500 All-time Great Recipes
Ancient Israel
Staff Picks

The Selden K. Smith Holocaust Collection, Part 1

  • Leighan C.
  • Friday, June 30
Richland Library welcomes items from the personal Holocaust collection of Dr. Selden K. Smith. Housed primarily at Richland Library Main the collection includes over 250 items.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Eleanor Roosevelt’s visit to Columbia

  • Margaret D.
  • Friday, June 23
On October 28, 1938, First Lady of the United States Eleanor Roosevelt visited Columbia. Remarkably, we have photographs of this visit in the Walker Local and Family History Center at Richland Library.
Martha Graham
Savor
Staff Picks

New in Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, December 12
New and noteworthy titles include You Don’t Know What War Is, the diary of twelve-year-old Yeva Skalietska, who had to flee Ukraine with her grandmother at the outset of the current war, and Neil Baldwin's Martha Graham: When Dance Became Modern.&nbsp
Blog
Richland Library Main

Get Ready to Vote

  • Richland Library
  • Saturday, October 08
Know when your local elections are happening, what's on the ballot, and make sure you register before the October 9th deadline!
Nickel and Dimed
Bait and Switch
Staff Picks

Remembering Barbara Ehrenreich

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, September 06
Barbara Ehrenreich, who for more than fifty years dissected American culture in a series of perceptive books (many of them best sellers), died on 1 Sept.
The Pioneers
1776
Staff Picks

American Biographer

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, August 09
Author David G. McCullough, who died on 7 August, has left a rich legacy of biographies and histories that met with both critical and public acclaim. The recipient of two Pulitzer Prizes and two National Book Awards, among many other literary prizes, McCullough published a series of best-selling books from 1968 to 2019, all still fresh and relevant for their insight and erudition. Check out these landmark works from our collection.
Assignment Russia
The Brink
Staff Picks

The Cold War

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, July 22
The Cold War was famously never a declared “war” but an ideological struggle that unfolded in a decades-long series of proxy conflicts. Researchers are still uncovering new information from archives and other sources to better explain this strange period, which one historian has referred to as the “Fifty-Year Wound.” Check out these recent titles from our collection if you’re curious to learn more.
Level Up
The Good Retirement Guide 2022
Staff Picks

New Business Books

  • Bland L.
  • Friday, June 03
Noteworthy new titles include Level Up: Rise Above the Hidden Forces Holding Your Business Back, by Georgia politician (and serial entrepreneur) Stacey Abrams and her business partner, Lara Hodgson; Dade Hayes and Dawn Chmielewski’s Binge Times: Inside Hollywood's Furious Billion-Dol
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

Interview with Councilwoman Jesica Mackey

  • Brittany S.
  • Wednesday, March 30
I had the honor of chatting with Richland County Council Vice-Chair, Jesica Mackey, (District 9) about her leadership, community, and the importance of Women's History Month.
Slouching Towards Bethlehem
After Henry
Staff Picks

Remembering Joan Didion

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, December 27
Joan Didion, who died at age 87 on 23 December, astutely sized up American culture from the 1960s onward in a series of nonfiction and fiction works that met with both critical and popular acclaim. The prolific Didion is perhaps still best known for her first two essay collections, Slouching Towards Bethlehem and
Trillions
Get Good with Money
Staff Picks

New Business Books

  • Bland L.
  • Wednesday, December 22
This batch of new business books features some sharp corporate take-downs, including Peter Robison’s Flying Blind: The 737 MAX Tragedy and the Fall of Boeing and Bartow J.
Blog
Richland Library Main

What Exactly Is DHEC?

  • Dusty R.
  • Friday, December 17
DHEC has been in the news a lot lately. Learn more about this crucial part of the South Carolina government.
Now Beacon, Now Sea
The Secret to Superhuman Strength
Staff Picks

New York Times Books of the Year: Biography and Memoir

  • Bland L.
  • Sunday, November 28
The recently released list of the New York Times notable books of 2021 includes a number of compelling biographies and memoirs you won't want to miss. Check these titles out from our collection.
All That She Carried
A Little Devil in America
Staff Picks

2021 National Book Award Finalists

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, November 02
The 2021 National Book Award finalists in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature, and young people’s literature have recently been announced. While you're waiting to learn who the winners will be (to be announced on 17 November), check out these finalists from our collection. 2021 National Book Awards
Blog
Richland Library Sandhills

