Create your own learning moments!

All of the activities listed below have been created to help children and families learn, create and share from wherever they are. 

 

 

Rainbow Stew
Fry Bread
Staff Picks

StoryWalk®: Rainbow Stew Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Saturday, June 19
Visit Richland Library's Rainbow Stew StoryWalk® at Hyatt Park or pick up the book from your neighborhood library and get your family soaring and gliding while enjoying a great story.   Check out this list below for more inspiration to get you moving, growing and cooking together!  
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!
When Sue Found Sue
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Dinosaurs & Fossils

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 03
Dig into these books all about dinosaurs and fossils.  Discover how we learned about dinosaurs from their bones and what they left behind.  Find out about paleontologists like Mary Anning and Barnum Brown.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Get Outside Guide
Backyards for Kids
Staff Picks

Homeschooling in the Summer

  • Laura Rogers
  • Monday, May 24
Homeschooling can take place year-round. If you are wanting to get in some school days this summer, try unit studies. Pick a hot summer topic and explore it together. Bugs, camping, backyard science... the summer is full of great opportunities for learning!  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

DIY Egg Carton Flower Bouquet

  • Taelor J.
  • Tuesday, May 11

Ready to plant the seeds of creativity in your kiddo? Grab these common household items and usher in a burst of color and creativity.

Anansi the Spider
Folk Tales & Fables of Asia & Australia
Staff Picks

Good Folk Tales and Fairy Tales for Storytelling

  • Rebecca T.
  • Friday, April 09
In their well-respected book, Storytelling: Art and Technique, Ellin Greene and Augusta Baker tell us: "A good story for telling is one that has something to say and that says it in the best possible way." Check out some of these books to learn more about the traditional art of storytelling and to find folk tales and fairy tales that have something to say and are written in the best possible way!
A Place Inside of Me
Ellington Was Not A Street.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: African American Experiences in Poetry

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, April 02
"for there is love inside me true love deep down inside of me I am in love with my people"-- A Place Inside of Me:  A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott   These #OwnVoices collections, picture books and novels for older readers explore themes of community and connection, family and faith, racism and resilience.  These books give poetic voice to African American experiences and history and should be read and shared by everyone.  
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. 

Stella Diaz Has Something to Say
Anna Hibiscus
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Ramona & Friends

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, March 26
In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, these girls are the stars of their own stories all while sharing their (mis)adventures, making us laugh and introducing us to their family and friends.   These friends of Ramona may be new, but they are sure to find a place on your family's bookshelf and in your family's heart.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

iRead: My Happy Life Book Series

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Sunday, March 28

In the spirit of Ramona Quimby, meet Dani, a young girl who has faced sadness but still looks for happiness in her life.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

SC ELA Standards: Reading for Information Part 3

  • Shannon G.
  • Friday, April 30

Reading for information is commonly paired with nonfiction books. However, some fiction books hold good information about nonfiction subjects in a fictional setting. Because storyline is more complex, children can to gather information over time and wonder what will happen next or how the story ends. Helping your second grader learn to read carefully for details increases comprehension, introduces new vocabulary, and opens interest to related topics. 

45-love
55 Dynamic Agility & Conditioning Drills for Tennis
Staff Picks

Swing into Tennis (Game, Set, Match)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, March 11
A list of Tennis related material has been compiled as you gear up for the courts. Lace up your shoes and tighten your strings, it's time to ace this year's season. 
The Rock and the River
Saving Savannah
Staff Picks

Let's Talk Race: Historical Fiction List Inspired by Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, March 05
“But what some folks want you to be and what you is...well, sometimes they gonna be two different things. But you will always know who is in here. Got me? This is who you are.”--Karyn Parsons, How High the Moon Inspired by Stamped:  Racism, Antiracism and You, these books shed light and humanize history by allowing readers to go beyond dates and facts to get to know the true story.  
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Read Woke Across America Week

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

Let’s show out children a world where everyone does not look the same, worship the same, or even think the same—and that this is the beauty of the world. Let’s teach them that in spite of our differences, we’re more alike than different, and learning brings us closer together. Let’s join together and Read WOKE Across America!

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: A Story About Afiya

  • Children's Room
  • Thursday, March 11

DIY Storytimes are curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook, songs and activities.  

Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the sweet story of Afiya and her dress, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet, James Berry, with fresh illustrations by Anna Cunha.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

African Americans in Art: Beverly Buchanan

  • Taelor J.
  • Saturday, February 27

There is much more to Black history than civil rights activists and inventors. This project explores the cultural contributions of African American artist, Beverly Buchanan, and gives you the opportunity to make your own artwork inspired by her! Beverly Buchanan was born in Fuquay, North Carolina, but grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She is best known for her shack structures which explore the Southern vernacular through architecture

The 5 AM Club
Getting Things Done
Staff Picks

Stay Motivated and Win this Year!

