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
Apr. 30 | Session Schedule announced
May 5 | Early Bird Registration opens
Jul. 8 | Early Bird Registration closes
Jul. 31 | Work Exchange form closes (deadline extended!)
Sep. 1 | Advance In-Person Registration closes

Stay tuned for more important dates & deadlines!

#ARSL2026 Friday Keynote

We are honored to welcome Laurie Halse Anderson as a featured keynote speaker for the 2026 ARSL Annual Conference!

Laurie Halse Anderson is a New York Times bestselling author of many award-winning books, including the groundbreaking modern classic Speak — a National Book Award finalist translated into 35 languages. In 2023, she was named laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, given annually for outstanding contributions to children's and young adult literature. In 2009, she received the Margaret A. Edwards Award for her significant and lasting impact on young adult literature.

A passionate advocate for intellectual freedom and diversity in publishing, Laurie has been honored by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the National Council of Teachers of English for her work championing the freedom to read. Mother of four, grandmother of dragons, and wife of one, she lives in Pennsylvania.

Join us Friday morning for a conversation between Laurie and a rural librarian — a discussion about story, access, and why the books on your shelves matter now more than ever.

Thank you to Macmillan Publishers for sponsoring this session.

#ARSL2026 Keynotes & Events

Mark your calendars, ARSL community! The initial #ARSL2026 session schedule is coming April 30 — stay tuned and start getting excited!

#ARSL2026 Schedule At-a-Glance

#ARSL2026 Merch is Here!

Get ready for conference season — the official ARSL 2026 Conference merchandise collection is now available in the ARSL Store! Explore three unique logo versions across more than 70 products, from t-shirts and hoodies to hats and tote bags. Whether you're attending the conference or simply proud to support rural and small libraries, there's a style for you.

Shop the #ARSL2026 Collection

#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 July 31, but applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Work Exchange Application