Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)

The Sara Jones Scholarship for Rural & Small Library Workers has been established to honor the remarkable career and legacy of Sara Jones upon her retirement as Washington State Librarian.

This scholarship will support library workers in California, Nevada, and Washington as they pursue an ALA-accredited graduate degree in Library Science, helping strengthen the future of rural and small libraries for years to come.

Donations are now being accepted, with scholarship application details coming in late July 2026. https://www.arsl.org/academic-scholarships

Libraries of every size and type are united around one message: the e-book pricing crisis is impacting access for communities across North America.

ARSL joins peers including Public Library Association (PLA), Urban Libraries Council, COSLA, and CULC/CBUC in advocating for sustainable e-book licensing solutions and meaningful dialogue with publishers.

Read more below.

Digital access of library patrons is under threat…all because of rising e-book costs. Libraries are spending up to 3 times more than consumers to buy e-books, only for that content to expire.

That’s why we’re calling on North America’s Big Five publishers to work with libraries together to identify and implement real, sustainable solutions. Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/4dBnwj6

Thank you to everyone who participated in the very first ARSL Spring Photo Contest! Throughout April, library professionals shared beautiful snapshots capturing the heart of small and rural library life — from community gatherings to the everyday moments that make libraries so meaningful.

Congratulations to our winners:
🥇 Casey Martin, Southport Memorial Library — “Newly Donated Books”
🥈 Berit Becker, Ellsworth Public Library — “Custodian Edmund on Edmund Day celebrating 32 years of service surrounded by EPL Staff”
🥉 Kristy Kilfoyle, Camden Public Library — “Plant Sale”

Thank you to all who submitted photos and helped celebrate the vibrant communities, dedicated staff, and joyful moments that make rural and small libraries shine this spring.

Considering attending ARSL for the first time? It's well worth the trip! 🧡

Don't just take our word for it:
"This was my first conference and I feel like I've made so much professional and personal growth in the last 3 days it's insane. I cannot thank you enough." — 2025 First-Time Attendee

Still feeling unsure? Our optional Conference Buddy program pairs first-timers with veteran attendees to help you navigate sessions, events, and connections in Montgomery. Because the only thing better than a conference tailor-made to fit your needs, is one that comes with built-in friends!

Join us September 16–19. Early bird rates available through July 8.

👉 https://www.arsl.org/2026-conference-registration

"If you are a small rural librarian, this conference and organization will make you a better, more effective librarian, and create a network you can rely on throughout the year." — Lisa Ladd, Maine

That network starts at — September 16–19 in Montgomery, AL.

Early bird registration is open now through July 8. ARSL member rate: $300. 👉 https://www.arsl.org/2026-conference-registration

📢 If you've been feeling the squeeze since Baker & Taylor shut down, you're not alone.

ARSL Executive Director Kate Laughlin and ARSL West Regional Representative Kip Roberson spoke with NPR this week about the real impact on libraries — longer delivery times, short-filled orders, and the added burden on staff who are already doing more with less.

We see the challenges our rural & small libraries are facing, and we're working to make sure your stories are heard at the national level.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/21/nx-s1-5807947/public-libraries-struggle-to-get-new-books-on-shelves-after-distributor-shuts-down

Your library community needs you! 💙

ARSL board nominations open June 2 — just under two weeks away. If you're a member in good standing with a passion for supporting small libraries, we'd love to see you step up.

Open positions:
Vice President/President-Elect (3-year term), Secretary (2-year term), South Regional Rep (2-year term), and Northeast Regional Rep (2-year term)

Nominations close June 25. Learn more at https://www.arsl.org/elections.

ARSL was invited to deliver welcoming remarks at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)' America 250 convening in Atlanta last week, with our Assistant Director Megan Fontaine serving as ARSL representative at this milestone national gathering.

We were also thrilled to connect with two of our Macmillan Publishers ARSL Conference Scholarship recipients who were among the attendees: Anna Louise Kallas (Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library, NC) and Allie Stevens Gosselink (Calhoun County Library, AR).

Congratulations to these outstanding library professionals — it was wonderful to see you there!

🚂 Catch the May TRAIN Roundtable: Customer Service in the Age of Burnout

Libraries are committed to their communities — but that commitment can come at a cost. This session explores how burnout impacts service quality and what staff and leadership can do together to build healthier, more sustainable service models grounded in community care.

Thursday, May 21 at 11:00 am PT / 2:00 pm ET, facilitated by Melissa Little and Dana Fanslow, ARSL Continuing Education Committee members.

Learn more & register: www.arsl.org/arsl-train