help children form attitudes which support equity and inclusion, so we have not only an opportunity, but an obligation, to share books reflecting the black experience and written by black authors, with children.

The Poet X
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race for Teens & Adults

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05
Talk about race and the black experience in America with these #OwnVoices titles for teens and adults.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05

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

"May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), celebrating the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States."--The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, apaics.org

 

Amnesty
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line
Staff Picks

#OwnVoices: Asian & Asian-American Authors

  • Morgan R.
  • Thursday, May 14
You've read Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan, and Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan, now what? Enjoy these amazing fiction and poetry titles by Asian and Asian-American authors, most of which were published within the last year.
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: Searching for Home

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, June 05

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

In these stories, religious differences or war drive each of these young women away from the country they know and force them to find a new home.

A Ballerina's Tale
Black Girls Rock!
Staff Picks

#BlackGirlMagic

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, March 09
The #BlackGirlMagic movement took off in 2013 and has since "become a rallying cry and affirmation for black women all over", says originator CaShawn Thompson. Check out these out to keep the magic alive. It's just a tiny sampling of what Richland Library has to offer! 
The Undefeated
The King of Kindergarten
Staff Picks

The Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019

  • Caitlin B.
  • Friday, February 21
The following books were all named in the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature's Best Multicultural Children's Books of 2019. This list offers a variety of picture books, novels, and nonfiction for children and teens.
African-American Classics
Abbott
Staff Picks

Melanin Poppin' Graphic Novels

  • Desire'e Thomas
  • Monday, February 03
This list features Graphic Novels that have Black or Brown Protagonists and/or Secondary Characters. 
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. 
What Riley Wore
Worm Loves Worm
Staff Picks

LGBTQ+ Picture Books

  • Bryan B.
  • Monday, December 16
Enjoy these diverse and wholesome books, each sharing a message of inclusiveness and acceptance. Subjects range from non-traditional families to a child's budding gender identity, and even a true story about a family of penguins.
The Poet X
Yes! We Are Latinos
Staff Picks

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Whole Family

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Tuesday, September 03
Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15th to October 15th. This is a time of celebration and a moment to reflect on the contributions of this community. Books are a fantastic way to learn and build empathy, and the following list includes great reading materials for every member of your family. 
Goldie Vance, Volume 3. Issue 9-12
Compass South
Staff Picks

Queer Comics For Young Readers

  • Thomas M.
  • Sunday, June 09
Enjoy this list of books featuring queer characters, great for young readers every month of the year.