Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)

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.

"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

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!