Create your own Summer Learning Challenge this year!

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

Flesh & Blood So Cheap
The Nazi Hunters
Staff Picks

Page-Turning Nonfiction for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Saturday, March 13
Who doesn’t love a great true story?  These nonfiction titles will transport you to different time and place, leaving you racing toward the end of the book to see how it all turns out while devouring every detail.  Scale a mountain (No Summit Out of Sight), survive the wild (Marooned in the Arctic), win the game (Attucks!; Games of Deception), or dig into history’s gruesome side (The Borden Murders; Flesh & Blood So Cheap; The Family Romanov) in these fast-paced reads. 
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 Scapegracers
Undead Girl Gang
Staff Picks

Teen Witchy Reads for WandaVision Fans

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, March 11
The latest hit from the Marvel Universe may have wrapped last week with the finale of WandaVision, but there are plenty of riveting reads of powerful witches and complex female characters to fill that void.
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

  • 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 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

#OwnVoices: Class Act

  • Taelor J.
  • Monday, August 07

New Kid, the first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal, is now joined by Jerry Craft’s powerful Class Act.

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

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Fiction Recommendations for YA Readers

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Wednesday, March 03
March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “The encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” Developmental disabilities include disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a persons growth and/or cognition. The aim of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is to rai
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

iRead: Jason Reynolds

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, March 01

Jason Reynolds is an author and poet who grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Inspired by Queen Latifah and the other rappers he listened to in his youth, he began writing poetry at the age of 9. 

In January 2020, Jason Reynolds was named as the Library of Congress’s national ambassador for young people’s literature, a position designed to encourage young people to develop an interest in reading.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Stamped: Who Were They Really?

  • Taelor J.
  • Friday, March 05

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. Racist ideas are woven into the fabric of this country, and the first step to building an antiracist America is acknowledging America's racist past and present.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Putting Research into Your Job Search

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, February 18

One of the problems facing first-time job seekers, or those contemplating a career change, is that they may have a general idea of the kind of work they’d like to do but lack detailed knowledge about what this work involves.

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...
Tess of the Road
Damsel
Staff Picks

There's Always Room for Dragons in Teen Fiction

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, February 16
Fantasy stories are full of interesting magical creatures, but nothing holds a flame to the fire-breathing behemoths that are dragons. From treasure hoarders to city destroyers to faithful companions and more, check out the young adult books below for stories of fierce and fiery drakes.
Blog
Richland Library North Main

Stamped: This is Not a History Book

  • Jocelyn T.
  • Monday, February 15

"This is not a history book...." There's so much packed in that one profound statement that Jason Reynolds reiterates at the beginning of Stamped: Antriracism, Racism, and You by Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.

I Want More Pizza
Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?
Staff Picks

Budgeting and Money Saving Skills For Teens

  • Thomas M.
  • Friday, February 12
Financial skills are key to taking control of your destiny. Money you save today could make a lasting difference in the future. Budgeting for personal goals are great habits to build. Adults may not like to admit it, but many of them wish they could turn back time and read up about this! The books listed below offer good advice for saving and budgeting. There are many digital books on money management available for instant checkout over on Hoopla.
The Meet-cute Project
Together, Apart
Staff Picks

New Teen Romances

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, February 10
Valentine's Day is right around the corner. If you're feeling the love in the air or want something sweet to make your heart melt, swoon over these teen picks below.
The Black Flamingo
The Black Flamingo
Staff Picks

YA Book Recommendations for Black History Month

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Thursday, February 04
28 books that celebrate and explore black culture, communities, social dynamics, and identities. Find great Middle Grade #OwnVoices Black History Month Recommendations here. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Bring On the Blessings (Book #1 of Blessings series)

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, June 23

When a post-Reconstruction African-American community succumbs to a desperate need for funds and purpose, its mayor puts the small town up for sale and finds a buyer in Bernardine Brown, who believes the town's sale to be a sign from God. 🏠🏠

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. 
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. 
If It Makes You Happy
The (other) F Word
Staff Picks

Teen Body Positivity

  • Alison B.
  • Friday, January 22
Body positivity encourages self-love and the acceptance of all bodies. These teen books featuring plus size main characters celebrate and remind us that you don't have to be a certain size or shape to be the hero or fall in love.
Blog
Richland Library Main

2021 Career Makeover Tips!

  • Sylvie G.
  • Wednesday, February 03

A results oriented (and dare I say, fun) approach to addressing four key career development areas.

