Storytime, Crafts, Game Nights, & More for the Whole Family at Richland County Libraries

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Have you been to your local Richland County Library recently? Are you looking for events and learning opportunities that your whole family can enjoy? Of course, the libraries have books, but what a lot of people don’t know is that the Richland County Libraries host tons of family-friendly, wholesome events all throughout the week. There are groups for teenagers, crafting events for adults, storytimes for toddlers, learning workshops, and much, much more! 

Need more ideas on free things to do around Columbia? We’ve got you covered with more than 50 awesome free ideas!

Richland County Libraries

About Richland Library 

The Richland County Library system is made up of 13 libraries! With locations in downtown, West Columbia, Irmo, Hopkins, Eastover, and Blythewood there is sure to be a library near you. 

The main library is located downtown off of Assembly Street and is massive, clean and so well-done! There are several different floors and the whole bottom floor is dedicated to kids and teens. On this level you will find tables set up for coloring and simple artwork, scavenger hunts for preteens, a foosball table, puzzles, games, various styles of building blocks, and more. My son not only enjoys gathering up a few new books to take home, but also wandering around and playing at all the neat stations. 

Family Storytime at the Richland County Libraries 

One library event that my kids and I LOVE is Family Storytime. This storytime is open to children from 0 to 12 years old. While the majority of attendees are babies and preschoolers, the library does a fantastic job at including children of all ages and tweaking things to meet the needs of the smallest babies up to the oldest kiddos in the group. 

Why We Love Family Storytime 

At Family Storytime you can expect to have several short stories read to your children with breaks in between books for fun, interactive songs, and movement. The end of storytime is left for open play and there are usually toys such as blocks, large stuffed animals, coloring, and puzzles available. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for your littles to interact with their peers and learn through books and music, but it is also a fantastic time for caregivers to meet and chat with each other. I think we can all agree that even just a few minutes of adult interaction outside of your home can do WONDERS! 

Children's Area in Richland County Libraries

Here’s Where You Can Enjoy Family Storytime 

Family Storytime is held at several different library locations all throughout the week. It is not uncommon for families to travel to one or two locations during the week to enjoy this family outing! Storytimes change often, especially during the transition between summer and back-to-school, or can be canceled so always be sure to double-check dates and times before heading out! 

Tuesdays 

  • Richland Library Main at 10 am 
  • Richland Library North Main at 10 am 
  • Richland Library Eastover at 10:30 am 
  • Richland Library Sandhills at 10:30 am 

Thursdays

  • Richland Library Cooper at 10 am 
  • Richland Library Main at 10 am 
  • Richland Library Southeast at 10:30 am 

Saturdays 

  • Richland Library Northeast at 10 am 
  • Richland Library Main at 10 am 
  • Richland Library Sandhills at 10:30 am 
  • Richland Library Edgewood at 10:30 am 
Richland County Libraries kids events

Richland Libraries – Preschool Crafts and Art Events 

Another event my kiddos enjoy is the preschool crafts! The crafts are always very well planned, organized, and unique! Sometimes a story will be read that goes along with the craft for that day, the craft is shown and explained, and then the kiddos are given their materials. The library has all you’ll need for each craft and even for clean-up! 

Let’s Make Art! 

I love the art events for several reasons, but the main reason is that it allows my kiddos to gain some independence and learn new skills that we wouldn’t usually do at home. Plus, I always think children learn best from their peers so having both younger and older kids all around gives them people to look up to as well as help out. It’s just an added bonus that not much planning or clean-up has to go on, on my end anyway – thank you, librarians!!  

Art at Richland County Libraries

When and Where Your Kids Can Get Artsy 

Some art events take place weekly, however, the majority of them are spread out throughout the month. As always, be sure to check the event location and time before going! Some craft events need to be registered for in advance as there may be a limited number of seats available.  

Children's area at Richland County Libraries

Other Events to Enjoy at Richland Libraries 

The events page of the Richland County Libraries is always packed full of great events for ALL age groups, skill levels, and interests. Take a look at a few more events we think would be great! 

Pigskin Poets 2023

Each year, right before football season begins, the library hosts “Pigskin Poets’‘. At this event, the University of South Carolina football players, Cocky, and the librarians will read stories and poems, interact in games, and even sign autographs. This year, the event will be held on July 21, 2023 from 3 pm – 4:30 pm at The Drew Wellness Center. This is an event you won’t want to miss! 

Teen Game Night 

Does your teen love board games? How about video games? If so, you might want to send them to teen game night at the library! They will be able to partake in friendly competition and socially connect with peers who have similar interests. Heads up, registration is usually necessary for this event! 

Sew Divine: A Gathering for Crafters 

Sew Divine is held for adults and is a time to get together with people who share the same hobbies and interests as you! You will need to bring your own craft/art project such as knitting, needlework, scrapbooking, crocheting, etc. Here, you will be able to discuss crafting ideas and maybe even gain a few tips to help improve your skills! 

There are SO MANY more events to discover at Richland County Libraries. For a full list of events be sure to head to the Richland County Library website. 

Have you had the opportunity to join in on an event at the library? Which event did you get to enjoy? 

Ballentine Library maker space, Richland County Libraries

Discover the Ballentine Library, Richland Library location.

Kayla Simmons
About the Author
Kayla grew up right outside of Charleston, SC and is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina. She has lived in Columbia for a combination of 5 years. Kayla has a background working with special needs children, but now enjoys nothing more than being a stay-at-home mom of two. She enjoys keeping her kids busy by finding unique play spaces and events, involving them in hands-on activities and watching them learn about the world through play. In her free time she enjoys reading, exercise and spending quality time with her family and friends.

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