About the Foundation
The Rutherford County Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage donations and foster philanthropy in support of the library.
2026 Rutherford Races to Read Event
Get ready for Rutherford Races to Read, a family-friendly derby-style event full of fun and excitement! Mark your calendars for April 25th, 2026 and join us as sponsors race inflatable horses with literary-inspired names.
Cheer on your favorite horse, show off your best derby hats and shoes, and enjoy a day of community fun—all while supporting literacy and our local libraries.
Proceeds benefit the Rutherford County Library Foundation, helping provide grants to enhance services at six library branches and a bookmobile.
Tickets and more info: https://www.wildgoosechase.events/boro-derby/
Types of Donations
- Cash
- Gifts of non-cash assets, such as stocks or real estate
- Gifts of life insurance
- Gifts of retirement plan assets
- Bequests under wills
- Charitable requests
Rutherford County Library Foundation Board Members
Dr. Gloria Bonner
Mark Crocker
Courtney Chavez, Treasurer
Whitley Foster
Brett Garner
Dr. John A. Hinkle, Jr.
Lance Lee, Vice-Chair
Ellen Myrick
Dena Oneal
John Trail, Chair
Kenzi Keene
Katie Hall
Frequently Asked Questions
How would supporting the library leave a lasting legacy?
- A community committed to lifelong learning and involvement is a better place to live. Support for the library has the potential to touch each person in our community well into the future. From board books to retirement planning, there’s something for everyone at the library.
What is the difference between the Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library?
- The Foundation is the primary fundraising arm of the library and its endowment. The Friends are a membership organization that supports the library through Friends-sponsored programs, initiatives, and events such as the monthly book sales.
Isn’t the library supported by my tax dollars?
- Yes, but it is necessary to supplement the library’s budget in order to provide the best possible library services to our community. Your donation helps provide better library services to more people and ensure funds are available for future library needs.
For more information regarding the Rutherford County Library Foundation, please call (615) 962-7424 or email at foundation @rclstn.org.
General Information
The Rutherford County Library Foundation meets at the RCLS Administrative Offices (1127B Dow Street) at 4:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the following months: January, April, August, and October. If you are interested in serving on the Foundation Board, please contact Rita Shacklett at 615-962-7424 or director@rclstn.org
Donations may be tax deductible. Rutherford County Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation established as a public benefit corporation.
Rutherford County Library System is operated by the Library Board and funded by Rutherford County and the cities of Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Eagleville.
Contact Information
Rutherford County Library Foundation
1127B Dow Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Phone: 615-962-7424
Email: foundation@rclstn.org