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, February 17
A list of personal development books have been created to assist you on your journey to victory! 2020 is gone and over, but 2021 has 365 brand new ways for you to prove just how resilient you are. We already have a month in the hole, let's take advantage of the next few. You're only a decision away...
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black History Is American History

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23

Black History Month should not be just a time to celebrate African Americans who have paved the way for us all to thrive. It should be a time to challenge the stubbornly persistent tendency to teach Black History as a footnote to American history.

Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Fire Safety

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
It's always a good time to talk about fire safety.   Share these books with your child and discuss what to do if there's a fire in your home or in their school.  Reading together will make them feel safe and confident that they know what to do in case of an emergency.   If you want to know more about firefighters and how they keep us safe, check out Read All About It:  Firefighters & Fire Trucks.  
What Do Firefighters Do?
Fire Engine.
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Firefighters & Fire Trucks

  • Heather M.
  • Saturday, February 06
Firefighters work hard to keep us safe.  Find out more about how they keep us safe, what they wear to keep them safe and the equipment they use (especially fire trucks) by reading these fiction and nonfiction titles about these first responder heroes. If you want to know how to keep yourself safe around fire, check out Read All About It:  Fire Safety.  
Standing on Her Shoulders
Because I Was a Girl
Staff Picks

Women Making History for Tweens & Teens

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, February 01
From Vice President Kamala Harris to Michaela Goade, the first BIPOC woman to win a Caldecott medal, these are just a few of the women making history in 2021.  Let's be clear.  Women have always made history.  Sadly, they have been overshadowed, overlooked or just plain erased from many history books.  But no more. 
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Worry & Anxiety

  • Caitlin B.
  • Thursday, January 28
2021. We made it, but not without a heaping dose of anxiety and fear. If worry is affecting you, you can bet it’s also affecting your little one.
Explorer
The History of Ancient Egypt.
Staff Picks

Booklist: Exploration for fun

  • Helene F.
  • Thursday, January 28
Exploration Generation   Do you want to explore history and geography, whenever you want?  Then welcome to a new way of thinking of generations. Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
The Self-care Solution
Badass Affirmations
Staff Picks

Inspired to Grow Your Relationships?!

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, January 28
We have just the books to help you develop those relationships that matter to you. We've got you covered whether it's with a significant other, yourself, friends and/or family. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Self-Portraits

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, June 24

Take a #brainbreak and create a self-portrait.  Whether it's a new year, a new season or a new day, it's always a good time to document who you are.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVoices: Hip-Hop Lollipop

  • Cassie G.
  • Thursday, June 23

Teeth brushing

Music crushing

Bass thumping

Shoulders pumping

Head rotation

Jubilation!

Blog
Richland Library Main

Take a Reading Challenge

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, December 28

Break out of your reading comfort zone with these book-focused challenges for the new year.

Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Being Mindful & Finding Calm

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, December 23
Being mindful, taking a breath and finding your calm can be challenging on a good day.  Add in busy schedules, family stresses, worries and world events, it can seem impossible--especially for children who haven't mastered self-regulation.  Even good changes like holidays or vacations can make children feel overwhelmed:  
The Midnight Library
Clap when You Land
Staff Picks

Goodreads Choice Awards: Best Books of 2020

  • Ariel H.
  • Tuesday, December 08
The 12th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards, the only major book awards decided by readers, posted the winners December 8, 2020--after three rounds of voting that started late October 2020. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig won overall best book of the year. Listed below are the winners for all 20 categories ranging from Fiction, Humor, Memoir & Autobiography, Food & Cookbooks, Graphic Novels, Debut Novels, Picture Books and many more. 
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Inside Out & Back Again

  • Taelor J.
    Heather M.
    Jocelyn T.
  • Thursday, June 23

Based on the author's own childhood, Inside Out & Back Again tells the story of a pivotal year in the life of a South Vietnamese family.  Once a wealthy family with two parents, 1975 brings a reversal of fortune for Hà, her brothers and mother. 

The Cassandra Curse
The Crossover
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, December 04
Children at this age are branching out into longer books.  Novels can echo their real life experiences, but they can also tell new stories, boosting their imaginations and building their empathy.  Books for tweens can be their way of fitting in or standing out.  These books can also offer comfort during this time of transition and help them discover who they might grow up to be. 
Find Fergus
The Bear Went over the Mountain
Staff Picks

Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers

  • Jenny D.
  • Friday, December 04
Preschoolers are primed for discovery and books are no exception. Treating books with loving care is something preschoolers are also beginning to learn.  They will take pride in their growing library when you give the gift of books.
Tree
Wishtree
Staff Picks

