Murfreesboro, TN — The Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) is excited to announce the acquisition of a decommissioned school bus, generously donated by Murfreesboro City Schools. Thanks to funding from the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF), the bus has been fully repaired and is now roadworthy, marking the first step in its transformation into RCLS’s second Bookmobile. “The RCLS Bookmobile program has grown significantly in recent years, thanks to the incredible support of our community.” says Michael Cleaves, Bookmobile Coordinator. “Demand for mobile library services continues to rise, and this second vehicle will allow us to better serve schools, neighborhoods, and rural areas throughout Rutherford County.” While the full interior conversion is still to come, the community may soon spot the bus out and about! This early visibility is part of RCLS’s plan to let the public follow along as the bus transforms into a mobile library. “We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Murfreesboro City Schools and the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation for their generous contributions.” Cleaves adds. “Their support has made it possible for us to take this first exciting step toward expanding library access across our community.” Help Build the Book Bus! To complete the conversion, RCLS is currently seeking additional funding and is actively looking for contractors or companies interested in partnering on the interior build-out. The more support received, the better the final outcome for our community. For more information or to get involved, please contact: Michael Cleaves – Bookmobile Coordinator, Rutherford County Library System mcleaves@rclstn.org

RCLS cares about the community and we would love to help support one of our local food banks, Nourish, to help them get more food donations. We have set up donation bins at many of our locations for non-perishable goods to help Nourish Food Bank feed families and individuals in need as their stock is dwindling. Those who donate at the library will be rewarded with an entry into our drawing for a free Kindle Fire! Donation bins are set up at Linebaugh Library, MGL Library, the Technology Engagement Center and Smyrna Public Library. Upon donating, please check in with the front desk staff so they can mark you down and record your entry. You can donate once per day for additional entries until August 31st. We appreciate those who want to give back to their community and hope you will join us in this endeavor to help save the Nourish Food Bank. Visit nourishfoodbanks.org for more information on how you can help.

Effective July 1, 2025, Rutherford County Library System will no longer offer access to the digital streaming service Hoopla. This difficult decision comes as a result of budgetary constraints that necessitate a re-evaluation of digital resource subscriptions. RCLS understands that many patrons have enjoyed the wide variety of content available on Hoopla,including movies, television shows, music, and comics. The “pay-per-use” model of Hoopla, while offeringimmediate access without waitlists, has become financially unsustainable at this time.“While we are saying goodbye to Hoopla, we want to remind our patrons that they will have robust access to a vast collection of ebooks and e-audiobooks through the Libby app,” says Technical Services Manager Lori Lewis. “We are grateful for our membership in the state library consortium, which provides our patrons with access to a substantial collection of digital titles purchased at the state level in addition to our Advantage Collection, and we will continue to provide the best possible access to our communitywithin our means.” What this means for you: Library staff are available to assist any patrons who need help getting started with or using the Libby app.If you need assistance, do not hesitate to visit your local library information desk, call, or visit the RCLS website, rclstn.org. Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro. Smyrna Public Library is located at400 Enon Springs Rd. West in Smyrna. Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library is located at 317 Hwy 99E inEagleville. MGL Library is located inside Patterson Park Community Center at 521 Mercury Blvd. inMurfreesboro. The Technology Engagement Center is located at 306 Minerva Drive in Murfreesboro. TheHistorical Research Center (HRC) is located at 435 Rice Street in Murfreesboro. Explore, Imagine, Engagethrough RCLS. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

Rutherford County Library System is pleased to announce the appointment of Luanne R. James as the new Library Director effective July 28, 2025. With a strong background in public administration, grant writing, and a passion for public libraries, James brings a wealth of experience to the role. James joins RCLS from the York County Public Library System in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where she managed the grant program, system wide statistic collection, and worked on creating and updating the library system’s strategic plan. Her career spans over 25 years in public library service, holding directorships in Texas and South Carolina. “We are thrilled to welcome Luanne to our library system and our community” said Phil King, RCLS Board Chair. “Her leadership and expertise make her the ideal person to guide RCLS into the future.” As director, James will oversee all aspects of library operations, including administrative, fiscal, and personnel management as well as space/facilities design, strategic planning, and enhancing access to new technologies ensuring our community can continue to explore, imagine, and engage. Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro. Smyrna Public Library is located at 400 Enon Springs Rd. West in Smyrna. Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library is located at 317 Hwy 99E in Eagleville. MGL Library is located inside Patterson Park Community Center at 521 Mercury Blvd. in Murfreesboro. The Technology Engagement Center is located at 306 Minerva Drive in Murfreesboro. The Historical Research Center (HRC) is located at 435 Rice Street in Murfreesboro. Explore, Imagine, Engage through RCLS. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.