Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)

June is packed with free learning opportunities: three TRAINs, three chances to grow! 📆

June 11 | Advocating for Rural Library Needs with GAO (Partner TRAIN)
Join analysts from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) alongside two ARSL member librarians to explore findings from GAO's recent survey on public library facility conditions — and learn how to apply that knowledge to advocate for your own library.

June 18 | Community Engagement
More information coming soon — stay tuned for details!

June 25 | Facility Sight Member Benefit Program (Partner TRAIN)
This session with FacilitySight will show you how real-time occupancy data can help you justify staffing, extend hours, make your case to your board, and advocate for the budget your community needs. Plus, ARSL members get exclusive discount pricing on FacilitySight's platform!

All TRAINs are free for ARSL members. Partner TRAINs are open to everyone — no membership required. Learn more & register: https://www.arsl.org/arsl-train 🌱

"Every session I attended had at least one gem I could take home and apply immediately." ✨ — 2025 ARSL attendee

Preconference Workshops go deep on the topics that matter most to small and rural libraries: collections, book challenges, civic dialogue, health information, maker programming, and more. These full- and half-day sessions give attendees the time and space to get meaningful hands-on experience with subject matter experts.

Space is limited → Register today: https://www.arsl.org/2026-preconference-workshops

Rural and small libraries are doing extraordinary work, and they deserve extraordinary voices at the national table. 📚

ARSL is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Board of Directors, and we want to hear from members who are ready to show up for their communities. Four seats are available, could one of them be yours?

Nominations close June 25. Learn more and apply: https://www.arsl.org/elections

ARSL joins 8 other cultural organizations in urging Congress to protect and expand funding for libraries, museums, and archives through the Institute of Museum and Library Services ( ). From workforce training to civic life, these vital institutions are essential to our nation's past, present, and future. 🏛️📚

Read our letter to Congress here:https://www.arsl.org/assets/documents/IMLS%20Allies%20Appropriations%20Letter%202027%20To%20House%20LHHS.pdf

The Association for Rural and Small Libraries’ (ARSL) national research project on accessing professional development for solo librarians is well underway, and now it's time for the most important part: hearing directly from the people doing the work.

If you're a solo or solo-ish public library worker, you are invited to take our 20-30 minute survey to share your experiences around accessing professional development and the barriers you may face. Your responses will directly shape recommendations and resources designed to better support library workers like you.

✨Everyone who completes the survey is entered to win a $100 gift card from one of three amazing places: 📚 Libro.fm, 📖 Bookshop, and 🛍️ South Carolina Chic (find them at !)

👉 The deadline to fill out this survey is August 9. Take the survey: https://www.arsl.org/overcoming-obstacles-survey

💖 We’d also love to give a HUGE thank you to our advisor team and focus group members. This survey could not have been made without your thoughtful input, honest feedback, and lived experiences.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [RE-259035-OLS-25].

The Sara Jones Scholarship for Rural & Small Library Workers has been established to honor the remarkable career and legacy of Sara Jones upon her retirement as Washington State Librarian.

This scholarship will support library workers in California, Nevada, and Washington as they pursue an ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library Science, helping strengthen the future of rural and small libraries for years to come.

Donations are now being accepted, with scholarship application details coming in late July 2026. https://www.arsl.org/academic-scholarships

Libraries of every size and type are united around one message: the e-book pricing crisis is impacting access for communities across North America.

ARSL joins peers including Public Library Association (PLA), Urban Libraries Council, COSLA, and CULC/CBUC in advocating for sustainable e-book licensing solutions and meaningful dialogue with publishers.

Read more below.

Digital access of library patrons is under threat…all because of rising e-book costs. Libraries are spending up to 3 times more than consumers to buy e-books, only for that content to expire.

That’s why we’re calling on North America’s Big Five publishers to work with libraries together to identify and implement real, sustainable solutions. Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/4dBnwj6

Thank you to everyone who participated in the very first ARSL Spring Photo Contest! Throughout April, library professionals shared beautiful snapshots capturing the heart of small and rural library life — from community gatherings to the everyday moments that make libraries so meaningful.

Congratulations to our winners:
🥇 Casey Martin, Southport Memorial Library — “Newly Donated Books”
🥈 Berit Becker, Ellsworth Public Library — “Custodian Edmund on Edmund Day celebrating 32 years of service surrounded by EPL Staff”
🥉 Kristy Kilfoyle, Camden Public Library — “Plant Sale”

Thank you to all who submitted photos and helped celebrate the vibrant communities, dedicated staff, and joyful moments that make rural and small libraries shine this spring.

Considering attending ARSL for the first time? It's well worth the trip! 🧡

Don't just take our word for it:
"This was my first conference and I feel like I've made so much professional and personal growth in the last 3 days it's insane. I cannot thank you enough." — 2025 First-Time Attendee

Still feeling unsure? Our optional Conference Buddy program pairs first-timers with veteran attendees to help you navigate sessions, events, and connections in Montgomery. Because the only thing better than a conference tailor-made to fit your needs, is one that comes with built-in friends!

Join us September 16–19. Early bird rates available through July 8.

👉 https://www.arsl.org/2026-conference-registration

"If you are a small rural librarian, this conference and organization will make you a better, more effective librarian, and create a network you can rely on throughout the year." — Lisa Ladd, Maine

That network starts at — September 16–19 in Montgomery, AL.

Early bird registration is open now through July 8. ARSL member rate: $300. 👉 https://www.arsl.org/2026-conference-registration