An Arbor Day Celebration

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, November 19
Arbor Day (the first Friday in December) is the beginning of tree planting season in South Carolina.  Celebrate safely by finding moments to walk among the trees and appreciate their quiet majesty. Reading can also deepen our knowledge of even every day subjects. This curated selection of books offers titles for everyone - stories about the importance of trees, the science and even hands-on activities. 
Rock Your Mocs
Una Huna
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Indigenous & Native People in Picture & Board Books

  • Saturday, October 03
Understand and celebrate the stories, culture, traditions and history of indigenous and native people of the Americas in these beautifully illustrated picture and board books.   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.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

#OwnVoices: Black Female Illustrators Spotlight

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, June 23

When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part. - We Need Diverse Books 

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Grace for President

  • Children's Room
  • Tuesday, October 12

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 Northeast

Halloween Egg Hunt: A Social Distanced Trick-or-Treat Tutorial

  • Shinelle P.
  • Wednesday, September 30

Keeping our distance doesn’t mean we can’t still have fun! A Halloween Egg Hunt is a playful way to keep the Halloween spirit, whether you organize a neighborhood event or just hide the eggs around your home for the kiddos to find. This two-for-one tutorial is a great craft for kids and preparation for a fun Halloween event!

Electricity in Your Life
Buried Sunlight
Staff Picks

Read All About It: Understanding & Saving Energy

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, September 24
How is electricity made?  And how does it get to my house?  From understanding the basics of electricity to a mystery complete with experiments, this list has all that you need to become an energy expert.   And...just in time for Energy Action Month, learn about alternative energy like solar and wind and how to conserve and save energy.   Energy expert?  You'll be an energy star!
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 Blythewood

Create Your Own Bubbles + Wand

  • Kelly H.
  • Monday, August 03

You can buy commercial bubble solution and plastic wands, or you can make your own for a day filled with both learning and fun.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Painting on the Patio

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25

Watch artist Keith Tolen's painting process as he creates a unique portrait. Then head outside and try out some plein air painting for yourself. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Musical Instruments

  • Sarah Gough
  • Saturday, July 25

Create a musical ensemble using everyday materials you can find around your house and yard.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Frog and Toad Are Friends

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Frog and Toad Are Friends), songs and poems ( Jambo; Hello, Friends; and I Am a Little Toad) and activities (Search and Find Jar).

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY: Pressed Flowers

  • Morgan R.
  • Tuesday, July 14

From saving wedding bouquet flowers to just clipping a few blooms from your yard, pressed flowers make for an easy way to create beautiful art.

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Fairy House

  • Caitlin W.
  • Monday, July 13

What do you get when you combine a scavenger hunt, engineering skills, and imagination? A do-it-yourself fairy house, of course!

Blog
Online

Make Your Own Frog 🐸

  • Kelly Kinard
  • Tuesday, July 07

Make your own frog in celebration of all the different creatures we get to hear and see during the summer months.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Create Your Own Macramé Hemp Bracelet

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, June 29

Keep the kids busy with this simple activity that requires a minimal amount of materials, does not create a huge a mess and can been done somewhat independently! 

Blog
Richland Library Ballentine

Create Your Own Jump Rope

  • Lynsey C.
  • Friday, August 28

Jumping rope is an iconic summer activity. It is great exercise and has a long and award-winning history in South Carolina. Follow along with this tutorial to learn how to make your own jump rope out of plastic bags and help save the environment at the same time!

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

Adventures with Kids: Knee Deep in the Garden

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, September 30

Flowers—even weeds—tell an important story about the climate and ecosystem of an area. These simple activities require very little preparation, but they pack a big learning punch.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Track Record

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, June 01

Take your Summer Learning Challenge to a whole new level this year by creating your own track record from right where you are.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Tiny T Rex and the Impossible Hug

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, June 01

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug), songs (Open Them, Shut Them; Bounce, Tickle, Hug; and I Have a Little Heart) and activities (Mail a Hug; Whose Hug? Game; and Me Too Game).

Blog
Richland Library Main

Sensory Dough Learning Activities

  • Sarah Gough
  • Thursday, July 02

Using sensory dough to promote learning and play at home is easier than you might think. And you probably already have everything you need to get started. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Create Your Own Sensory Dough

  • Sarah Gough
  • Monday, June 15

Making sensory dough at home is much easier than you might think, and you probably already have everything you need waiting in your pantry.

Database

World Almanac for Kids

For students in grades 6-9, their teachers, and parents. World Almanac for Kids presents articles, videos, games and information on a wide range of subjects with age appropriate content and a

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Database

Gale in Context: Science

Science in Context is an in-depth, curriculum-oriented science database that provides a one-stop resource for all science-related research needs.

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Database

Gale in Context: U.S. History

Discover American history from pre-colonial times to the present by reading historical documents and articles about the famous individuals in American history and about historical events.

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Database

Explora for Public Libraries

For students of all ages, Explora allows users to easily search across a range of sources including newspapers and magazines, encyclopedias, dictionaries, books, biographies and more.

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