The collections at La Crosse Public Library include many different formats including books, videos, software and audio cd-roms, large print, audio cassettes, magazines, periodicals, manuscripts, public records, maps, newspaper clipping files, databases, pamphlets and more.

Unless otherwise noted by the asterisk,* the following collections may be checked out of the library:

Audio-visual equipment
Slide projectors, screens and other equipment.

"Bifolkal Kits"  
Intended for older audiences, these materials are help trigger memories and invite discussion for older adults.

Books-on-Tape/Books-on-CD
Books read aloud on cassette tape or cd format in both fiction and nonfiction.

Cardboard books
Also known as board books, sturdy short books for very young people.

Clipping files*  
The Reference area newspaper clipping file called the Wisconsin File includes newspaper articles about places and people of Wisconsin; the Archives area contains in-depth articles related to La Crosse and La Crosse County such as businesses, people, organizations and events.

Comics and graphic novels  
These illustrated stories are available in the teen section.

DVD's
Available in adult, teen, and children’s groupings in DVD format.

Easy readers/picture books  
Fiction collection in the children’s area for beginning readers and pre-readers.

Fiction  
Books including romance, mystery, westerns, fantasy, gothic romance, science fiction, short stories for adults, teens and children’s. 

Federal documents  
Materials created by the U.S. federal government available in paper, cd-rom, map, microform and online formats.

Kits  
Contain a book and a read-along cassette tape for children.

Large print  
Fiction and nonfiction in a large font size for easier reading.

Local documents*  
Documents and reports created by or produced for La Crosse city and county governments. Most of these are found in the Archives area, although many document drafts can also be found in the Reference area

Local publications*  
Newsletters and newspapers created by La Crosse area organizations, people and businesses kept permanently in the archives area in paper and microform.

Magazines  
Located in the adult, teen, and children’s areas, the collection covers a wide variety of viewpoints and interests. Available mainly in paper although some are in microform.

Manuscripts*  
Found in the Archives area, manuscripts are unpublished materials created by private people, businesses or organizations and are also called “papers” or “records”. You can also search the library catalog to find miscellaneous manuscripts that are too small to warrant a finding aid.

Maps 
Historic* and current maps for La Crosse area and current atlases and maps representing many geographic and political areas.

Multimedia CD  
Juvenile and adult software in cd-rom format.

Music/sound compact discs  
Music and other sound collections in cd format in the adult and children’s sections.

Netlibrary 
A collection of book texts in electronic format available online, either in the library or from home or office.  Over 5000 titles available.

Newspapers* 
A variety of newspapers are available in paper, microform and electronically.

Nonfiction  
A strong collection of materials that cover subjects from Art to Zoology and are intended to give people information; available in adult, teen and children’s groupings, as well as in the reference* & archives* areas.

Online subscription databases  
Access to paid databases from the library (and some can be accessed from home) for valid library card holders.

"Parent Packs" 
A collection of books and other items developed around themes for parents to use with their preschool children.

Public records* 
Found in the Archives area, these are unpublished materials created by governmental units or agencies (such as the City of La Crosse), chronicling the history and progress of that agency. You can also search the library catalog to find miscellaneous manuscripts that are too small to warrant a finding aid.

Telephone books* 
A collection of phone books, particularly strong in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa cities. Electronic resources are also available, ask at Reference Desk.

"Tote’n’Tell" 
A collection of books and other items developed around themes.  These are intended for day care providers and pre-school through kindergarten curriculum use.

"Treasure Boxes" 
A collection of books and other items developed around themes for children in day care.

Videos  
Available in adult, teen, and children’s groupings in VHS format.

Wisconsin documents  
Materials in a variety of formats created by the State of Wisconsin and its agencies

* = does not check out