Samira Surfs
The Maps of Memory
List

Great Books for Ages 11, 12, 13 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
Middle school readers are still figuring out the world while trying to figure out themselves.  They may look for books that reflect their experience or give them a window or sliding glass doo
Stuntboy, in the Meantime
Ancestor Approved
List

Great Books for Ages 9, 10, 11 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"This is Stuntboy. This guy, right here. Him. You can't tell just looking at him, but he's the greatest superhero you've never heard of."  --Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds
Too Small Tola
Too Small Tola
List

Great Books for Ages 7, 8, 9 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Tola is the youngest in her family. And the smallest. And everybody calls her Too Small Tola, which makes her feel too-too small."  --Too Small Tola by Atinuke
When Lola Visits
I Talk Like a River
List

Great Books for Ages 5, 6, 7 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Summer feels like the last golden hour of the day drifting into an indigo night."  --When Lola Visits by Michelle Sterling
Eyes That Speak to the Stars
Bright Star (read Along)
List

Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5 | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"My eyes gaze into space and glimpse trails of light..."  --Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions.  They are growing their independence along with their attention spans.  Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.  
Who Takes Care of You?
I Am Brown
List

Great Books for Toddlers | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"No matter who takes care of you You are loved by those who care."                                                                                                                                                        --Who Takes Care of You? by Hannah Eliot
Change Starts with Us
On the Go with Mother Goose
List

Great Books for Babies | 2022

  • Richland Library
  • Wednesday, May 11
"Change starts with learning about the world."--Change Starts with Us  by Sophie Beer Snuggled in your lap, babies love books with photographs, simple, bright illustrations, rhyming and the sound of your voice.  Find your little one's new favorite story from our list of books to share.  
Blog
Richland Library Main

On the Streets Where We Live

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, April 27

If you’ve ever walked or biked around downtown Columbia, you’ve probably encountered impatience from drivers waiting for you to clear a crosswalk or pedal through an intersection.  The unspoken assumption in this scenario is that streets are primarily for cars, and any other uses take a back seat (so to speak) to this imperative.

Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID

  • Anika Thomas
  • Wednesday, May 25

When the 2020 lockdown began to lift and our new normal beckoned for us to finally leave our homes I didn’t know what to do or what to expect. Information changed so rapidly, it made it hard for me, as a parent, to create consistency in my approach to COVID-19 so I reverted to basics. Here are some things I learned. 

Soul Food Sunday
Food
List

Read All About It: Tasty Treats

  • Heather M.
  • Monday, April 04
Check out these tasty treats that look good enough to eat--I mean, read.  Whether it's a delicious thick red stew shared with neighbors, a food truck rodeo or applesauce in your hair, these books offer a veritable buffet of cuisines and experiences to share together.  (Some of these books even offer recipes so you can make food with your friends and family!) Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
A Big Mooncake for Little Star
Mommy's Khimar (read Along)
List

Great Books for Ages 3, 4, 5

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, January 07
"Night after night, Little Star took tiny nibble after tiny nibble of the Big Mooncake."--A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin Preschoolers are listening to longer books and asking LOTS of questions.  They are growing their independence along with their attention spans.  Bring your book lover to Richland Library and pick up one of these terrific titles today.  
Off to See the Sea
I Want to Be an Astronaut
List

Great Books for Toddlers

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, January 07
"Monsters straight ahead!  Watch out for the yellow rubber ducky!"--Off to See the Sea by Nikki Grimes Toddlers are on the move, but they still love a good story.  They're learning new words every day and will ask to hear their favorite book again and again (and again).  Check out some of these toddler-tested titles to share with your mover and shaker.  
You See, I See
On the Go with Mother Goose
List

Great Books for Babies

  • Children's Room
  • Friday, January 07
"You see a bustling city.  I see adventure ahead!"--You See, I See: In the City by Michelle Sinclair Colman Snuggled in your lap, babies love books with photographs, simple, bright illustrations, rhyming and the sound of your voice.  Find your little one's new favorite story from our list of books to share.  
Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld
Ancestor Approved
List

2021 Holiday Gifts for Upper Elementary

  • Thursday, December 09
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. 
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
Soul Food Sunday
List

2021 Holiday Gifts for Preschoolers

  • Thursday, December 09
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. Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story

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

Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books.  This conversation focuses on the nonfiction children's biography, Buffalo Bird Girl:  A Hidatsa Story by S.D. Nelson.  

I Am a Bird
They Call Me River
List

StoryWalk®: I Am a Bird Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Friday, November 12
Visit Richland Library's I Am a Bird StoryWalk® at Riverfront Park & Historic Columbia Canal and get your family soaring and gliding while enjoying a great story.  Next, check out some of these good books to continue the fun at home!  Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Dinner Table Talks: Dear Martin

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

Dinner Table Talks create the opportunity for families to have important conversations centered around books.  This conversation focuses on the New York Times bestselling YA novel, Dear Martin by Nic Stone.  

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: How Do You Wokka-Wokka?

  • Heather M.
  • Wednesday, October 27

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (How Do You Wokka-Wokka?), songs and rhymes ( Peel Banana | Drama Warm Up, Banana Banana Meatball Song by Blazer Fresh and If All of The Raindrops by Old Town School of Folk Music) and activity (Learn 5 dance sequences choreographed by Barbara Howse-Diemer)

Find a StoryWalk® Near You

Located at public parks throughout Richland County, our StoryWalks® are a delightful way for children — and adults — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time.

Get Started
Antiracist Baby
The Talk
List

Let's Talk Race (as a Family...)

