The Association for Rural & Small Libraries

The Voice of Rural & Small Libraries

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries, Inc. is a network of persons throughout the country dedicated to the positive growth and development of libraries. ARSL believes in the value of rural and small libraries and strives to create resources and services that address national, state, and local priorities for libraries situated in rural communities.

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 2021 to join us October 20-23 in beautiful Reno/Sparks, Nevada!

2021 Conference
 

Professional connections - the gift that keeps on giving!

Beginning on Giving Tuesday, December 1, there are two ways to support ARSL! 

Make a donation to support the future of ARSL, or give the gift of membership to your favorite colleagues or trustees. They'll get all of the great benefits of ARSL membership, as well as access to our brand-new ARSL TRAIN professional development series.

 

Catch the ARSL TRAIN!

Introducing ARSL’s TRAIN (Training, Roundtables, and Informational Networking) Series! Monthly, generally on the third Thursday, tune in for an online workshop, roundtable, or networking event.

Check back soon for more details about our December ARSL TRAIN workshop!

ARSL Receives IMLS Grant for Leadership Institute

ARSL's Board of Directors is excited to share this press release that ARSL has been selected to receive a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program Award for our “Outstanding in Their Field” ARSL Leadership Institute.

This IMLS grant will fund the development of an immersive institute tailored to elevate those in key positions in rural and small libraries to step confidently into leadership roles in their libraries, their communities, our association, and the larger library field.

Stay tuned for more details coming via our member listserv soon!

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.

ARSL Round Tables

This is an uncertain time for everyone but we are all in this together. If staff are working from home, how are they adapting? What services are currently being offered, and what ways can we increase access to them? ARSL facilitated a series of one-hour COVID Round Tables this past spring to help our members navigate the rapidly-changing reality of lockdowns, mask mandates, and staffing concerns. Recordings of those Round Tables are available for free on-demand viewing.