Statement of Support to our Community

Our nation is divided and this has been an increasingly trying time for libraries. Across the country, library staff, volunteers, and trustees are working tirelessly to provide essential community services, foster connections, and safeguard the rights and freedoms of all library users. The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) remains committed to supporting these efforts by providing resources, advocacy, and a network of peers who understand the unique strengths and challenges of providing library service to America’s small towns and rural communities.

No matter the difficulties faced, rural and small libraries are not alone. The heart of a professional association is the connections built between peers, and that is nowhere more true than within ARSL. The community we have built together over the past 40 years is more critical to our success as a profession than ever before. We will need to rely on one another in the days to come, sharing knowledge, cultivating friendships, and working together to build stronger, more resilient communities.  ARSL will continue to advocate for the critical role of your libraries and provide the support you need to help you succeed. Together, we remain steadfast in our belief that all libraries should have the tools and resources they need to serve their communities effectively, with excellence and integrity. Look for additional resources in our Advocacy Center.

ARSL’s mission is to build strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. That starts with building and maintaining a strong professional community for the people who do the work. Whatever the future may have in store for America’s libraries, know that ARSL will be there to help you keep that work going.

ARSL Board of Directors and Advocacy Committee

February 2025