In the Know: City of Columbia Mayoral Forum (2021)

  • Alex B.
    Brittany S.
  • Thursday, September 30
Local residents had an opportunity to get to know each of the candidates before heading to the polls and casting their vote during the Municipal Election on November 2, 2021. During the nonpartisan forum, viewers heard from Tameika Isaac Devine, Sam Johnson, Daniel Rickenmann and Moe Baddourah. The candidates shared their plans to move the City of Columbia forward in a virtual, moderated discussion. Check out this blog for more Mayoral Forum details and resources!
Killing the Black Body
Four Hundred Souls
Staff Picks

National Wellness Month: Black Women's Health

  • Ariel H.
  • Thursday, August 05
August is National Wellness Month⚕️ Here is a list on systemic racism and the history on the battle for control of black women's health throughout the centuries. Also, included are some wellness guides promoting self-care and healing.
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.
Our Time is Now
Our Time is Now
Staff Picks

Our Vulnerable Democracy: Past, Present and Future

  • Chantal W.
  • Friday, April 23
One of the many things that we learned in the year 2020 is that democracy is a fragile thing. How do we as regular citizens combat white supremacy? How do we go about demanding that the institutions that are the foundation of our democracy and government be fairer and actually represent all of us and not just some of us?
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.
Blog
Richland Library Main

Get Your News with U.S. Newsstream

  • Bland L.
  • Tuesday, January 05
If you have grown weary of paywalls impeding your access to reliable news (or of “free” subscriptions that offer only limited access, at the cost of surrendering some personal information), consider using U.S. Newsstream to essentially bypass paywalls and find the latest on US politics, COVID-19 vaccines, and world news.
The Dead Are Arising
Leave the World Behind
Staff Picks

2020 National Book Awards

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, November 19
The winners of the 2020 National Book Awards have just been announced:
Blog
Richland Library Main

Becoming a Poll Manager

  • Ariel H.
  • Wednesday, November 18
The 2020 election was one for the books with the record breaking poll numbers and poll worker shortages due to COVID-19. But with a little training, I was able to not only use my voice by voting, but also to help others participate in the power of using theirs by becoming a poll manager.
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.
Billion Dollar Loser
Better, Not Perfect
Staff Picks

Billion Dollar Loser (and other new business books you may enjoy)

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, October 22
Check out these new business titles recently added to our collection. Considering the news of the antitrust suit that the US Department of Justice has just brought against Google, Zephyr Teachout’s Break ’em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money is a timely read indeed.
Dirty Wars and Polished Silver
The Mammoth Book of Combat
Staff Picks

The First Casualty

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, October 01
The first casualty of war, it has been famously said, is the truth, which is why war correspondents have played such a crucial role throughout history. And it hasn’t been just a “boys’ club” – Martha Gellhorn, Rebecca West, and others made a name for themselves reporting from zones of conflict. More recently, Marie Colvin (tragically killed in Syria in 2012) and Clarissa Ward (author of a new memoir, On All Fronts) have done the same.
I Dissent
American Women Activists' Writings
Staff Picks

Remembering Ruth Bader Ginsburg

  • Mahogany S.
  • Monday, September 21
From The Notorious RBG to I Dissent, explore the life and work of Ruth Bader Ginsburg with these books and movies that span all age ranges.
Ruth Objects
On the Basis of Sex
Staff Picks

RIP RBG

  • Bland L.
  • Monday, September 21
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on Friday, Sept.
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.
The Job
The Globotics Upheaval
Staff Picks

Labor and Its Discontents

  • Bland L.
  • Thursday, September 03
The world of work was being upended even before the coronavirus pandemic drove the US unemployment rate to record highs. The “gig economy,” robotics, and offshoring, to name but a few factors, have reshaped traditional employment in ways that are not yet fully understood. As we observe Labor Day, this is a good time to take a look at how we got here and what may be in store for us in the labor market. The books listed below offer a range of views on the subject, from critiques of Silicon Valley’s role in degrading work life to constructive advice on finding mea
Blog
Richland Library Main

How to Vote Absentee in the General Election

  • Allison T.
  • Thursday, October 22
While voters in South Carolina could place their vote via absentee ballot in the primary in June, simply due to the presence of the virus, this is not the case for the general election in November. Voters have to meet certain criteria and there are guidelines for who can vote absentee and how.
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.