ARSL Selects 36 Small and Rural Alabama Libraries to Receive $180,000 in Grants

Private Family Donor Philanthropic Gift Fuels New "Empowering Rural Communities Through Libraries" Grant Program

Seattle, WA — The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) is pleased to announce the selection of recipients for the Empowering Rural Communities Through Libraries grants, made possible through the philanthropic support of a private family donor. Thirty-six small and rural libraries across Alabama have been selected to each receive a $5,000 grant to support programs, collections, technology, and other community-driven priorities.

The grants are intentionally flexible, allowing each library to direct funds toward its most pressing local needs. Reporting requirements have been kept minimal, reflecting ARSL's commitment to reducing administrative burden on small library teams.This grant was developed in consultation with organizational partners in Alabama, seeking to provide support to the small and rural libraries in the state where ARSL will hold our annual conference, which will be held in Montgomery this September.

"We are absolutely delighted to be able to support the important work these libraries do every day. This generous gift, combined with our presence in Montgomery this year, is a direct reflection of our mission to elevate the impact of rural and small libraries across the country."

Kate Laughlin, Executive Director of ARSL

Recipients will be celebrated during the ARSL Awards banquet at the 2026 ARSL Annual Conference on September 18, 2026, from 1:00–2:30 PM in Montgomery, Alabama. A list of the awarded Alabama libraries can be found at arsl.org/empowering-rural-communities-through-libraries.

About the Association for Rural and Small Libraries:
ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries. As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes their unique needs and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency.

Media Contact:
Association for Rural & Small Libraries | [email protected]

Issued May 2026 by the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)