MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - After last week’s dramatic firing of Director Luanne James, the Rutherford County Library System is now seeking to appoint an interim director while a search is made for a second director within a year. The board has zeroed in on four internal candidates to guide the system through the next few months while the search for a new director is carried out. Even in what is being called a “custodial” period, one expectation remains firmly in place: whoever steps in will be required to relocate the 190 children’s books into the adult sections.
During a Monday afternoon (4/6/2026) meeting, board members finalized and ranked their preferred choices. Here are the board’s selections in order of ranking.
- David Coutcher, who currently oversees HR and finance for the system
- Administrative Assistant Elsa Britt
- Smyrna Branch Manager Cassandra Taylor
- Linebaugh Branch Manager Mindy Barrett
All four individuals already work within Rutherford County Library System, and the board plans to call each one to see who is willing to take on the temporary role. The first candidate who accepts will become interim director.
Board Chair Cody York described the position as a “custodial” assignment — someone to keep the lights on, pay the bills, and avoid major changes while the board searches for permanent leadership. The interim period is expected to last four to five months.
But the list of candidates isn’t without controversy. The Rutherford County Library Alliance, a nonprofit that has been outspoken in its opposition to book removals, says it’s concerned that the top two candidates lack the qualifications typically expected of a library director, even on an interim basis. Their concerns come just days after the board dismissed Ms. James for refusing to move 190 children’s books to the adult section. Many of those books featured LGBTQ characters or themes.
Even as the board emphasizes stability, the requirement to carry out that relocation remains unchanged. It’s a directive that continues to shape the conversation around the library system’s leadership and its future direction.
With the community watching closely, Rutherford County Library System now enters a new chapter — one defined by temporary leadership, lingering tensions, and a decision that will likely influence the system long after the interim period ends.
