2025 Association for Rural & Small Libraries Conference
Albuquerque, NM
Attending ARSL was a life-changing experience for me. I don’t have words for how absolutely wonderful it was to be able to attend this conference and get to spend time with other librarians from small libraries around the country with diverse identities who have the same challenges and experiences as I and my coworkers in little Hamilton, NY.
I came back with a fresh notebook full of ideas for programs, both active and passive, that I think will be wonderful to implement in our library. Some of these ideas are things that I have been thinking about since the beginning of working at the library, and I simply needed guidance on how to bring them to life. Some of them were completely new and things I never would have thought of myself. Some of them were things that I do at our library, and it was wonderful to feel validated in the work that I’ve already been doing. Some of these ideas are very simple ones, like posting polls on a whiteboard to encourage patron engagement, all the way up to hosting a community garden and a multi-week homesteading program. All of these ideas and sessions from other librarians were incredibly valuable and a testament to how libraries are the pinnacles of community care. I came home with renewed love for my job and ways I can better serve our community and keep transforming our library into an inclusive community hub.
I also made an amazing friend who does very similar work in his library in Nevada. So much so that we have been sharing notes and ideas on how to fill our libraries to the brim with spectacular programs and wonderful community values.
One of the main amazing moments for me was getting to meet Mychal Threets, Social Media sensation, librarian, and new host of the newly announced comeback of Reading Rainbow! He was one of the keynote speakers for the event, and I was able to discuss burnout with him and how he keeps his library joy going, even when there is little to be found.
ARSL 2025 was an incredible experience for me, and I am so grateful I was able to attend with the help of CLRC and their Professional Development Award.
Marie Moren, Program and Events Coordinator
Hamilton Public Library
Are you interested in being our next Professional Development Award recipient? Check out the award page for the rules & requirements!
