PODCAST: Summer at the Library: Reading, Coding, Crafts & Butterflies!

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Today’s episode of the WGNS Action Line is your go-to guide for an exciting summer ahead with the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS). We’re diving into the 2025 Summer Reading Program, a season packed with imagination, learning, and community fun. On the podcast,  WGNS Host Scott Walker talks to Katie Turner, Youth Services Coordinator and Ollie Miller with the Rutherford County Library System.

Make sure you mark your calendars for Monday, June 2nd, when Linebaugh Public Library launches its Summer Reading Program with a magical visit from the “Tower Princess” courtesy of Special K Princess Party. The event includes storytime, a sing-along, and a “Tangled”-inspired painting activity—perfect for young readers ready to dive into summer adventures. rclstn.org

RCLS is offering a diverse lineup of events to keep everyone engaged:

• Murfreesboro Writer’s Group: Every Wednesday at 6 PM, aspiring writers can collaborate and critique each other's work.  rclstn.org
• Girls Who Code Club: A free coding club for children in rising 3rd–5th grades, meeting every Thursday at 4 PM.  rclstn.org
• One-on-One Tech Help: Personalized assistance with technology every Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM.  rclstn.org
• Comics & Graphic Novels Group: A monthly book club meeting on the 4th Thursday at 6:30 PM to discuss various graphic novels.  rclstn.org
• Yarn Love Murfreesboro: A knitting and crochet group meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 6 PM.  rclstn.org
• Tuesday Morning Book Group: A literary discussion group meeting on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 10 AM. rclstn.org

These events are hosted at various RCLS branches, including Linebaugh Public Library, Smyrna Public Library, and the Technology Engagement Center. rclstn.org

For a full list of events and to register, visit rclstn.org. Whether you're a reader, writer, tech enthusiast, or craft lover, there's something for everyone this summer at your local library.

Coming Up - Butterflies are fluttering into the spotlight in Middle Tennessee this month as the Rutherford County Library System invites the community to a fun and educational event focused on these fascinating insects. An upcoming event that’s called B.E.A.D., which stands for “Butterfly Education and Awareness Day,” will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM at the Technology Engagement Center (TEC) in Murfreesboro (306 Minerva Dr., Murfreesboro, TN). 

More Events Highlighted:

• MGL is hosting Musical Bingo (all ages, June 17th at 11:00 am) and Cupcake Wars (all ages, registration required, June 27th at 2:00 pm).  Cupcake Wars will have a sign up sheet at MGL starting in June, and folks can come by in person or call to register! 
• Linebaugh, Smyrna, Eagleville, and MGL branches are all participating in this year's International FolkFest. The dancers from Puerto Rico will be at Smyrna Library on Tuesday, June 10 at 10 am while Linebaugh hosts the group from Poland. Eagleville will host a performance of the dance troupe from Estonia on June 11th at 3:00pm! MGL branch will also feature the troupe from Estonia on the stage at Patterson Park on Friday, June 13 at 12:30 pm.
• TEC programs: 
• tiny TEC/Tinker TEC end-of-the-year CELEBRATION! on Thursday May 29th
• Butterfly Education and Awareness Day - Saturday, May 31:  Learn how amazing butterflies are and why we should protect them. It’s a fun way to explore their colorful wings, life cycle, and the plants they need to live! We will celebrate with crafts, fun facts and a butterfly release!
• Smyrna branch is having their Summer Reading kick-off event on June 3rd at 10 with community partners including Kona Ice, Starbucks, Ollie the Otter, Smyrna PD, FD, EMS, the Bookmobile and more!
• Smyrna is having a Pajama story time and Stuffed Animal Sleepover on Thursday, June 5 at 6:15!  Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite toy to enjoy stories, music and fun! Your stuffed animal can spend the night at the library with their stuffed animal friends. Come pick them up in the morning and find out what shenanigans they got into overnight.
• Linebaugh's Pajama Storytime & Stuffie Sleepover will be Tuesday, July 8th at 6 pm.
• Linebaugh's Summer reading Kick-off Party is Monday, June 2 from 10 am to 12 pm. We'll have a special visit from the "Tower Princess" from Special K Princess Party. She'll lead us in stories, songs, and a mural inspired by the movie "Tangled"!
• Performers this year are Dow St. Music School, Mr. Bond's Science Guys, the International FolkFest dancers, Runaway Puppet Theater, Rachel Rodriguez (bilingual storyteller), the TN Aquarium, and the TN Philharmonic Quartet.
• Tween and Teen programs at Linebaugh include some inspired by Bob Ross - the Happy Little Paint-Along and Happy Little Escape Room - and others are wacky and creative, like the Nailed It! Bad Art Day and Roll for Painting.