Create your own Summer Learning Challenge this year!

All of the activities listed below have been created to help adults learn, create and share. Earn a point towards your Summer Learning Challenge for each activity you complete. 

Nov 10 11:00 a.m.

Event
Online

Let's Speak English

Internationals, join our virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.

Event Type(s):

Lifeskills

Audience(s):

Adults

Nov 03 11:00 a.m.

Event
Online

Let's Speak English

Internationals, join our virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.

Event Type(s):

Lifeskills

Audience(s):

Adults

Oct 27 11:00 a.m.

Event
Online

Let's Speak English

Internationals, join our virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.

Event Type(s):

Lifeskills

Audience(s):

Adults

Oct 20 11:00 a.m.

Event
Online

Let's Speak English

Internationals, join our virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.

Event Type(s):

Lifeskills

Audience(s):

Adults

Oct 13 11:00 a.m.

Event
Online

Let's Speak English

Internationals, join our virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.

Event Type(s):

Lifeskills

Audience(s):

Adults

Oct 06 11:00 a.m.

Event
Online

Let's Speak English

Internationals, join our virtual conversation session via Zoom and practice speaking English in a relaxed setting.

Event Type(s):

Lifeskills

Audience(s):

Adults
Alba Series. Book 1, Lost
Alba Series. Book 2, The Plan
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Science Fiction Chapter Books

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
This 12-book series follows the adventures of the feisty and determined Anna. She uses her super-sleuthing and problem-solving skills to battle the mighty superbugs who threaten to destroy her father’s scientific work. This series builds up reading skills in a step-by-step progression, allowing practice before moving to the next book.  
The Clam
Crabs!
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Fantasy and Adventure Chapter Books

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
Looking for action and adventure? The Magic Belt series follows Zak’s quest to save his grandfather’s life. He sets out on a magical quest to collect hidden gems that will unlock the cure for grandfather illness. Zak races against time as he hurdles through obstacle after obstacle. This 12 book series builds up reading skills in a step-by-step progression, allowing practice before moving to the next book.  
Certain Death
Dangerous Direction
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Fantasy Chapter Books

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
The night before his 14th birthday, Zak has a strange dream. A mysterious lady appears before him bearing an important message: "The Dark Master is creating a new talisman, even more powerful than the first. All of mankind is at risk. You must resume your quest and stop him!" she tells him. Together with Mim and a skinny, old mule, Zak sets off to Volcano Island to confront the Dark Master. Will he be able to reach him before it is too late? Will he be able to save humanity?
Chasing Henry
Cobweb the Cat
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Friday, May 12
All About Reading are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
Chase the Wind.
Lost in the Dunes.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 3 & 4

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
 High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 3 & 4 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 5 & 6. 
Mr. B
Easy Beauty
Staff Picks

2023 Pulitzer Prizes

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, May 08
Check out the 2023 Pulitzer Prize winners and finalists in the categories of fiction, history, biography, memoir/ autobiography, poetry, and general nonfiction.
Magnificent Rebel
Bruno Schulz
Staff Picks

Notable New Biographies & Memoirs

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, April 28
Among the new biographies/memoirs I’m looking forward to reading are Anne de Courcey’s Magnificent Rebel, about shipping line heiress Nancy Cunard’s tumultuous life in 1920s Paris, and New Yorker writer Burkhard Bilger’s Fatherland, about his discovery of hi
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Crafting for a Cause: Donations by Sew Divine at Southeast

  • Adele C.
  • Monday, May 08

Crafting can be a fulfilling and enjoyable pastime, but what if you could turn your hobby into something even more meaningful? That's exactly what the Southeast branch of Sew Divine has been doing for years, and they have made an incredible impact on their community through their donations.

Blog
Richland Library Southeast

What's your resolution?

  • Adele C.
  • Saturday, December 31

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.

South to America
Ardennes 1944
Staff Picks

2022 Charleston Literary Festival Authors

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, October 05
This year’s Charleston Literary Festival, taking place November 4-13, will feature a spectacular array of fiction and nonfiction writers.  The fiction roster includes literary-fiction heavyweight Ian McEwan, as well as best-selling authors Geraldine Brooks and Nic Hornby.  Among those representing nonfiction are African American studies scholar Eddie S.
The Heartbeat of Trees
National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Trees of North America
Staff Picks

Arbor Day Reads

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, April 22
National Arbor Day is observed annually on the last Friday in April (4/29 this year), although South Carolina marks its own Arbor Day on the first Friday in December, since saplings planted at that time of year will have a better chance of becoming established before the brutal heat of summer arrives.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

2022

  • Zsuzsanna C.
  • Thursday, December 30
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Native American Heritage Month

  • Zsuzsanna C.
  • Monday, November 07

There are 9.7 million Native Americans belonging to 562 federally recognized nations or tribes that live in the US, each with a unique history.

This is Your Mind on Plants
A Closer Look at Plant Classifications, Parts, and Uses
Staff Picks

Get Outdoors: Learn More About Plants

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, June 11
Time to get outside and go on an adventure! Here are a list of books to help you explore your surroundings. Learn more about plants and even go on a foraging trip!
Blog
Richland Library Northeast

¡Que Rico!: Stuffed Honduran Pastelitos

  • Elisa D.
  • Friday, May 28

Bring the rich flavors of our community to life in your kitchen! Try our Stuffed Honduran Pastelitos—inspired by a recipe from one of our ¡Que Rico!: Community Cookbook contributors, Karin Cantarero.

