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
Sep. 1 | Advance In-Person Registration closes

Stay tuned for more important dates & deadlines!

#ARSL2026 Keynote & Events

We are thrilled to announce two more additions to the 2026 ARSL Annual Conference keynote lineup!

Yo-Yo Ma will close the conference Saturday morning with a special celebration of libraries and library professionals, sharing reflections on their essential role in strengthening our communities, making meaning, and binding us together as a nation. One of the world's most celebrated cellists, Yo-Yo Ma has recorded more than 120 albums, earned 20 Grammy Awards, and performed for nine American presidents, most recently at President Biden's inauguration. He has received the National Medal of the Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and has served as a UN Messenger of Peace since 2006. Throughout his career, he has brought communities together to explore culture's role in society, engaging familiar and unexpected musical forms alike to stimulate the imagination and reinforce our shared humanity.

Following the keynote, attendees are invited to join Steps to Freedom: The Dexter Avenue Civil Rights Walking Tour, a three-hour guided experience through historic Montgomery led by Tracie D. Hall, Executive Director of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Library Alliance. The tour explores the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the Freedom Riders, and the Selma to Montgomery March through visits to landmarks including the Rosa Parks Museum and Dexter Avenue Memorial Baptist Church, and includes a suggested bibliography for library collection development. 

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And if you haven't heard yet, we are also honored to welcome Laurie Halse Anderson as a featured keynote speaker. A New York Times bestselling author and recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, Laurie is one of the most prominent voices for intellectual freedom and the freedom to read in the country. Join us Friday morning for a conversation with a rural librarian on story, access, and why the books on your shelves matter now more than ever.

Sponsored by Macmillan Publishers.

#ARSL2026 Keynotes & Events

Here's a first peek of some sessions you can look forward to at the 2026 ARSL Conference! 

#ARSL2026 Preliminary Session List

#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