Lone Rock Community Library
🏢 Southwest Wisconsin Library System · Lone Rock, Wisconsin
Lone Rock Community Library
Lone Rock Community Library serves this Richland County village named for the sandstone outcrop that once guided river raftsmen down the Wisconsin River. Open four days a week on North Broadway Street, the library is a community cornerstone in a village of under 900 residents — and a SWLS member that connects rural Lone Rock to Wisconsin's statewide digital resources, including free Gale Courses for all cardholders.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11am–5pm |
| Wednesday | 11am–5pm |
| Thursday | 12pm–5pm |
| Friday | 11am–5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 234 North Broadway Street, Lone Rock, WI 53556
Phone: (608) 583-2034
Website: lonerocklibrary.wordpress.com
Plus Code: 86MF5RM3+R3 (Lone Rock, WI)
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📖 About Lone Rock Community Library
Lone Rock Community Library is the public library of Lone Rock, a village of approximately 829 residents (2020 census) in Richland County, situated in the Wisconsin River valley. The village was established in 1856 and named for a prominent sandstone outcrop that historically served as a landmark for raftsmen navigating the river; the rock itself was later quarried for building foundations in the community. Lone Rock holds the distinction of recording Wisconsin's coldest temperature at the time — −53 °F on January 30, 1951. The library belongs to the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS), which serves 30 library locations across Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Crawford, Richland, and Vernon counties. SWLS cardholders have access to the Verso shared catalog, Gale Courses online education platform (free instructor-led online courses), and statewide BadgerLink databases — all at no cost with a valid library card.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Village named for a sandstone outcrop that served as a landmark for Wisconsin River raftsmen since the mid-1800s
- Member of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS) — 30 libraries across 6 southwestern Wisconsin counties
- Free Gale Courses access for all SWLS cardholders — instructor-led online courses in dozens of subjects
- Lone Rock recorded Wisconsin's then-coldest temperature: −53 °F on January 30, 1951
- New computer desks and equipment donated by Cardinal Glass — a sign of strong community investment
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Lone Rock cardholders access Wisconsin statewide and SWLS digital resources at no cost:
📚 Services
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Library card issuance for Richland County and SWLS-area residents
- Interlibrary loan through the SWLS shared Verso catalog
- Monthly tech help sessions (second Thursday of each month, 2 pm — or by appointment)
- Book borrowing, audiobooks, DVDs & magazines
- Community gathering space in downtown Lone Rock
🎸 Programs
- Monthly technology help sessions for patrons
- Summer reading program
- Community programming and seasonal events
- Gale Courses online learning (ongoing, self-enrolled)
- Storytime and children's programming
📍 Nearby Libraries in Southwest Wisconsin
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Lone Rock · Browse all Wisconsin libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How did Lone Rock, Wisconsin get its name?
The village takes its name from a distinctive sandstone outcrop that for decades served as a navigational landmark for raftsmen floating logs and goods down the Wisconsin River. The rock itself was eventually quarried and used for building foundations in the community. The village was incorporated in 1866.
What library system does Lone Rock Community Library belong to?
The library belongs to the Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS), which supports 30 public library locations across Grant, Iowa, Lafayette, Crawford, Richland, and Vernon counties. Membership gives Lone Rock cardholders access to the shared Verso catalog, interlibrary loan, and free digital resources including Gale Courses and BadgerLink.
What are the library's hours and when is it open?
The library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Thursday from 12 pm to 5 pm. It is closed Monday, Saturday, and Sunday. For technology help, a monthly drop-in session is held on the second Thursday of each month at 2 pm; appointments are also available by calling (608) 583-2034.
What is Gale Courses and how can Lone Rock library cardholders access it?
Gale Courses is a platform offering highly interactive, instructor-led online courses covering hundreds of topics — from business and technology to arts and personal enrichment. As an SWLS member library, Lone Rock cardholders in good standing can enroll in any Gale Courses session for free. New six-week sessions begin every month. Access is through education.gale.com/l-swwls/ using your library card.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.