(MURFREESBORO) If you're age 17 or younger and have a library card for any of the Rutherford County Public Library locations, there will be some changes that take effect on Dec. 18, 2023. It only impacts juvenile card holders.

Rutherford County Library System's Director Rita Shacklett said, "This change is in response and in effort to comply with state and local ordinances." 

Shacklett went on to explain that parents and guardians have the final word on what their child can read . . .

Beginning December 18th, all card holders 17 years of age and younger will be limited to checking out juvenile materials only.

The library system is aware this will limit access to educational materials and required reading for students and has worked very hard to create a simple process that allows parents and guardians the ability to update their child/children’s access to either juvenile and young adult materials, or full access to all library materials.

Shacklett noted, "Library cards for children age 12 and younger only have access to JUVENILE materials. For those 17 and younger, you can use both JUVENILE and YOUNG ADULT classifications." 

Patrons are encouraged to visit their local branch beginning December 1st to make adjustments to their child/children’s account to prevent interruption of resource availability.

The branches of the Rutherford County Public Library System are:

• Linebaugh Public Library is located at 105 W. Vine St. in Murfreesboro.
• 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.
• 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.   

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