Meet ARSL’s incoming board members — four passionate library leaders stepping into key leadership roles and bringing deep community roots, bold advocacy, and a shared commitment to strengthening rural and small libraries nationwide.
Amy Stone — Director, Bridgton Public Library, Bridgton, Maine & 2025 ARSL Board Northeast Regional Representative
Erin Busbea — Director, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, Columbus, MS & Board Treasurer
John Clexton — Library Director, Gladwin County District Library, Gladwin, MI & ARSL Board President
Judy Calhoun, recently retired Regional Library Director at Southeast Arkansas Regional Library (SEARL), headquartered in Monticello, AR — A Remarkable 32-year Legacy of Service to Southeast Arkansas.
Deborah Dutcher – ARSL Board Member Deborah Dutcher shares powerful insights on career longevity, retirement planning, and staying relevant in library work.
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.
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.
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.
Jen Stevenson – Meet Virginia library assistant Jen Stevenson, whose passion for service and advocacy brings creativity, resilience, and heart to her rural library work.
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.
