For Immediate Release
August 27, 2025

Sustainable Libraries Initiative Partners with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries
 The Sustainable Libraries Initiative partners with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries to cultivate library leadership for community resilience.

           New York–August 27, 2024 - A new national partnership between the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) aims to equip ARSL members with tools and resources to implement socially, financially, and environmentally sustainable practices to address the challenges and mitigate the impact of climate change in their communities.

"Rural and small libraries are mighty," said Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, Co-Founder and Board President of the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, "We are so proud to partner with the Association of Rural and Small Libraries to connect with more of their members across the country and work hand-in-hand to accelerate the work that needs to get done to meet the needs of our communities and help our libraries thrive."

Through this partnership, ARSL members will join a nationwide community of practice who are using SLI-curated tools to uncover ways that their libraries and communities can provide services to enhance community resilience, consider the sustainability of their budget, and understand, adapt to, and help lessen the effects of climate change. These tools include hundreds of best practices proven by peers, access to an archive of professional development focused on the core value of sustainability, program examples, a vetted vendor list, and a custom CO2 calculator to help members estimate their current institutional greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and measure reductions, and custom publicity pieces to help libraries tell their sustainability story.

"The Association for Rural & Small Libraries is proud to partner with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative to further our mutual goals of strengthening libraries and the communities they serve. For more than 40 years, ARSL has represented library professionals serving small and rural communities across North America, providing targeted advocacy, networking, and professional development tailored to their unique needs,” said ARSL Executive Director Kate Laughlin.

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP) — available to public libraries, academic libraries, library systems, and school librarians — provides libraries with a reliable course of action to enhance library leadership and demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship, economic feasibility, and social equity. The certification program guides participants to evaluate their decision-making philosophies, build stronger connections within their community, and consider the lasting impacts of their action for their service area. 

Laughlin added, “Guided by our commitment to accessibility, responsible service, intellectual freedom, professionalism, partnership, and accountability, this partnership with the SLI directly supports ARSL’s strategic goal of advancing sustainability in small & rural libraries—equipping them with the tools, resources, and support necessary to flourish well into the future."

Members of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries who opt-in via the SLI website will receive one free year of annual membership to the Sustainable Libraries Initiative and a 20% discount on the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program. Cohorts of five or more libraries will receive a 25% discount on certification, supporting the principle that there is power in collective action.

Learn more with our ARSL Partnership Dashboard or by reaching out to sliadmin@suffolknet.org. 

Sustainable Libraries Initiative
The Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) is a member-driven organization that empowers library professionals to be leaders using triple-bottom-line sustainability (environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility) throughout their organizations and in their communities. The Sustainable Library Certification Program is now enrolling public and academic libraries, library systems, and school librarians nationwide.

Association for Rural and Small Libraries
As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, The Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) recognizes the uniqueness of small and rural libraries 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. ARSL builds strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.