(MURFREESBORO)  It was 1942 that a Murfreesboro native living in Florida learned that his hometown had no library.  Henry T. Linebaugh was inspired to make a $5,000 donation toward the creation of a public library in his hometown. There was one stipulation--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.  Myla Parsons was the first librarian.

When April first arrives this Saturday, the Linebaugh Library will celebrate its 75th anniversary.  As the community has grown, the library has now become the Rutherford County Library System.  The Linebaugh Library is now one of six branches.

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 at 11:00 o’clock Wednesday morning, April 5, 2023, in the 1st floor Children’s Area.  Local and state government officials, including the new State Librarian and Archivist James Ritter will have information. This event is free and open to the public.

The inaugural book of the history of the Rutherford County Library System will be debuted at his event. It was 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.

Rutherford County Library System

• Linebaugh Public Library (105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro)
• MGL Library (Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.)
• The Technology Engagement Center (306 Minerva Dr. in Murfreesboro)
• The Historical Research Center (HRC) 435 Rice St. in Murfreesboro)
• Smyrna Public Library (400 Enon Springs Rd. West in Smyrna)
• Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library (317 Hwy 99E in Eagleville)

Explore, Imagine, Engage through RCLS. For more information, call 615-893-4131 or visit rclstn.org.