The Association for Rural & Small Libraries

 The Voice of Rural & Small Libraries

Our Mission: ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.

The Benefits of Membership

ARSL proudly supports and represents rural & small library staff. We welcome library staff of all kinds, partners, and ally organizations to learn more about ARSL membership. 

Become a Member

ARSL Annual Conference

ARSL's annual conference is the premiere conference for rural & small library professionals, advocates, and supporters. Mark your calendars to join us in Springfield, MA September 11-14!

ARSL Conference Page
 

ARSL Board of Directors Update: Western Regional Representative

On behalf of the ARSL Board of Directors, we have some bittersweet news to share. Our 2024 Western Region Representative, Krist Obrist, has resigned her seat on the ARSL Board for personal reasons, effective March 6.

While Krist will be missed, ARSL Board President Patrick Bodily is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Vantrease to the board as interim Representative, Sarah serves on ARSL’s Advocacy Committee and is the Division Manager - Public Services at the Sonoma County Library in Rohnert Park, California. Sarah will serve in the West Rep position through December 31, 2024. The position will be included on this year’s elections ballot.


Catch the ARSL TRAIN!

Community Asset Mapping for Rural and/or Small Libraries (Pt. 2) Roundtable

Did you miss our most recent TRAIN on Community Asset Mapping for Rural and/or Small Libraries and would like to attend the follow-up roundtable?

Then look no further! You can still register for the March TRAIN and receive the session recording and FREE access to April's roundtable session.  

When: Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 11:00 am PT /12:00 pm MT/ 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET

Facilitated by: Samantha Bouwers, Consultant for Continuing Education, State Library of Iowa

Learn More

2024 ARSL Conference

#ARSL2024 is the conference for rural and small libraries. Our conference planners and presenters understand the constraints of shoestring budgets, small spaces, and limited staffing within small and rural libraries, as well as the unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Our conference is packed full of information you can take right back to your library—no scaling down required.

Join us from September 11-14, 2024 in Springfield, Massachusetts!

ARSL Conference Scholarships

Applications for our ARSL-funded conference scholarships are NOW OPEN! These competitive scholarships are offered to conference attendees to help cover the cost of in-person attendance.The 2024 conference scholarship applications will be open until Tuesday, April 2 at 3 pm PT / 4 pm MT / 5 pm CT / 6 pm ET!

Request for Proposals (RFP): 2024 ARSL Conference Sessions

Are you a community engagement superstar? Have a storytime formula that can't be beat? Do your reader's advisory recommendations always hit the mark? We need YOU to present at ARSL 2024! The program presenters are the heart of the conference, bringing valuable skills and experience to share with fellow attendees.

Submission Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 5:00 pm CT

Learn More Here

 Shop the ARSL Store!

The wait is finally over - the new YEAR-ROUND ARSL Store is open for business! This shop features official ARSL-branded merchandise, as well as our 2022 Conference and Retro Conference gear.

In addition to the traditional tee shirts and sweatshirts the ARSL Store will offer branded stationery items, drinkware, and accessories to let you show your ARSL spirit all year round. Consider adding some ARSL swag to employee recognitions, Trustee gifts, and retirement baskets!

Shop the Store

ARSL Statement on Anti-Racism

Because Black lives matter and library professionals can be agents of change in rural and small communities across the nation, ARSL urges our members to stand up and speak out to end systemic oppression and police brutality. The ARSL Board of Directors is in active discussion about how we will commit to anti-racist work within our association.

Silence is compliance.


ARSL Access to Information Statement

The ARSL Access to Information Statement was developed by the Advocacy Committee and approved by the Board following multiple member requests to provide a tool for defending against the increase in materials challenges and other intellectual freedom assaults. This statement can be used alongside any local, state, or national position statements already utilized by your library to reinforce your organization's commitment to the tenets of intellectual freedom.

Read the Full Statement

ARSL Statement of Support for Libraries in Ukraine

In the face of increasing hostility and escalating military action in Ukraine the ARSL Board of Directors has issued a statement of support of those impacted by the war. Included in that statement is a call to action to aid our colleagues working in the many rural and small libraries of Ukraine to ensure the spread of accurate information regarding the conflict as a means to support democracy and freedom of expression.

Read the Full Statement