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Libraries Rise: 2025 ARSL Annual Conference Recap


 Originally published October 17, 2025


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There’s something magical about dawn over the desert when hot air balloons drift serenely above the Rio Grande Valley with their neon colors glowing against the pale morning sky. That’s the same sense of wonder attendees experienced at the 2025 Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) Annual Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this high-desert city where adobe walls glow in the sunset and mountain peaks blush pink in the evening light, attendees discovered unexpected treasures. Keynotes lifted us as high as the Sandia Peak Tramway, encouraging a view of the big picture while holding tight to local roots. Sessions buzzed with the liveliness and variety of spice markets, and conversations with colleagues felt as vibrant as the balloons at the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum—light-hearted yet full of meaning. The most memorable moments of the conference shone through three central themes: connection, inspiration, and capacity. So grab your metaphorical gondola, and let’s soar through the highlights that made this gathering unforgettable.

Connection

Though working in a small rural library can feel as lonely as a single saguaro standing against miles of open desert, the conference provided countless opportunities to gather, share community, and recharge.
  • Welcome Reception: The conference kicked off at Civic Plaza with an ARSL Block Party, where attendees reconnected with the ARSL community, made new friends, and enjoyed food, drink, and merriment.
  • New Connections Lunch: On the first day, attendees were encouraged to “rise” with the ARSL community over a specially designated lunch. Participants branched out from their usual circles, sitting with future friends who shared similar roles, interests, or challenges. Guided questions sparked conversation and helped cultivate lasting connections and ideas to bring back to the library. This lunch was designed in response to requests for more structured networking opportunities—ensuring everyone, whether attending alone or with colleagues, left enriched.
  • Meetups: Many of ARSL’s Professional Networking Groups held in-person meetings at the conference, providing the chance to connect in real life rather than virtually. Modeled on the success of the Solo-ish Librarians Happy Hour, these groups offer ongoing online meetings where members share ideas, find support, and build community. With the exception of the Solo-ish Librarians Happy Hour and the Library Workers of Color group, professional networking groups are open to ARSL members only. Moreover, there is no limit to how many groups members can join! For more information, visit the networking group webpage.
  • Exhibit Hall: Exploring the conference exhibit hall opened doors to fresh ideas and practical solutions. Attendees discovered innovative tools, connected with knowledgeable vendors, and gathered resources to bring back to their libraries—making it a space built for collaboration.

Inspiration


Even in small rural libraries brimming with creative potential, sometimes we all need a spark to get started. The conference offered moments that ignited fresh ideas and motivation.
  • Keynote: Rise & Shine with Mychal Threets: PBS’s “resident librarian” Mychal Threets opened the conference with a heartfelt keynote, sharing his personal library journey and candidly discussing his mental health. His words set the tone for a conference rooted in connection, compassion, and the power of libraries to uplift communities..
  • Keynote: Storytelling from the Page to the Screen: Author and filmmaker Ramona Emerson inspired attendees on the second day with her reflections on identity, creativity, and community. A proud Diné (Navajo) writer from Tohatchi, New Mexico, Emerson shared how her roots shape her art and perspective, reminding librarians to honor their own stories and amplify the voices of their communities. Her message underscored that every place—no matter how small or rural—has stories worth telling
  • Local Library: No trip to Albuquerque is complete without visiting the Main Library downtown. Housed in a striking modernist building designed by George Pearl, it serves as a vibrant community hub offering technology and STEAM programming, literacy initiatives, cultural exhibits, and genealogy research support. Its inviting spaces, innovative programs, and strong community partnerships illustrate how a library can anchor civic life. For visiting librarians, the Main Library provides more than inspiration; it offers countless ideas to adapt, engage, and innovate back home.



Capacity


Educational sessions at the conference offered practical, actionable ways to grow professionally. Topics ranged from strengthening soft skills and boosting social media engagement to exploring local history with the Library of Congress and sharpening advocacy strategies. Each session was designed with small and rural libraries in mind, offering tools, ideas, and examples from peers who understand the unique challenges of tight-knit communities.

With an excellent price point, early bird discounts, and special rates for students, advocates, and retirees, ARSL ensured professional development remained accessible to all. Flexible single-day and virtual attendance options allowed even those unable to travel for an extended period to participate fully; while, pre-conference add-ons offered deeper dives for those seeking more intensive learning. From included breakfasts and lunches to after-hours networking events with heavy hors d’oeuvres, ARSL helped attendees make every travel dollar count—investing in themselves, their libraries, and their communities.

***

The 2025 ARSL Annual Conference once again proved why it’s the conference for rural and small libraries. Planners and presenters understand the realities of the work—the constraints of shoestring budgets, small spaces, and limited staffing—while celebrating the unique opportunities for innovation and collaboration in these communities. This year’s theme, “Libraries Rise!”, captured the spirit of resilience, creativity, and determination. Attendees left inspired and equipped with practical ideas to bring home—no scaling down required. Whether coming to learn, connect, or recharge, the 2025 ARSL Annual Conference reminded us that when small and rural libraries rise, their communities rise with them.

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