#ARSL2026 Saturday Keynote & Event
We are honored to welcome Yo-Yo Ma as another featured keynote speaker for the 2026 ARSL Annual Conference!
 Yo-Yo Ma is one of the world's most celebrated cellists, with a career defined by his belief in culture's power to generate trust and understanding. He has recorded more than 120 albums, earned 20 Grammy Awards, and performed for nine American presidents, most recently at President Biden's inauguration. He has received the National Medal of the Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and has served as a UN Messenger of Peace since 2006.
Born in Paris in 1955 to Chinese parents, Yo-Yo began studying cello with his father at age four. At seven, he moved with his family to New York City, where he continued his studies before pursuing a liberal arts education. Throughout his career, he has brought communities together to explore culture's role in society, engaging familiar and unexpected musical forms alike to stimulate the imagination and reinforce our shared humanity.
Join us Saturday morning as Yo-Yo Ma closes the 2026 ARSL Annual Conference with a special celebration of libraries and library professionals, sharing reflections on their essential role in strengthening our communities, making meaning, and binding us together as a nation.
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Following the keynote, attendees who have registered in advance will join Steps to Freedom: The Dexter Avenue Civil Rights Walking Tour, led by Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Library Alliance.  This three-hour guided experience walks the streets of historic Montgomery where the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Freedom Riders' effort to desegregate interstate transportation, and the Selma to Montgomery March for Voting Rights all took root. Stops include the Rosa Parks Museum, the Freedom Rides Museum, and Dexter Avenue Memorial Baptist Church, once pastored by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will also receive a suggested bibliography of books and media to consider for their library collections, connecting the history directly to the work attendees do every day.
View the ARSL 2025 Annual Report
ARSL’s 2025 Annual Report highlights a year of innovation, advocacy, and impact for rural and small libraries.
From building new partnerships to engaging directly with congressional offices, ARSL amplified the voices of library leaders and the vital role they play in their communities. We also expanded professional development through our annual conference, leadership programs, and year-round learning opportunities.
Driven by dedicated members and volunteers, this year’s work reflects a continued commitment to strengthening and sustaining rural and small libraries nationwide.
ARSL Update: Continuing to Stand Strong for Rural Libraries
ARSL continues to champion the voices of small and rural libraries nationwide—advocating for the Right to Read, strengthening national partnerships, and ensuring our community’s needs are represented at every level of policy and practice.
Shop the ARSL Store!
Explore apparel, drinkware, bags, and accessories featuring the ARSL brand, conference logos—past and present—and anniversary designs. Perfect for staff gifts, trustee appreciation, or celebrating retirements, our store helps you share your library pride year-round!
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.
Want to Know More About ARSL?
Join the mailing list for the weekly ARSL Office Dispatch to stay up to date on news, events, and other important information! Everyone on our mailing list will receive our weekly Office Dispatch. ARSL members will also receive a monthly Grants Opportunity Digest!
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