Richmond County Public Libraries

08/26/2026

The book I chose for The Teen book review is Once Upon A Time Red's Untold Tale. Admittedly after reading the novelization of the first season, I was hesitant to start this one, but I can happily say that Wendy Toliver knocked it out of the park. The entire story was very well written and helped give better perspective to Red Riding Hood and her Granny.
Now onto the review:
Synopsis:
It's Wolfstime, the foreboding period around each full moon when villagers must protect their homes and families against the Giant, ferocious wolves that roam the forest. On the day Red turns thirteen, Granny gave her a special red cloak upon which a spell had been cast to protect Red from wolves. Red is now sixteen and is desperately trying to fit in among her peers, save Granny's failing bakery business, and, of course, protect herself from wolves. Her crush on Peter and her determination not to let the mean girls sabotage her blossoming romance cause Red to make some questionable choices. Will these choices let the wolves in? Will red pick the right battle? Will her skills be enough to keep her alive? The review:
Glancing at it one might think this is another retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. Not quite, it is also a coming of age story with a bit of mystery and teen romance thrown in. It deals with the themes of growing up, and teen romance, as well as learning how to stand up for yourself, and sometimes you have to take a risk to figure out who you really are. The thing I thought was a neat little add in for the story's background was in fact that they live in the enchanted forest but don't necessarily believe in magic. unless it is right in front of them. Again, this has nothing to actually do with the story, I just thought that was a fun little add in. We already touched on the overarching morals of this story so I will add just one more, you cannot let fear, even if it is perfectly well founded, rule your life. Overall rating for ease of reading: 5 stars it was a reasonably quick read that will keep readers interested. Overall Rating for storytelling: 5 stars the plot was vivid and had plenty of twists.

08/26/2026

Updated Homeschool book list

08/26/2026

The Book I chose for this month's Pr***en Book review is John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan. It is the first in the series. I first read this book when I was probably eleven or twelve years old, and honestly it is one of my favorite series (I know I say that a lot, but I have quite a few favorite books.) Anyway, this book is ideal for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a dash of mythology thrown in. It is also a coming of age story with a dash of the found family trope thrown in.
Now on with the review.
Synopsis:
The Rangers, with their shadowy ways, have always made him nervous. And now fifteen- year- old Will has been chosen as a Ranger's apprentice. But what he doesn't yet realize is that the rangers are the protectors of the kingdom who will fight the battles before the battles reach the people. And there is a large battle brewing. The exiled Morgarath, Lord of the mountains of rain and night, is gathering his forces for an attack on the kingdom.
This time he will not be denied...
The review:
As I said before, I first read this book when I was a kid, and honestly, I loved it. And I still do. It is a very well written book that deals with themes such as war, coming of age, being an orphan, finding a family where you least expect it. and finding out that the path you thought you would take sometimes isn't the right one for you. There isn't one set moral or theme to the book, being that it is a coming of age story it does have the overarching morals of sometimes bullies are kids who are hurting same as you, (and sometimes not.), family doesn't always look like what you might think it would, and at the end of the day you have the power to shape your destiny.
Overall rating for ease of reading: five stars it's a good quick read and great for kids who love adventure.
Overall rating for storytelling: Five stars

08/25/2026

ALA is heartbroken at the passing of country music legend, cultural icon, and champion of literacy Dolly Parton.

Dolly’s award-winning Imagination Library initiative, inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, has put hundreds of millions of free books into the hands of children across America and was considered by her to be one of her greatest achievements.

“We’re giving books to kids who wouldn’t have a chance to get them otherwise,” she told American Libraries in a 2018 interview. “A lot of people think this is just for poor children—it’s for all children. It’s important to get books into the hands of any child that we can.”

ALA was proud to confer Dolly with an honorary lifetime membership, the Association’s highest honor, in 2023 for her lasting impact on librarianship, libraries, and the communities they serve.

Dolly was also part of ALA’s Celebrity READ campaign, in which she holds a copy of 'The Little Engine That Could.'

“I’ve always related to that book because I’m the little engine that did!” she said.

Thank you, Dolly. ❤️

08/24/2026

08/19/2026

There will not be an in person Knitting and Crochet Club on August 24th. Thank you.

08/18/2026

08/17/2026

And just like that, Summer Reading 2026 is over at Kemp Sugg Memorial Library. Thank you to everyone who came out and had a great time. Thank you for spending these days at the library! We will be back next year for another summer of wonderful events! Until then, we’ll see you at the library!