La Crosse Public Library
🏢 Winding Rivers Library Consortium · La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse Public Library
Founded in 1888, the La Crosse Public Library has served the Coulee Region from its Main Street home for over 130 years, offering extended evening hours, a Tool Library born from a 2022 AARP Community Challenge Grant, and a Local History & Genealogy Archive that documents life along the Mississippi.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9am–8pm |
| Friday | 9am–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am–5pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 800 Main St., La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 789-7100
Website: lacrosselibrary.org
Plus Code: 86MCRQ64+J3 (La Crosse, WI)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About La Crosse Public Library
The La Crosse Public Library opened in 1888 and has grown into the hub of a community it describes with the motto 'Discover, create, connect.' Located at 800 Main Street in downtown La Crosse, the library belongs to the Winding Rivers Library Consortium, so a La Crosse card provides borrowing access at member libraries throughout western Wisconsin. The building hosts a CREATE Lab makerspace alongside the main stacks, and in 2022 the library launched a Tool Library — funded by an AARP Community Challenge Grant — that lends power tools, outdoor equipment, kitchen appliances, and repair supplies to cardholders 18 and older. The Local History & Genealogy Archive at archives.lacrosselibrary.org preserves maps, photographs, and documents chronicling the history of La Crosse and the broader Coulee Region. Cardholders also reach BadgerLink, Wisconsin's statewide digital library, for research databases and online learning at no cost.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded in 1888 — over 130 years as La Crosse's community anchor, serving the city and the wider Coulee Region
- Tool Library (est. 2022, AARP Community Challenge Grant) lending power tools, outdoor equipment, and appliances
- CREATE Lab makerspace for hands-on learning, technology exploration, and creative projects
- Local History & Genealogy Archive at archives.lacrosselibrary.org with maps, photographs, and regional records
- Open seven days a week including evenings (until 8pm Mon–Thu) for after-work and after-school visits
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
La Crosse cardholders can borrow, stream, and research free through the library's digital collection and Wisconsin statewide resources:
📚 Services
- Tool Library — borrow power tools, outdoor equipment, kitchen appliances, and repair supplies (18+, annual waiver required)
- CREATE Lab makerspace for technology, fabrication, and creative projects
- Local History & Genealogy Archive with regional photographs, maps, and documents
- Public computers, printing, and free Wi-Fi
- Test proctoring and materials delivery service
- Meeting rooms and community space for groups and events
🎸 Programs
- Storytimes and early-childhood programs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
- Book clubs and adult programming including technology classes
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Game Lab and chair fitness classes
- Repair Cafes and Tool Library skill workshops
- Community outreach in partnership with local schools, nonprofits, and cultural organizations
📍 Nearby Libraries in Western Wisconsin
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in La Crosse · Browse all Wisconsin libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the La Crosse Public Library's Tool Library work?
The Tool Library launched in 2022 with an AARP Community Challenge Grant and lends power tools, outdoor equipment (including a lawn aerator and leaf blower), kitchen appliances, sewing machines, and repair sets. You must be 18 or older with a Winding Rivers Library System card, full borrowing privileges, and fines under $10. Sign an annual liability waiver at the Main Library Welcome Desk, place holds online, then pick up at the first-floor desk. Checkout is 7 days with one renewal option.
What is the Local History & Genealogy Archive, and how do I access it?
The Local History & Genealogy Archive documents La Crosse and the Coulee Region through historical photographs, maps, newspapers, and local documents. It is accessible online at archives.lacrosselibrary.org for remote browsing, with original and unique materials available for in-library research. Staff can assist with genealogy questions and local history inquiries.
Does the La Crosse library card work at other Wisconsin libraries?
Yes. The La Crosse Public Library is a member of the Winding Rivers Library Consortium, and cardholders can borrow materials at participating member libraries across western Wisconsin. Wisconsin cardholders also receive free access to BadgerLink, the state's online research portal, from any device.
Is the library open on Sundays, and what are the evening hours?
Yes — the library is open Sunday from 1 to 5pm. Monday through Thursday the library stays open until 8pm, making it easy to visit after work or school. Friday and Saturday hours are 9am to 5pm.
📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
🔨 This library has a makerspace / 3D printing. See how library makerspaces and 3D printing work and find other libraries with a makerspace makerspaces by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
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