Richland County libraries could be a ‘third space.’ Explore free summer events
As summer rapidly approaches, the opportunities to get out and enjoy Columbia are plentiful. However, finding something fun to do everyday can quickly become a challenge, especially if you have a family or a tight budget.
One option may be the Richland County libraries, which hosts free community events nearly every day this summer.
Some of the events range from crafting sessions, to family story-times to even cooking classes.
For those looking for an amusing space between home and work, consider checking out a few of these events happening soon.
Painting events
Richland County libraries host several painting sessions, with skill level requirements ranging from preschooler to Picasso.
Their “Sip and Paints,” a popular event across the branches, provides attendees with free painting materials as well as drinks and snacks to fuel their creativity.
While every “Sip and Paint” has a different vibe depending on the location, some of them have guest instructors or fun themes.
On May 15, the Northeast branch hosted a Philadelphia themed “Sip and Paint” where attendees were served Philadelphia cream cheese and crackers, and they painted while listening to the library’s collection of Philadelphia International Records vinyls with Tim Kinley, a local music historian.
“I wanted to do something where you could get a little history lesson and a little music,” said Dana Brown, the Northeast assistant library manager. “Something like this out in the community would easily cost you over $100. Here you get to come and socialize and paint for free.”
The next “Sip and Paint” will be hosted at the Southeast branch July 15.
‘Play Freely’ for kids and teens
Many kids want a space where they can roam free, be loud and get messy; and a lot of parents want to give their kids that space, probably just outside of their home or earshot.
Providing parents and kids with common ground, Richland County libraries host weekly “Play Freely” sessions that allow children from infants to teens to participate in hours of board game competitions, messy craft-making, video gaming and more.
“Our kids’ events have the highest turnout. Most parents just need to drop them off to give themselves a break,” said Briana Stewart, a customer service associate at the North Main Branch.
Play sessions are hosted almost daily; for details check out the library’s calendar.
Community building
Richland County libraries are transparent about how important diversity is at each branch.
At almost every location, the libraries host groups and events committed to helping people with different interests, cultures or backgrounds foster community among each other. Among them are:
Book clubs
Book groups can be joined at all 13 library branches.
For those who like audiobooks, the Northeast branch hosts a group of bookworms who meet weekly to collectively listen to an audiobook while they all do individual arts and crafts.
For those looking for something more traditional, the Main branch hosts a group where members read independently all week then meet up for a group discussion.
“My group is small so you get a more intimate feel with that,” said Baker, who hosts a traditional book group at the Northeast branch.
Heritage celebrations
To celebrate the diversity of their visitors, the libraries host heritage celebrations and educational sessions.
During Black History Month, the Northeast branch hosted a “Jubilee Celebration,” which exposed visitors to African dance, cuisine and more.
“I came for the Jubilee and that was amazing,” said Monica Henry, a frequent attendee of the library’s events. “It was so packed we were standing outside. There were probably about 90 people.”
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and features multiple opportunities to learn more about AAPI culture across the branches.
Community meet ups
To kick off Pride Month in June, the Edgewood branch is hosting “Speed-friending: An LGBTQ+ meetup” hoping to form connections among local members of the LGBTQ+ community.
All of these events can be viewed on Richland County Library’s main website, under the events tab.
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
