"Greatness is not a function of circumstance.  Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline." (Jim Collins, author of "Good To Great.")

Around 1995, a technological marvel known as the Internet began to enter into virtually every aspect of American life.  As it grew in strength, usage and popularity, questions regarding the need for public libraries and statements predicting their demise started creeping into professional library discussions and conferences. Library leaders, supporters and administrators became increasingly concerned about the long-term viability of the institution, especially as stable financial support eroded in many areas.

Flash forward 15 years and here you are - searching a library website on the Internet.  Perhaps you are visiting us online today as part of checking your library account to see if there is anything overdue.  Maybe you are looking for a good library-sponsored program for your 4th grade child. Or maybe you are part of the many hundreds of thousands of citizens of all ages across the country who have realized that despite all of its advantages in communication and entertainment, the Internet is no substitute for a library.  Why?  Well, there are many reasons depending on your point of view.  Certainly the lack of quality control is a signficant point; so is the fact that, increasingly, access to quality content is not free and the notion of universal digitization of "everything" is prohibitively expensive - at least at the current time.

But aside from all of that, the fundamental reason that libraries will continue to exist and thrive is because we are social beings and no matter how many computers we put in our homes and no matter how wired we get, there will always be a need for a neutral public space (physically AND electronically) which is designed specifically to encourage and inspire the pursuit and exchange of knowledge and ideas, no matter who you are or what your economic status is.  A place which reflects a community's values and ideals and brings people together in productive ways.

So welcome to the La Crosse Public Library - in whatever form or way you wish to experience it!

 Kelly Krieg-Sigman, Library Director

Front row from left to right: Anita Doering, Rochelle Hartman, Marge Loch-Wouters, Lois Gilbert and Loretta Kilmer.

Back row from left to right: Myrna Paulson, Russ McClintock, and Dave Goldfein.

Kelly Krieg-Sigman, Library Director

Kelly took over the La Crosse Public Library in March of 2003 after previously serving as the library director of the Fremont Public Library in Mundelein, IL and the Duerrwaechter Memorial Library (re-named the Germantown Community Library) in Germantown, WI. She is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the library and responsible for the general financial and political stability of the organization.  She is supported in this by the library management team and by Hayden Hauser, administrative assistant.

Loretta Kilmer, Business Manager Loretta is responsible for all of the business aspects of the library, including human resources paperwork, payroll, accounts receivable, and shipping/receiving.  She is supported by Peggy Riley, business office assistant.  To reach Loretta, please call (608) 789-7147 or via e-mail

Patricia Boge, Community Relations Coordinator Every successful organization needs someone "out front" to handle everything from media relations to public speaking appearances.  Patt does all that and more!   Her specialities include arranging for art displays in our gallery spaces,  scheduling general library tours, communicating all of our fabulous events to the media, winter music series, various kinds of adult progamming, and hosting the regular movie nights. Contact her at 789-7127 or p.boge@lacrosse.lib.wi.us

With three physical plants and an average yearly gate count of over half a million, cleaning and maintaining these buildings requires dedication, attention to detail and a good sense of humor!  The maintenance team of the La Crosse Public Library proudly proclaims their own mission statement, "Come for the bathrooms; stay for the books!"