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"Explore, Imagine, Engage"

Exterior Linebaugh Library, a large brick building with two rows of windows and entryway. Bushes in the foreground

A Message from the Library Board

Amanda Caperton01 mins

Over the past few months, our library system has taken steps to comply with changes in the state and local laws. For the sake of transparency, the board would like to present this fact sheet in an effort to inform the public about our library system and the specific steps that have been taken. In addition, this document contains information about library funding and statistics regarding how our library system has served its community throughout 2022-23. Click here to view the sheet. (updated March 2024)

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New Library Card Program

admin02 mins

With the recent changes in state and local ordinances, the Rutherford County Library System has revisedtheir Juvenile and Young Adult patron profiles. Beginning December 18th, all card holders under 18 yearsof age will be limited to checking out materials classified for their age group. The library system is awarethis will limit access to educational materials and required reading for students and has created a simpleprocess that allows parents and legal guardians the ability to update their child/children’s access to include their preference for juvenile, young adult, or full access to all library materials. All parents and legal guardians of cardholders under 18 years of age are encouraged to visit their local branch beginning December 1st to make any preferred adjustments to their child/children’s account(s) in an effort to prevent interruption of resource availability. 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 Old Hwy 99 in Eagleville. MGL Library is located inside Patterson Park Community Center at 521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Murfreesboro. The Technology Engagement Center is located at 306 Minerva Drive in Murfreesboro. The Historical Research Center (HRC) is located inside the Rutherford County Archives at 435 Rice Street in Murfreesboro. Explore, Imagine, Engage through RCLS.For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.

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RUTHERFORD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE CATALOG

admin02 mins

Beginning Monday, June 26, the Rutherford County Library System will have a new catalog called Aspen Discovery. This new user-friendly catalog is designed to make it easier than ever to find and borrow materials from the library. Accessible via our website at rclstn.org or directly at explore.rclstn.org, the catalog integrates our digital and physical resources and allows you to easily access materials in one place. This powerful new search engine includes features like predictive search text, curated lists, personalized recommendations, and greater control over your user account. Aspen arranges materials in large buttons horizontally at the top of screens and can be translated into multiple language interfaces. It will be easier to browse categories like newly purchased items, NY Times Best Sellers, age-leveled lists, and more. RCLS Director of Libraries Rita Shacklett says, “We are so excited to see how our patrons respond to this new library catalog. It has been over twenty years since we have updated our library catalog, and we are so pleased with all Aspen Discovery offers.” As the new catalog is released on June 26, we encourage you to explore and engage with the new software and let us know what you think.

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RCLS 75th Anniversary Event

admin05 mins

On January 27, 1942, Editor Robert Lasseter’s column in the Rutherford Courier began with this sentence: “It is a sad commentary that a city of schools such as Murfreesboro, a city supposedly of education, knowledge, culture and breeding, should have no public library.” His efforts were instrumental in the creation of the library system that we know today. Henry T. Linebaugh, a Florida resident and Murfreesboro native, read the column and was inspired to make a $5,000 donation toward the creation of a public library in his hometown. His only stipulation was that it be named for his mother, Mattie V. Linebaugh. The Linebaugh Public Library was established in the winter of 1947, and formally opened on April 1, 1948, in the old Hale Home at Central Memorial Park with Myla Parsons as the librarian. This makes April 1, 2023, the 75th Anniversary of the opening of Linebaugh Public Library and the beginning of the Rutherford County Library System. The library which began with one library and 6,000 volumes, is now a system of six branches and bookmobile and over 223,000 items for circulation. To celebrate this historic milestone, Linebaugh Public Library is hosting an anniversary event on Wednesday, April 5, at 11 a.m. in the 1st floor Children’s Area. We will be hearing from local and state government officials, including our new State Librarian and Archivist James Ritter. This event is free and open to the public. In association with the 75th Anniversary, we will be debuting the inaugural book of the history of the Rutherford County Library System, authored by long-time RCLS employee Lisa R. Ramsay. The book is entitled, Books and Our Town: The History of the Rutherford County Library System, and will be for sale through our Friends of Library groups at all locations for $10 each. Lisa has worked over seven years, gathering stories, reports, and pictures to compile this beautiful book. Rutherford County residents and friends of public libraries will treasure this historical work. Join us in celebrating seventy-five years of Rutherford County Library System serving everyone through materials, programs, and services. The work of RCLS is invaluable, as we provide access to information and technology which improves lives and empowers our communities 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.

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