To spot Richland Library, look for the bold, modern building ahead of you with huge green-tinted glass windows and an angular concrete top-almost like a giant book cracked open and ready for an adventure.
Now, take a deep breath and picture this spot just a little over a century ago. The story of Richland Library actually began in 1896, not as the grand library you see today, but as a humble charity-probably the kind where you’d find dusty books and creaky floors, not shiny glass and four stories! Imagine the city’s bookworms back then, eagerly flipping through pages wherever there was space, whether it was a storefront or even the old home of Dr. James Woodrow-yup, the uncle of President Woodrow Wilson himself! Talk about a presidential endorsement for readers.
Fast forward through a whirlwind of changes-in the 1920s the city took the reins, and by the 1930s, a bookmobile began rolling through the streets, delivering joy to kids and adults alike. There was a special branch in Waverly just for the African-American community too, at a time when that meant a little extra hope and opportunity.
By the late 1980s, the library collection was bursting at the seams-coming out of the shelves like popcorn in a microwave. So, the folks in Richland County banded together and voted for a new main library. Architect Eugene Aubry gave it a look that even Superman would love-just check out all that glass! The grand opening was on Valentine’s Day, which feels fitting, since this library is a true love letter to learning.
Don’t miss the basement’s Children’s Room, where Maurice Sendak’s “Wild Things” frolic along the walls-the only place in the entire world the author ever allowed this! No wonder, in 2001, this library was named National Library of the Year. So, whether you’re here to read, imagine, or just to cool off-Richland Library is where Columbia’s stories come to life. Now that’s a happily ever after!