A Winter's Promise.
The Circle
Staff Picks

Teen Books in Translation

  • Alison B.
  • Thursday, January 14
We live in a globalized world, so why not read like it? These teen titles are from a variety of countries and languages and have been translated into English. Great literature spans the entire Earth, so don't miss out on interesting cultures in these stories of adventure, mystery, history, and more.
All out
Because You Love to Hate Me
Staff Picks

Anthologies for Teens

  • Alison B.
  • Tuesday, January 05
Anthologies are a unique format that can bring together a wide array of voices, both new and familiar, on a variety of genres and topics. In recent years, young adult anthologies have been on the rise in number and popularity.
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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

#BrainBreaks: Creative Journaling

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, June 24

Take a break and write.  Journaling can help you process your emotions and unleash your creativity.  

Leviathan Wakes
This is How You Lose the Time War
Staff Picks

Fans of THE EXPANSE Series Should Try These

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, December 28
Are you a huge fan of Amazon Prime's hit SYFY series, The Expanse?! The show is based off of 9 novels plus 7 short stories and novellas written by James S A Corey (a joint pen name for the authors Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham).  
The Poet X
The Crossover
Staff Picks

YA Books in Verse

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, December 23
Dive into this young adult books in verse. They're super easy reads with lovely writing styles. 
The Queen of Katwe
The Joy Luck Club.
Staff Picks

Books similar to "The Queen's Gambit"

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, December 21
So, you enjoyed the Netflix show The Queen's Gambit, and now you're ready to conquer the world of chess! Okay, maybe not. Maybe you're just looking to be captivated and entertained by something chess-themed. Here are a few selections to get you started. Happy reading!
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OWNVOICES: Royal Holiday by Jasmine Guillory

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, October 12

Vivian couldn’t decide what appealed to her more, hot coffee and fresh scones, or that man in the corner who looked like a tall mug of hot chocolate. ☕📚

Why choose?

Tell the Wolves I'm Home
Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now
Staff Picks

YA Books to Feed Your Angst

  • Alex B.
  • Wednesday, December 09
Don't underestimate the power of catharsis! It may seem counterintuitive, but a sad book can be just the thing to expel some angst. 
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. 
African American Poetry
Homeland Elegies
Staff Picks

Oprah Magazine Best Books of 2020

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, December 07
"Books are both solace and inspiration. They light the way, even while enabling temporary escape from life's worries...we wanted to share the best books 2020 had to offer." - Oprah magazine 
Mexican Gothic
A Knock at Midnight
Staff Picks

Amazon Editors' Top 20 Best Books of 2020

  • Ariel H.
  • Monday, December 07
Every year Amazon's Editors select 100 titles they deemed as the best books to represent that year. Titles vary from literature and fiction, mystery, thriller, and suspense, romance, cooking, food, and wine, children's books, and many many more. 
Let It Snow
Let It Snow
Staff Picks

12 Days of YA Romances

  • Kenyanah B.
  • Saturday, December 05
Twelve holiday themed YA romances to have a cup of cocoa with this year.
Starry Eyes
Starry Eyes
Staff Picks

Steamy Romances for Young Adults

  • Brittany C.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Get ready to swoon with these dreamy, steamy romances that will leave you breathless.  Forbidden loves, enemies to sweethearts, and slow burns... these love stories were meant to be. 
Grown
Don't Look Back
Staff Picks

Great Mysteries for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Looking for a juicy mystery to sink your teeth into?  Curl up with one of the books below and follow the twists and turns to the very last page.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Pet
Clap When You Land
Staff Picks

Award Winning Books for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Culled from state, national, and professional awards, the titles below were chosen by teens, teachers, librarians, and reviewers as the best in young adult literature.  From memoirs and biographies (Hey Kiddo, The Great Nijinsky, Ordinary Hazards) to literary and inventive fiction (Pet, Clap When You Land, Dig) and popular titles (Frankly in Love, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me), you’re sure to find something you lo
Raybearer
Flame in the Mist
Staff Picks

Science Fiction and Fantasy for Younger Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, December 02
From classic fairy tale fantasies (The Goose Girl), to distant futures and distant worlds (Cinder, Unearthed, Skyward), these books have all the action, adventure, and heart that will keep younger readers turning the pages.  Looking for more great teen books?  Check out our personalized recommendation form or call us at 803-799-9084.
Clap When You Land
Clap when You Land
Staff Picks

Realistic Fiction for Teens

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Reality was a bit harsh this year, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a realistic teen fiction book. Finding solace in characters and stories both similar and different from oneself can foster empathy and a sense of belonging. Check out these selections below to find titles that will resonate with teens on timely topics of race, family, friendship, individuality, and more. 
Punching the Air
The Poet X
Staff Picks

