PODCAST - For this episode of the WGNS Action Line, we head to the local library. Listen to today's informative conversation as host Scott Walker welcomes Trey Gwynn and Kayla Willoughby from the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS). The discussion centers on the diverse and expanding roles of the local library, moving far beyond traditional book lending to highlight community engagement and historical preservation. A major focal point is the upcoming "Patron Appreciation Week," a new initiative where a library card essentially transforms into a discount card at various local businesses throughout the county. Listeners will hear about the library’s efforts to support the local economy while rewarding their dedicated patrons with deals at favorite spots like Happy's Sports Bar and various eateries. The energy is high as the guests explain just how simple it is to obtain a card—requiring only a standard ID and proof of residency—debunking any myths that the process is as rigorous as a trip to the DMV.
The second half of the program shifts toward a fascinating deep dive into "America 250" and the historical treasures managed by the RCLS. Kayla Willoughby details a series of upcoming events and a new traveling exhibit titled "Revolutionary Rutherford," which explores the war’s legacy on local Native Americans and early land grants. The exhibit will premiere at Linebaugh Public Library on May 30th alongside an impressive lecture series featuring esteemed MTSU professors. Listeners are encouraged to look forward to events throughout the summer, including the "Walking Through History" festival in Smyrna and the "Unearth a Story" summer reading program. The guests also highlight the "Library of Things," which allows patrons to check out non-traditional items like sewing machines and 3D printers, reinforcing the idea that the library is a modern hub for both learning and hands-on creativity.
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Rutherford County Library System locations:
- Linebaugh Public Library (Main Branch): 105 W Vine St, Murfreesboro, TN, US, 37130
- Smyrna Public Library: 400 Enon Springs Rd W, Smyrna, TN, US, 37167
- MGL (Myrtle Glanton Lord) Public Library: 521 Mercury Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN, US, 37130
- Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library: 317 Old Hwy 99, Eagleville, TN, US, 37060
- Technology Engagement Center (TEC):306 Minerva Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37130
- Visit the Rutherford County Library System online HERE.
