2026 ARSL Board Election

Dedicated and engaged members are what make ARSL such a valuable resource for small libraries nationwide. We sincerely thank each candidate for their willingness to serve and contribute to ARSL’s success.

Candidate Statements:

Learn more about each candidate’s background, experience, and passion for ARSL’s mission. From leadership to lived experience in small and rural libraries, these statements reflect the values guiding our future Board. Read the 2026 candidate statements:

2026 Candidate Statements

Candidate Forums:

Have burning questions for the candidates? We've got you covered! Whether it's about their policies, their vision for the future, or their stance on critical issues, this is your opportunity to hear what they have to say. Submit your questions on our 2026 Candidate Forum Questions form, and let's foster an open dialogue that empowers us all to make educated choices come election day.

The ARSL Elections Committee will select the questions to be asked at each Candidates Forum in advance, and will provide them to all candidates. Due to time constraints some questions may not be included. All Forum attendees will receive candidate contact information to allow for follow-up conversations with candidates.

Treasurer Candidates Forum: Monday, July 7, 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET | Register here
Vice President/President-Elect Candidates Forum: Tuesday, July 8, 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET | Register here
West Regional Representative Candidates Forum: Tuesday, July 8, 2pm PT / 3pm MT / 4pm CT / 5pm ET | Register here
Midwest Regional Representative Candidates Forum: Wednesday, July 9, 11am PT / 12pm MT / 1pm CT / 2pm ET | Register here 

Positions Eligible For Election:

Vice President/President-Elect (3-year term) Position Description
Treasurer (2-year term) Position Description
West Regional Representative (2-year term) Position Description
Midwest Regional Representative (2-year term) Position Description

2026 Board Election Timeline:

Nominations Open: June 5, 2025
Nominations Close: June 26, 2025
Candidates Announced: July 1, 2025
Candidates Forums: July 7-9, 2025
Elections Open: July 31, 2025
Elections Close: August 14, 2025
Candidates Notified: August 15, 2025
Membership Notified: August 19, 2025
New Leadership Term: January 1, 2026

Candidate Eligibility Guidelines

All candidates must be ARSL members in good standing, and must maintain active ARSL membership for the duration of their leadership term.

No more than one application from any one organization for candidacy shall be accepted. This is to limit conflict of interest and to keep a wide range of representation among all regions of ARSL.

In the event we receive more than one, each application will be returned to both candidates for an “In-house” agreement. If it cannot be resolved internally, the Election Committee will make a decision as a whole and all decisions will be final.

In the event an application comes from an organization from which another current member currently sits on the board, preference will be given to the current board members until they reach maximum terms.