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 2025 Call for Volunteers

The 2025 Call for ARSL Volunteers is now open! Are you looking for ways to get more involved after the #ARSL2024 Conference? Volunteers are needed to refill the rosters of our Committees and Regional Focus Groups for the coming year.

Please apply by October 11, 2024 at 3 pm PT / 4 pm MT / 5 pm CT / 6 pm ET. You will be contacted by no later than November 1, 2024 regarding your interest. If you are successfully matched with a volunteer position, that term will begin on January 1, 2025.

Sign Up Here

Upcoming ARSL TRAIN

Food Security
Thursday, October 17, 2024
11:00 am PT /12:00 pm MT/ 1:00 pm CT / 2:00 pm ET
$15 for ARSL Members & $25 for non-ARSL Members

Facilitated by: Katie Sullivan, Senior Program Manager, Urban Libraries Council; Erica Freudenberger, Outreach, Engagement & Marketing Consultant, Southern Adirondack Library System

Learn More Here

 Freedom to Read Day of Action

We need your help! Commit to joining ARSL and thousands of readers across the country for the #FreedomToRead Community Day of Action on Saturday, October 19. Libraries and bookstores nationwide are hosting events to unite against book bans in the U.S. Find an event near you!

Learn More Here!

ARSL Newsroom

Freedom to Read Community Day of Action Rallies Support for America’s Libraries on October 19

On the heels of Banned Books Week 2024 (Sept. 22-28), ARSL is teaming up with Unite Against Book Bans and library partners across the country to celebrate America’s libraries. Click through to learn more about what you can do to safeguard the freedom to read and encourage civic participation on Freedom to Read Community Day of Action, October 19, 2024!

Visit Our Newsroom!

 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.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year in Springfield, Massachusetts!


 Shop the ARSL Store!

Our shop features official ARSL-branded merchandise, as well as gear with our current Conference logo and Retro Conference logos.

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