Rutherford County Library Alliance

On July 1st, 2023 the City of Murfreesboro passed Ordinance 23-0-22, better known as the “decency ordinance”. We want to ensure that this ordinance doesn’t result in censorship, that the library continues to follow the American Library Association’s (ALA) standard of allowing free and fair access to information for all, regardless of origin, age, background, or views; and that our library staff are supported and feel safe while serving our community, free of illicit pressure by politicians.

We trust the highly educated library professionals to use their training and expertise in developing and maintaining Rutherford County Library System’s collection.

We also trust individuals to make their own reading choices for themselves and their families. 

Mission Statement

The Rutherford County Library Alliance is dedicated to safeguarding the principles of intellectual freedom and unrestricted access to information within the public library system of Rutherford County, Tennessee. Our mission is rooted in unwavering support for the dedicated local library staff, as well as a steadfast commitment to fostering kindness and empathy for all individuals, while vehemently opposing any form of censorship within our community.

Our Vision

In our pursuit of this mission, we envision a future where:

• Rutherford County’s public libraries stand as beacons of knowledge, inviting curiosity, exploration, and free expression among residents of all backgrounds.
• Local library staff are equipped with the resources, training, and advocacy they need to confront the challenges posed by censorship and to champion the cause of intellectual freedom.
• Every member of our community feels valued, respected, and secure when seeking knowledge within our libraries, knowing that their right to access information remains inviolable.
• Kindness, empathy, and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our libraries, fostering an environment where diverse voices are not just tolerated but celebrated.
• Censorship is firmly rejected and eliminated from our community, allowing for the open exchange of ideas and contributing to a more enlightened, equitable, and compassionate society.

Join us in our resolute commitment to upholding intellectual freedom, supporting our local library staff, and cultivating an environment of kindness and empathy in Rutherford County’s public libraries. Together, we can create a future where censorship has no foothold, and where the pursuit of knowledge is a shared and cherished endeavour, accessible to all who seek it.

Meet the RCLA Board