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 ARSL Office will be closed on Thursday, November 25 & Friday, November 26 in observation of Thanksgiving.

Penguin Random House Grants for Small & Rural Libraries!

Through the generosity of Penguin Random House, we are pleased to announce the establishment of a new grant opportunity for small and rural libraries nationwide! Apply now!

Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2021, with notification for applicants to be sent no later than February 7, 2022. Grants may be used for everything from library programming and books, to resources like hotspots that help community members access important information!

Have questions? Please contact the ARSL Office at (206) 453-3579 or [email protected].

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 and small library professionals, advocates, and supporters. Mark your calendars for 2022 to join us in exciting, eclectic Chattanooga, TN September 14 - 17!

ARSL Conference Page
 

 

ARSL Holiday Giving

Spread some library cheer this holiday season! Make a donation in a colleague or loved one’s name, or give the gift of an annual membership to your favorite library fan. This is a meaningful gift for managers to give their staff, directors to give their trustees, and mentors to give their protégés.  

ARSL TRAIN

Upcoming TRAINs

Just Do It, Now!  Draft a Disaster Plan for Your Library
Part One: Tues, Nov 9, 2021, 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm ET
Part Two: Tues, Nov 16, 2021, 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm ET
Part Three: Tues, Nov 30, 2021, 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm ET
Part Four: Tues, Dec 7, 2021, 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm ET

This series of four hour-long sessions will walk you through the process of creating (or reviewing and revising) a disaster plan for your library, using a simple template. There will be short homework assignments to help you succeed in ending the series with a completed plan. We can also discuss how plan development fits within the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, and address specific areas of interest, so bring your questions!

Presenter: Rachel Onuf, Vermont Historical Records Program Director, Vermont State Archives & Records Administration

Tips and Tools for Patron Tech Help
Thursday, December 16, 2021, 11:00 am PT/2:00 pm ET

Do you ever struggle to explain a technology device, platform, or task to patrons? Maybe it’s something that’s second nature to you and you can’t figure out why it isn’t easy for the other person. Or alternatively it’s something you’re not 100% comfortable with but you still feel like you ought to be able to help. Are you great one-on-one in-person but find yourself not finding the right words on the phone? We probably all have had those moments when tech help just doesn’t click. Join tech librarians Susanna Kahn and Jessamyn West for some tips on how to make these interactions more successful for both you and your patrons. There will be time for participants to share what works for them, too.

Register now!

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.