Association for Rural & Small Libraries

Empowering Rural Communities Through Libraries

A new grant program made possible by a generous private family philanthropic gift

36 Alabama Libraries
$5,000 Per Library
$180K Total Awarded

About the Program

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is pleased to announce the recipients of the Empowering Rural Communities Through Libraries grants, made possible through the philanthropic support of a private family donor.

Thirty-six small and rural libraries across Alabama were selected to receive a $5,000 grant to support programs, collections, technology, and other community-driven priorities. The grants are intentionally flexible, allowing each library to direct funds toward its most pressing local needs.

Reporting requirements have been kept minimal, reflecting ARSL's commitment to reducing administrative burden on small library teams. This grant was developed in consultation with organizational partners in Alabama, in connection with ARSL's annual conference being held in Montgomery this September.

“
We are absolutely delighted to be able to support the important work these libraries do every day. This generous gift, combined with our presence in Montgomery this year, is a direct reflection of our mission to elevate the impact of rural and small libraries across the country.

Kate Laughlin — Executive Director, ARSL

Grant Details

Award Amount

$5,000

Per library recipient

Eligible Uses

Flexible

Programs, collections, technology, and other community-driven priorities

Reporting

Minimal

Designed to reduce burden on small library teams

Made Possible By

Private Family Donor

In partnership with Alabama library organizations

Save the Date

Awards Ceremony at #ARSL2026

Grant recipients will be recognized during a special ceremony at the 2026 ARSL Annual Conference on September 18, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 PM in Montgomery, Alabama.

Learn About the Conference

Grant Recipients

Alabama's 36 Library Recipients

Additional recipients will be added as confirmations are finalized.

● Adamsville Public Library ● Arab Public Library
● Ashland City Public Library ● Atmore Public Library
● Blanche R. Solomon Memorial Library ● Brantley Public Library
● Collinsville Public Library ● Columbiana Public Library
● Dadeville Public Library ● Emma Knox Kenan Library
● Flomaton Public Library ● Florala Public Library
● Goodwater Public Library ● Hobson City Public Library
● Killen Public Library ● Leighton Public Library
● Lexington Public Library ● Lincoln Public Library
● Lineville Public Library ● Louisville Public Library
● Lucile L. Morgan Public Library ● Luverne Public Library
● Mary Berry Brown Memorial Library ● Piedmont Public Library
● Ragland Public Library ● Rogersville Public Library
● Satsuma Public Library ● Somerville Public Library
● Stevenson Public Library ● Tallassee Community Library
● Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library ● Warrior Public Library
● Wetumpka Public Library  

Additional recipients will be listed here once confirmed.

About ARSL

Association for Rural & Small Libraries

ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes their unique needs and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency.

Media Contact: Association for Rural & Small Libraries — [email protected]

Read the full press release →

Issued June 2026 by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)