2026 ARSL Conference

When: September 16-19, 2026
Where: Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center, Montgomery, AL

About the Conference

#ARSL2026 is the conference for rural and small libraries. Our conference planners and presenters understand the constraints of shoestring budgets, small spaces, and limited staffing within small and rural libraries, as well as the unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Our conference is packed full of information you can take right back to your library—no scaling down required.

This year's conference theme is ROOTED IN COMMUNITY! This theme captures the strength, connection, and resilience that define small and rural libraries. We recognize the challenges our communities face, but we also celebrate the creativity and determination that grow from shared roots, empowering our libraries and communities to thrive together.

Join us September 16–19, 2026, in Montgomery, AL for networking, learning, and inspiration tailored specifically to your work in small and rural libraries.

#ARSL2026 Timeline:

Jan. 9 | Conference Session Proposal Applications Open
Feb. 13 | Conference Theme Announcement 
Feb. 18 | Conference Scholarships Open
Mar. 6 | Conference Session Proposal Applications Close
Mar. 10 | Conference Scholarships Close
May 5 | Early Bird Registration opens
Apr. 30 | Work Exchange form closes
Jul. 8 | Early Bird Registration closes
Sep. 1 | Advance In-Person Registration closes

Stay tuned for more important dates & deadlines!

Conference Scholarships: Now Open!

Each year, the ARSL Grants, Awards & Scholarships (GAS) Committee accepts applications for competitive scholarships to facilitate attendance at the ARSL Conference. These scholarships are funded through generous donations to the ARSL Scholarship Fund by our members and supporters.

For 2026, we're offering six scholarship opportunities:

• Four ARSL conference scholarships
• NEW! Macmillan Defenders of Intellectual Freedom Scholarship
• Thorndike Press Champions of Large Print Scholarship

A special thank you to our ARSL Angels—members who go above and beyond by contributing $20 or more in addition to their membership to support these scholarships. Your generosity helps library workers from small and rural communities access valuable professional development opportunities.

Applications open February 18, 2026 and close March 10, 2026.

Learn more about ARSL Scholarships

Call for Proposals: Open Now!

Small libraries are some of the most creative, innovative spaces around—and the ARSL Conference is your place to shine! We invite you to submit proposals for Preconference Workshops and Conference Sessions for the 2026 ARSL Conference in Montgomery, Alabama, September 16-19, 2026.

We're seeking proposals on all topics relevant to small and rural libraries, from practical how-to sessions to broader explorations of the changing library landscape. Share your unique programs, collections, and initiatives with fellow library professionals!

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DEADLINE EXTENDED! Applications close March 6, 11:59 PM PT

Submit Proposals Here

#ARSL2026 Work Exchange

This program is available for all students enrolled in a library program, certification, or course and offers complimentary conference registration in exchange for approximately 10 hours of work at the ARSL Conference in one of the following work exchange positions: Photographer, Tech Assistant, Front Desk Support, Exhibit Hall Support, Room Wrangler, and Keynote Wrangler. Please note that this covers the cost of Conference Registration only, not lodging, travel, or preconference workshops.

This form closes April 30, but applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Work Exchange Application