The Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference

September 2022


I am very grateful to CLRC for helping me attend the ARSL Conference this year in Chattanooga, TN. I attend this conference whenever possible because it addresses the needs and issues I encounter daily. I am always eager to network with librarians from around the country, maybe sharing ideas for programming or discussing common problems we face.

This year, my session choices focused mainly on building community partnerships, better marketing strategies and adding more diversity to the library’s collection. I spoke with other library directors about building Friends groups and recruiting new library trustees. The keynote speakers addressed censorship and book challenges and then introduced the idea of strengthening our communities through poetry. Overall, my imagination was sparked and I came back rejuvenated and ready to dive back into work here with new ideas to build upon.

And, of course, we took a little time to explore a bit of Chattanooga. The city is very inviting, with beautiful parks and walks. I greatly enjoyed my visit to the Tennessee Aquarium. The Conference’s welcome reception was held at the Chattanooga Public Library. The staff there welcomed us enthusiastically and gave us tours of their huge library.


Christine Fleischer

Director, Frank J. Basloe Library


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