  • Heather M.
  • Friday, August 27
Having "The Talk" can feel daunting.  Whether it's sexuality, staying safe or race--it can be difficult to know where to begin. By talking about these important topics early and often, parents and caregivers can increase the whole family's comfort and skill in conversation, making these discussions part of their family culture.   Richland Library is always here to help with the best books and resources-- whether you're just starting to talk about race or you're ready to deepen your family's knowledge and understanding so that you can take action.  
How Do You Wokka-wokka?
Tap Tap Boom Boom
List

StoryWalk®: How Do You Wokka-Wokka? Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, August 16
Visit Richland Library's How Do You Wokka-Wokka? StoryWalk® at Caughman Road Park and get your family moving and grooving while enjoying a great story.  Next, check out some of these good books to continue the fun at home!  Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Rainbow Stew
Fry Bread
List

StoryWalk®: Rainbow Stew Read-Alikes

  • Richland Library
  • Saturday, June 19
Did our Rainbow Stew StoryWalk® at Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood leave you hungry for more good books? Check out this list below for more inspiration to get you moving, growing and cooking together!   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Black is Brown is Tan
The Case for Loving
List

Celebrate Loving Day for Families

  • Heather M.
  • Thursday, June 10
Celebrate Loving Day by sharing stories of families brought together by love. "The “Loving” in Loving Day is actually the last name of Mildred and Richard Loving. The Loving Day Story begins when they were arrested for being married in 1958 because they were an interracial couple living in Virginia.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Famously Hotspots

  • Megan M.
    Chantal W.
  • Thursday, May 13

From schools to libraries, community centers and more, here's a list of public Wi-Fi spots in Richland County.

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.

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.

Stop Drop and Roll
Elmo Visits the Firehouse.
List

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.  
The Rabbit Listened
Captain Starfish
List

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.
Already a Butterfly
Breathe and Be
List

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:  
May Your Life Be Deliciosa
Too Small Tola
List

2021 Holiday Gifts for Early Elementary

  • Thursday, December 10
Did you know that reading every day from an early age helps expand your child’s attention span? The early elementary ages are a great time to develop those skills by reading both novels and picture books aloud to your child. Whether reading independently or together, being surrounded by books will nurture their reading and will help them go from beginning to read to reading fluently. 
My Heart Beats
My Terrific Dinosaur Book
List

2021 Holiday Gifts for Babies & Toddlers

  • Thursday, December 10
Babies and toddlers are getting an introduction to the world of books.  Reading to them on a daily basis helps them develop a routine where they begin to associate love, interaction, and family with books. Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084. 
Blog
Richland Library Main

#OwnVoices: Celebrating Differences

  • Ronisha J.
  • Thursday, June 23

It is our job as parents and caretakers to ensure our children know that everyone deserves respect, regardless of differences. We all were uniquely crafted and it is our differences that makes the world so interesting.

Firefly. The Complete Series
Stranger Things.
List

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.
I Walk with Vanessa
Each Kindness.
List

Read All About It: Kindness & Caring

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, November 03
Everyone can show kindness and everyone needs a little kindness.  Waving hello, offering to help someone carry a heavy load or making a card for a friend can brighten someone's day. Let these books inspire you to find ways to let people know that you care.   Looking for even more good books?  Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings
Way Past Worried
List

Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health

  • Heather M.
  • Tuesday, October 27
Sharing books about feelings gives children the language to name their emotions.  These stories can also give children the opportunity to explore feelings and imagine how they might behave if they were a character in the story.   Talking about emotions with a trusted caregiver builds a solid foundation of mental health. Check out some of these great read-alouds and start your conversation today!  
Blog
Richland Library Main

Top 10 Challenged Books of 2019

  • Richland Library
  • Monday, September 28

The American Library Association tracked 377 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2019. Overall, 566 books were targeted. Here are the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in 2019.

Blog
Richland Library Main

DIY Storytime: Back to School: A Global Journey

  • Children's Room
  • Monday, August 24

Curated storytimes that families can share at home with an ebook (Back to School:  A Global Journey), songs and poems ( Yo Te Amo and There's a Dog in School) and activities (DIY School Accessories:  Homework Caddy, Pompom Bookmark and Paper Bag Book Cover).

In the Spirit of the Studio
List

Back to School... at Home: The Book List

  • Laura Rogers
  • Friday, August 21
It is time to set up space for your school year. Starting at home? Check out these great titles that will inspire you to create a space that is fun and functional for you and your children. Study, explore, create, and make the grade! 
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

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.

Blog
Richland Library Main

All Around Town: 7 Days of Family-friendly Activities

  • Laura Bliss Morris
  • Monday, April 27

With a little help from our friends around town, here are some daily suggestions for family-friendly activities—both digital and non—from some of our favorite places that just might get you out of your current rut.

Blog
Richland Library Main

Managing Children’s Emotions 

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Tuesday, March 31

Eight things you can do today to help your entire family understand, process and cope with this new, temporary normal.

Blog
Richland Library Edgewood

Indoor / Outdoor Scavenger Hunt for Kids

  • Taelor J.
  • Thursday, March 26

Coming up with ways to keep young children entertained while stuck at home is challenging. Try these two scavenger hunts for a nice change of pace. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Pandemic Parenting

  • Sarah Sawicki
  • Thursday, March 26

Pandemic Parenting, or "You're not very good at this, are you?"

Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Do a Storytime

  • Leslie Tetreault
  • Friday, November 13

Four easy steps to help you keep reading, singing, playing and talking every day. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

Your Daily Dose of Children's Authors & Illustrators

  • Richland Library
  • Thursday, March 26

From readings to art clubs to book-based activities, we've compiled a list of some of our favorite authors and illustrators who are going digital to help you and your family join in on the fun.