In October 2024, La Crosse Public Library received a $3 million Flexible Facilities Grant to modernize existing library spaces. Construction will begin this summer! This project is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance our facilities and create more comfortable, functional, and flexible spaces for all community members. Renovations will include new and updated classrooms, small meeting rooms, and computer labs; patron technology and connectivity will be a priority, as will be ensuring fast, secure, and reliable internet access for all users.
With the remodel will come some impacts to our available spaces and collections:
- All meeting and study rooms will be unavailable due to construction until further notice.
- Select library materials will be relocating—ask any staff person for assistance!
- The Creation Space will close May 15. Look for some ongoing creative activities at North and out in the community this summer. We are putting a pause on materials donation to the space until further notice. While the La Crosse Public Library’s Creation Space undergoes renovations, the Franciscan Spirituality Center (FSC) will open the doors of its Clare Art Room, free, to all community members for creative projects and drop-in making. Click here for more information about this creative partnership.
- The Archives & Local History Reading Room will close May 15 for self-guided research until further notice. Archives staff will be available via phone and email for local history reference and genealogy resource assistance M-F 12-4. Appointments to access physical collections will be available at Archives staff discretion.
Phase 1 construction is scheduled for completion in January 2026.
We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to welcoming you back to the improved spaces once the work is completed. For updates or assistance finding alternative meeting spaces, please call (608) 789-7100.
Thank you for your support!
La Crosse Library Renovation
Why remodel?
Over the past five years, the La Crosse Public Library has experienced significant change. Like many organizations, we were deeply impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting strain on local funding. City allocations for non-personnel operating expenses have remained largely flat, prompting the library to focus inward—reassessing our staffing structure, programs, and community services. Our last facility remodel took place in the 1990s, at a time when computers were just beginning to emerge as everyday tools. In 2023, we completed a Strategic Plan aimed at guiding how we can best serve the people of La Crosse with the resources available to us.
That plan pointed out a need for more changes, including that we:
Reflect the rich diversity of our community
Provide more innovative and flexible spaces for modern public library services
Expand the children’s areas with a larger storytime room, comfort room, and sensory room.
Provide a distinct space for older children and one for teens
Offer unique outdoor spaces
Offer more community gathering and meeting spaces
Provide additional study/discussion rooms
Offer a new makerspace and creativity center
Following the completion of the plan, we conducted a space analysis that confirmed the needs identified in our strategic plan and helped us begin envisioning the changes required.
Why now?
The 2024 awarding of the Flexible Facilities Grant is allowing us to fast track some of the work we assumed would take us years to achieve!
Phase one of our project includes:
a main floor auditorium/ classroom space seating 100
a refreshed and updated social seating area with a marketplace feel
2 first floor small meeting rooms for access to community services and resources
A telehealth room suitable for small groups or families as well as individual appointments
a second floor computer-lab/ classroom open to our archives reading room
a refreshed public computer area
six small meeting and study areas on the second floor to meet the expanding needs of students, jobseekers, and workers
an updated and improved creation and maker space, and updated furnishings
In addition, thanks to donor funding under the supervision of the Library Board of Trustees, we are able to include a renovation of our first-floor restrooms which is sorely needed to make the space more accessible for all of our patrons.
What is the timeline?
Architectural work is completed and construction bids are under approval by city departments. You’ve likely already noticed big moves of collections and furnishings as we prepare!
March-May 2025: Movement of select collections and spaces
June 2025: Soft start to construction
Phase one is schedule to be completed in January 2026
What’s next?
These changes, with funding from the Flexible Facilities Grant are making way for Phase 2 of the project which will commence following a capital fundraising campaign and will include an expanded and renovated children and families’ room, a comfort space, sensory room, tween area, and new teen space.
Are libraries really needed in the age of technology?
Yes!
Library staff help patrons successfully navigate and find accurate information in all formats
Professional library staff provide one-on-one technology assistance
The Library provides classes and workshops to develop and foster digital literacy skills for all levels, ages, and needs
Library staff select trusted electronic databases for informational needs
The library invests in digital collections for free streaming content for e-books, e-magazines, audiobooks, music, and video content
The library provides the necessary hardware and software and access to broadband to successfully and safely stay digitally connected
Physical books are critical to early childhood literacy and are still enjoyed widely by people of all ages
Library makerspaces provide innovative equipment and technology for exploration, usage, and mastery
How can I help? Coming Soon!
The campaign will offer many ways for people to support the expansion and renovation of the library, including:
Naming opportunities for larger gifts
In-kind donations
Monetary gifts of any amount
Gifts to support a specific feature (early childhood play centers, garden, built ins)
Sharing your library story to inspire others
All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law
Watch this space for the kickoff of our fundraising phase!
Phase 1 Floor Plans
Click here for a printable map PDF.
