My Alabama Library, an online magazine sharing community-centered stories about Alabama's public libraries, is partnering with ARSL throughout 2026 to spotlight the state's rural and small libraries ahead of our September conference in Montgomery.

---

Greetings from Alabama! As the founder of My Alabama Library (MAL), I, Jennifer Butler Keeton, wish to express my excitement for the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) annual conference in Montgomery, AL, September 2026.

My Alabama Library is an online magazine that shares community-centered stories about how Alabama’s public libraries transform people’s lives. MAL is excited to be partnering with ARSL throughout 2026 to highlight some of Alabama’s wonderful rural and small libraries. Alabama is the home to over 220 public libraries, and 55 of the state’s 67 counties are rural. If you’re a member of ARSL, then you know exactly what that means: It means that every day, in dozens of Alabama counties, librarians are hard at work serving their small, usually underserved communities. They do that work with small budgets, limited staff, and countless challenges.

And just like in your libraries, they nail it every day.

My Alabama Library was launched in August with a focus on the Rogersville Public Library. Rogersville is a rural town of under 1,400 people, and their library has only 3 staff members. As MAL talked to Rogersville residents, I interviewed a four-generation family (ages 1 to 92) who all visit the library together as part of their family time. I met local moms who formed friend groups and connected with their community by bringing their kids to storytime events. I also saw over 7% of the town’s entire population attend a single Summer Reading Program event.

While these stories are remarkable, they’re not rare. Small libraries throughout the country are just as central to their own communities.

As we look ahead to this year’s conference in Montgomery, MAL will share more stories like these from Alabama’s ARSL member libraries. Stay tuned to keep up with these spotlight posts, and subscribe to My Alabama Library to see all of our stories and videos.

My Alabama Library

Written by Jennifer Butler Keeton, founder of My Alabama Library