A bus full of books is changing what a library can do. We sit down with Henderson County Public Library’s Trina Rushing—freshly named North Carolina’s 2025 Public Library Director of the Year—to explore how a mobile library, free digital tools, and hands-on classes are opening doors for every neighbor, from new readers to small business owners. Trina shares the early wins: 45 mobile stops in three months, more than 2,000 visits, and a growing list of requested stops at schools, community events, and mobile food pantries.

We go deeper into what modern access looks like. Free ebooks and audiobooks through Libby, streaming and movies with Hoopla, and practical classes on podcasts, online safety, and “beating the paywall” using library-funded news and periodical databases. Genealogy enthusiasts get a family roots research lab, while entrepreneurs tap premium market data, business plan tools, and training courses—without paying subscription fees. Add museum access via Zoom passes, and the library becomes a real equalizer for a county that values learning at every age.

Community stays at the center. The Kaplan Auditorium hosts author talks, music, health resources, financial classes, and playful nights like a Golden Girls tribute, all collected in the quarterly Illuminations newsletter. Trina’s journey from teacher to director threads it all together: remove barriers, go where people are, and make discovery feel welcoming and free. We also share a quick snapshot of the local real estate market, plus details on open houses and how to reach our team.

Subscribe, share this with a neighbor who loves learning, and leave a review with the library resource you plan to try next—Libby, Hoopla, a class, or the mobile library. Your ideas help us spotlight more hometown heroes and the programs that lift our community.