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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.

Coming Soon

A new arsl.org
is on the way

Our new website and member portal will be easier to use and more accessible for every library professional, all in one place.

Launching this December

What This Means for Members

You'll still find us at arsl.org, and your membership will carry over automatically. Once we go live, we'll email you instructions for logging in to the new portal.

To make sure that email reaches you, please check that your email address is up to date before the switch.

Want to know what to expect? Get the timeline, what's changing, and step-by-step guides on our What to Expect page.

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 premier conference for rural & small library professionals, advocates, and supporters. Save the date for #ARSL2027:
September 15-18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

ARSL2027 Conference Page
 

ARSL Community Needs Assessment header

Share Your Voice in the 2026 Community Needs Assessment

As a member-run organization, ARSL exists to meet the professional needs of rural and small library workers. The 2026 Community Needs Assessment is your chance to tell us what you value most about ARSL and how you'd like to see us grow.

The survey is open to everyone in the rural and small library community, whether or not you're an ARSL member. It takes 15–20 minutes. Please respond by December 1, 2026.

Everyone who completes the survey can enter a drawing for one of four free one-year memberships. We heard from nearly 200 people in 2024. If we reach 400 responses this year, we'll give away eight!

Thank you to the ARSL Membership Committee for developing this survey.

Take the Survey

Solutions for Rural Advocacy and Using Power Mapping as a Tool

Strong relationships with local stakeholders are essential for rural and small libraries, and power mapping can help you identify who those stakeholders are.

Webinar: Solutions for Rural Advocacy and Using Power Mapping as a ToolARSL is co-sponsoring this ALA eLearning webinar with Library Freedom Project and LittleSis. ARSL Executive Director Kate Laughlin will moderate a conversation with:

  • Tyler Hahn, Director of Cherokee Public Library and ARSL’s 2027 Board President-Elect
  • Jennie Garner, Director of North Liberty Library and 2023 ARSL President
  • Tess Wilson, Library Freedom Project
  • Munira Lokhandwala, LittleSis
The presenters will share how they build community and work with local leaders, including leaders who see library services differently. You’ll also work through a power mapping exercise and leave with a plan for strengthening your relationships with community leaders and members.
 
Thursday, November 19 @ 10:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM MT / 12:00 PM CT / 1:00 PM ET | Online via Zoom. Captions provided, and all registrants receive the recording.
 
ARSL members: attend free with no ALA account needed. Get your member registration link (member login required).
 
Learn More & Register

ARSL research: approximately 40% of U.S. public libraries are run by solo library workers

ARSL Research Uncovers that Approximately 40% of U.S. Public Libraries Are Run by Solo Library Workers

Using data from IMLS's annual Public Libraries Survey, ARSL found that approximately 40% of U.S. public libraries are run by "solo" library workers, meaning three or fewer full-time staff covering all open hours. This finding is part of an ongoing IMLS-funded ARSL project that will guide how we address the professional development needs of the library workers who keep these vital community hubs running.

Read the Full Announcement

ARSL and ULC Call on the FCC to Maintain E-Rate for All Public Libraries

ARSL and the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) filed joint comments urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to keep E-Rate available to public libraries of every size. In many rural and small communities, the public library is the only place to get free, reliable internet access, and losing E-Rate support would put that access at risk.

Read the Full Press Release

Shop the ARSL Store

Apparel, drinkware, bags, and accessories featuring the ARSL brand and conference designs. Perfect for holiday gifts, staff and trustee appreciation, or celebrating retirements.

Show Your ARSL Pride

ARSL Access to Information Statement

Developed by the Advocacy Committee and approved by the Board, this statement helps libraries defend against materials challenges and other threats to intellectual freedom.

Read the Full Statement

Want to Know More About ARSL?

Join our mailing list to get the weekly ARSL Office Dispatch, with news, events, and other important updates. ARSL members also receive our monthly Grants Opportunity Digest!

Join the ARSL Mailing List