Donna Forbis, Illinois Prairie District Public Library – PAWsome Reading Dogs are making a big impact at Illinois Prairie District Public Library, helping young readers gain confidence with non-judgmental, furry listeners.
ARSL 2024 Conference Buddy Program – First time at #ARSL2024? Our Conference Buddy program pairs new attendees with seasoned pros to help navigate the experience.
Summer Reading Wrap-Up – Summer Reading is winding down—share your favorite moments and photos from this year’s adventures at your library.
ARSL Spiritwear Day (2024) – Get ready to show off your ARSL pride by wearing your favorite ARSL gear at Spiritwear Day on September 13—shop now to grab yours.
Amy Stone & Drew Wichterman – ARSL was proudly represented at ALA 2024, where members shared insights on community outreach, ESL programs, and leadership strategies for small libraries.
ARSL TRAIN Series – Stay connected and keep learning with ARSL TRAIN—monthly workshops, roundtables, and networking events designed for rural and small library professionals.
Burnsville Public Library – Burnsville Public Library’s after-school STEM program started small but grew to serve over 100 kids a week—a game-changer for their small-town community.
Ready NOW Supporting Youth and Families During Crisis Initiative – The Ready NOW initiative is equipping library staff with tools to support youth and families during crises—plus a $2,000 stipend for participating libraries.
Kathy Zappitello – ARSL Past President Kathy Zappitello reflects on how joining the ARSL Board gave her the support, connections, and teamwork needed to thrive in a small library.
Sherry Scheline – Camp Library at Donnelly Public Library provides an immersive outdoor learning experience—complete with teepees, podcasting, and even a Hogwarts-inspired camp.
Tanner Ames – Inspired by the annual ARSL Conference, Tanner Ames launched a local author festival and writing group, discovering a hidden community of published authors in his small town.
Jennie Garner – ARSL Past President Jennie Garner shares how the conference helped her find her tribe—a network of brilliant, creative librarians making a difference nationwide.
Tyler Hahn – Huge congrats to Tyler Hahn, 2024 ARSL Midwestern Rep, on being named a 2024 Library Journal Mover and Shaker.
Todd Deck – The Sacramento Public Library is bringing the community outdoors with bilingual birdwatching, body-positive hikes, and upcoming public art installations, all thanks to their Parks and Tranquility Grant.
Juli Wald – Meet Middlebury Public Library Director Juli Wald, whose adventurous path to librarianship reflects a deep dedication to inclusive service and community connection in small-town Indiana.
Judy Pruitt – Get to know Jerseyville Public Library Director Judy Pruitt, whose journey from education to librarianship highlights the vibrant spirit of small-town leadership and community connection.
Amanda Doherty – Building Community in Central Illinois, One Patron at a Time. As a dedicated ARSL member and small-town advocate, Amanda shares her journey into librarianship, her love for rural life, and a program that’s bringing holiday cheer with a twist.
Mellissa Clark – Discover how Georgia library manager Mellissa Clark channels her creativity, empathy, and introverted strength into leading transformative programs for readers of all ages.
Jen Stevenson – Meet Virginia library assistant Jen Stevenson, whose passion for service and advocacy brings creativity, resilience, and heart to her rural library work.
