Congratulations to Our 2026 ARSL Award Winners!
Each year, ARSL honors outstanding rural and small library workers and libraries whose work demonstrates leadership, innovation, equity, and service. These awards celebrate meaningful community impact and recognize individuals and organizations advancing ARSL's Organizational Values.
Award recipients were honored during the Awards Lunch at the 2026 ARSL Conference in Montgomery, Alabama.
2026 ARSL Award Recipients
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Solo Librarian of the Year
Jessie Hoag
Toronto Public Library
Toronto, Kansas
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Equity Champion Award
Tyler Hahn
Cherokee Public Library
Cherokee, Iowa
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Innovative Service Award
Kristin Smith
Scottdale Public Library
Scottdale, Pennsylvania
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Distinguished Service Award
Clare Grahm
Malvern-Hot Spring County Library
Malvern, Arkansas
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Thank You for Attending #ARSL2026!
Thank you for joining us September 16–19, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama!
This year's program brought together an extraordinary lineup: Amanda Jones (That Librarian) on intellectual freedom, Laurie Halse Anderson on storytelling and access, and Yo-Yo Ma closing the conference with a celebration of libraries and the communities they serve.
This conference wouldn't have been possible without our library community, and we're so grateful you were part of it.
Conference may be over, but you can still access Whova to view all photos and community board posts, and to fill out our post-conference evaluation form. Your feedback helps shape our conferences to be better every year.
Please share your thoughts about the conference by Friday, October 2.
Congratulations to our 2027 ARSL Board!
On behalf of the ARSL Elections Committee, we are pleased to share the results of the 2027 ARSL Board Election. We extend our gratitude to all of the dedicated members who ran—your commitment and leadership make ARSL a vital resource for small and rural libraries nationwide.
Tyler Hahn is our Vice President/President-Elect, Sara Koehn is our Secretary, Bree Drapa is our Northeast Regional Representative and David Scott is our South Regional Representative.
These leaders will begin their terms of service on January 1, 2027. Please join us in congratulating and thanking them for their dedication to ARSL!
ARSL Awarded Two IMLS Grants to Launch National Certifications
ARSL has received two grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to build national certification programs: one converting the ARSL Leadership Institute into an online, asynchronous credential, and one expanding Libraries 101 into a national certification in core librarianship skills for new and early-career staff.
Both projects build on ARSL's track record of professional development for rural and small library staff, extending proven pilot models into sustainable, nationally recognized credentials.
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!
IMLS Allies Group Letter to Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) Appropriators
In June 2026, the Association for Rural & Small Libraries joined 8 leading cultural organizations in delivering a simple message to Congress: protect and expand funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
Museums, libraries, and archives form the bedrock of our nation and communities, long serving as gateways to knowledge, literacy, workforce skills, culture, and civic life in uniquely American ways. As the nation celebrates our 250th anniversary, it's more critical than ever to celebrate the institutions that stand at the past, present and future of every American community: rural or urban, large or small.
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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