Teen Audiobooks the Whole Family Will Love

  • Alison B.
  • Wednesday, December 02
Audiobooks are a wonderful way to connect as a family through interesting and diverse stories. Whether you're traveling in the car, cooking dinner at home, or relaxing in the living room, pressing play can bring you all together. These teen selections ranging from a full-cast reading of an action-packed space adventure (Aurora Rising) to a powerful story in verse about a wrongfully incarcerated boy (Punching the Air) will be sure to have something the whole family will enjoy.
El Odio Que Das
Hijos De Sangre Y Hueso
Staff Picks

Libros para Adolescentes en Español

  • Jennifer N.
  • Monday, November 23
¿Estas buscando libros en Español para adolescentes? Algunos de nuestros títulos favoritos estan disponibles en línea y en forma física también- ¡retira uno hoy!  
Black Girl Unlimited
Black Girl Unlimited
Staff Picks

Teen Debuts of 2020

  • Alison B.
  • Monday, November 23
The year may be nearing its end, but there’s still plenty of time to try something new. Check out one of these debut novels from fresh voices in young adult literature – you may just discover a new favorite!
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. 
Pumpkinheads
What if It's Us
Staff Picks

Fresh Fall Romances for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Wednesday, November 18
Ready to get cozy?  These romances are the perfect blend of swoon, drama, and fun for a crisp autumn day.  Visit a pumpkin patch in Pumpkinheads, tackle feuding families in Of Curses and Kisses and Verona Comics, or fall for a perfect stranger in Rent a Boyfriend and What if it’s Us.   
Firefly. The Complete Series
Stranger Things.
Staff Picks

Friendship

  • Helene F.
  • Saturday, November 14
Friendships near and far Connecting with friends and family, we are able to listen to each other's experiences.  Let these items show us that we are not alone in how it feels to be human.    Looking for more? Check out our personalized recommendations here or call us at 799-9084.
The Special Ones
Down from the Mountain
Staff Picks

Cults in Teen Fiction

  • Brittany C.
  • Thursday, November 05
  Spooky season might be over but colder days are ahead and the perfect book to curl up with might just be on this list! If you’re looking for something you can’t put down, cult books offer a unique blend of true crime, horror, and suspense. From a teen girl planning her daring escape to another hoping to survive the rampant pandemic outside her religious community, these stories of dangerous cults and those who find themselves trapped will keep you turning the pages.  
This is My America
Internment
Staff Picks

Social Issues in Teen Fiction

  • Jennifer N.
  • Thursday, October 29
Studies have shown that reading fiction increases empathy and makes it easier to understand someone else’s point-of-view.  There’s no better way to tackle some of the complex issues facing our country during election season than seeking out diverse perspectives. 
Votes of Confidence
Glimmer of Hope
Staff Picks

Elections and Issues Information for Teens

  • Jennifer N.
  • Tuesday, October 27
Every vote matters and every voice counts. Make sure your voice is heard by learning more about the political process, political figures, and challenging issues in the titles below.  Access even more information on these topics using the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database, or dig into some fantastic fiction on important social subjects.
Blog
Richland Library Eastover

#OwnVoices: Monday's Not Coming

  • Kimberly Jones
  • Thursday, June 23

Friends are like family. So, when your best friend goes missing what do you do. If you are anything like Claudia, you go looking for answers.

The Avengers
Black Panther. Vol. 01, A Nation Under Our Feet
Staff Picks

Year of the misfits

  • Helene F.
  • Tuesday, October 13
Misfits taking the stage   Have you ever felt like a fish out of water?  Have you wanted to step out of your comfort zone? Different people, becoming a family, in every sense of the word.  Ask your local librarian for even more suggestions!
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!

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 Southeast

Making Your Way: Plein Air au Maison

  • Amy A.
  • Saturday, October 10

Find a view that speaks to you, pick up your pencil, grab some paper and get yourself lost on your own magic carpet ride to somewhere beautiful. 

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

Visible Mending

  • Melissa Sprenne
  • Friday, June 24

Do your favorite jeans have a rip? Do you have a shirt you're bored with? Don't throw them out! Learn how to mend and embellish your clothing - and save money, too.

Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

DIY Personalized Notebook for Teens

  • Emily Barber
  • Thursday, July 09

What's better than colorful notebooks? A personalized colorful notebook! Check out this tutorial for a DIY notebook that costs as little as $1.

Database

Academic Onefile

This premier periodical resource provides millions of articles from scholarly journals and other authoritative sources with extensive coverage in multiple subject areas.

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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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