Aquaman
Battlestar Galactica. Season One
Staff Picks

Art Representing Asian American, Pacific Islanders

  • Helene F.
  • Monday, May 10
Graphic novels and manga, with the aid of movies and anime, have been great ways to bring cultures together.  Here is a list of some of my favorite titles with AAPI characters and artists.  Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Blog
Richland Library Cooper

Being Vietnamese-American

  • Charlotte D.
  • Wednesday, May 05

For Asian-American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month, representation matters in our books.

Akira.
Cowboy Bebop
Staff Picks

Where to Start Your Anime Journey

  • Bryan B.
  • Saturday, May 01
Anime can be an overwhelming medium, especially for someone new. This collection of anime movies are a great starting point to begin your exploration of the medium. Works range from family friendly works by Hayao Miyazaki to the deep and psychological works of the late Satoshi Kon. Whichever you choose, you're bound to find a new world in anime.
Ladies Get Paid
Humor, Seriously
Staff Picks

Ladies Get Paid (and other new business books you might enjoy)

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, April 30
Check out these business and finance books recently added to our collection.  Popular titles include Ladies Get Paid, a manifesto on workplace equality by Claire Wasserman, and Black, White, and The Grey, a memoir by Mashama Bailey and John O.
The Killing Floor.
10,000 Black Men Named George.
Staff Picks

Movies for Workers' Day

  • Keith B.
  • Thursday, April 29
The first day of May has been celebrated as International Workers' Day since 1889 when labor activists were demonstrating and organizing for the eight-hour-day.  The following list is made up of dramatic features, documentaries, and educational series on the labor movement, unionizing, leftist political activism, economic inequality, and working conditions. Mostly focused on American culture and history, it nontheless includes films set around the globe, helping to illustrate the shared struggles of workers everywhere. 
Thyme of Death
Garden Spells
Staff Picks

Herbal Medicine fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Friday, April 23
As we cultivate our gardens and spruce up the place, why not entertain yourself with some herbal medicinal reads? Fiction, of course! Let's take a break from the dust, dirt, and heat. Time to grab a glass of ice cold lemonade, tea, or infused water and add just a hint of herbal fun to the mix.   
The Factory
Atlas Shrugged. Part 1.
Staff Picks

Are There Limits to Human Creativity? (Philosophical fiction)

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, April 21
A list of 30 top philosophical reads--included with these selections are various formats (eAudio, eBook, Blu-Ray or DVD, & Standard or Large print).  Enjoy your journey with these philosophical fiction novels that will make you think and analyze the conditions and nature of humans, and maybe gain a different perspective. Some of these titles have been made into motion pictures or turned into TV shows. Feel free to decide if there are limits to human creativity...
What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat
The (other) F Word
Staff Picks

Health at Every Size

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, April 14
A revolution in size acceptance is upon us.  The titles below explore the work of the Health at Every Size (HAES) movement and the concepts of fatphobia, weight discrimination, body image, disordered eating, radical self love, and weight inclusivity.  Challenging traditional notions of weight and health, these works may lead you to question what you thought you knew about wellness.
Does My Head Look Big in This?
First Comes Marriage
Staff Picks

Biographies and Novels that Explore the Arab American Experience

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Tuesday, April 13
Let’s take the time to celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of the diverse population of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have roots in 22 countries located in the Middle East and North African regions and within all those countries, there are various languages, religions, traditions that are now part of the American story. Explore their stories though verse, memories, and more.     
On Fragile Waves
Bestiary
Staff Picks

Recent Magical Realism

  • Morgan R.
  • Monday, April 12
When you need a stretch of the imagination, a break from mainstream fiction and predictable mysteries, and like books that are a little weird but not too weird, give one of these newer magical realism releases a try. 
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Five Trailblazing Women of Richland County

  • Brittany S.
    Alex B.
  • Tuesday, April 27

Let's look at five amazing women leaders who not only have made a positive impact all across Richland County, but have broken down barriers while they were at it. 

Ernest Hemingway
Across the River and into the Trees
Staff Picks

One True Sentence

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, April 06
With Ken Burns's highly anticipated three-part documentary on Ernest Hemingway currently airing on PBS, now is a good time to dive into the works of this most celebrated of 20th century American literary masters, whose writing style profoundly influenced (for better or worse) many authors who followed him and whose literary sensibility is still something of a touchstone.  In addition to Hemingway's own fiction, nonfiction, and correspondence, the following list includes the definitive multivolume biography by Michael Reynolds, as well as Mary Dearborn's critically acclaimed 2017 bio.
Artemis
Reynard the Fox
Staff Picks

#BroaderBookshelf 2021 - Antihero's and Villains as the protagonist

  • Mahogany S.
  • Thursday, April 01
Do you believe there's always an "other" side to each story?  Well here they are. Read some titles that talk about the perspective of the villain or an antihero. Some are tricksters and some are downright murderers. All are darkly enjoyable.   Learn more about the Broader Bookshelf challenge and see more lists here.
Blog
Richland Library Southeast

Mini-Retreat: Play Birdsong Hero

  • Amy A.
  • Sunday, March 28

Wish you could identify birds by their songs? Try this simple game and turn "someday" into "today" for your bird watching bucket-list daydreams. 

The Paradise Snare
Bloodlist
Staff Picks

Women Authors Who Broke the Mold

  • Helene F.
  • Friday, March 19
Women authors have been writing the best thought-provoking novels since the 1960s on. The genre of these authors ranges from Historical Fiction to Fantasy and Science Fiction, some with vampires, dragons, or aliens from space.  C.S. Friedman's title is coming soon. Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
Buzz Kill
The Eagle Has Landed
Staff Picks

Underrated Science Fiction

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, March 16
Here is a list of Science Fiction that is worth reading. Whether your new to the genre or jumping back in, we got you covered!