Early Bird Registration Now Open!
Join us September 16–19, 2026 in Montgomery, Alabama for the ARSL Annual Conference — the national gathering for rural and small library professionals. This year's theme, Rooted in Community, celebrates the creativity, resilience, and shared experiences that fuel our libraries. Early Bird rates are available through July 8, learn more: read the full press release.
The conference hotel block is also now open at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center.
#ARSL2026 Keynotes & Event
We are thrilled to announce our full 2026 ARSL Annual Conference keynote lineup, plus a special off-site post-conference event!
Thursday Keynote
 Amanda Jones, also known as That Librarian, will help us welcome everyone to Montgomery on Thursday morning. Amanda is currently the school librarian at the same school she attended as a child, where she has worked for the past twenty-three years. Amanda made national headlines in 2022 when she was targeted by extremists in her town for speaking out at a public library board meeting. She decided to fight back and took her harassers to court, while continuing to speak out at both the local and national level against the pro-censorship movement. Amanda chronicles what it is like being the target of white Christian nationalists and the importance of standing up for intellectual freedom, in her 2024 book That Librarian: Fighting Book Banners in Today’s America, and in her appearance in the 2025 documentary film The Librarians, which was screened at the 2025 ARSL Conference.
Friday Keynote
Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author of many award-winning books, including the groundbreaking modern classic Speak — a National Book Award finalist translated into 35 languages. In 2023, she was named laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, given annually for outstanding contributions to children's and young adult literature. In 2009, she received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting impact on young adult literature.
A passionate advocate for intellectual freedom and diversity in publishing, Laurie has been honored by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the National Council of Teachers of English for her work championing the freedom to read. Mother of four, grandmother of dragons, and wife of one, she lives in Pennsylvania.
Join us Friday morning as Laurie sits down with a fellow rural librarian for a conversation about storytelling, access, and what it truly means to get the right book into the right reader's hands.
Thank you to Macmillan Publishers for sponsoring this session.
Saturday Keynote
 Yo-Yo Ma will close the conference Saturday morning 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. One of the world's most celebrated cellists, Yo-Yo Ma 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. 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.
Steps to Freedom: The Dexter Avenue Civil Rights Walking Tour
Step into the heart of history on this powerful three-hour walking tour through downtown Montgomery—where ordinary people took extraordinary steps that changed the world. The “Steps to Freedom” tour invites you to walk the very streets where courage confronted injustice and a movement was born. Centered along historic Dexter Avenue, this immersive experience explores defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement.
Appropriate for all conference attendees and their guests. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or curious about how Montgomery, AL gained its reputation as the “Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement,” this tour offers a meaningful and unforgettable journey into America’s past as it celebrates 250 years of history.
This tour is led and organized by Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Library Alliance. Registration is $50 per person and limited to 40 participants.
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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