The Archives & Local History area is a non-circulating collection of materials which has been developed around a set of two major themes: local history and genealogy. The local history emphasis directs the Archives to identify, collect, organize, preserve, publicize and provide public access to primary and secondary resources that document the history of La Crosse. The Archives also serves as the official repository for historic City of La Crosse records. The Archives Room collects and maintains public records, unpublished materials created by governmental units or agencies (such as the City of La Crosse), chronicling the history and progress of that agency, and manuscripts unpublished materials created by private people, businesses or organizations and are also called “papers” or “records”. Genealogical collections are broader in scope and reflect the interests and informational needs of La Crosse residents.

Hours

The Archives & Local History area is open the following hours year round except for holidays:

     Monday - Thursday                     9-9
     Friday & Saturday                       9-5
     Sunday                                      1-5

Donation Information

We will gladly accept your donations for maintaining a quality collection. If you are interested in donating money or materials, please contact us first at archives@lacrosse.lib.wi.us or by mail or phone:

Archives & Local History
La Crosse Public Library
800 Main St.
La Crosse, WI 54601-4122
(608) 789-7136

Procedures

Because our materials are rare, out-of-print, fragile or irreplaceable, we do have special procedures we ask library visitors to follow that help preserve these resources as long as possible. Upon arrival, we ask that you sign our guest book. All materials housed in the Archives must be used in the Archives Reading Room under the supervision of the staff. We ask that you use pencils when working with materials in this area. Please bring your own supplies when you visit. You are welcome to bring laptop computers, purses and briefcases into the Archives Room, but we reserve the right to inspect their contents upon your departure. We do not allow portable scanners.  Also, please do not carry on conversations on cellular or other portable phones as these disrupt others using the room.

Photo- and microcopying is performed by staff. Those who ask us to copy materials for them are responsible for conforming to copyright law. Copyright law limits the La Crosse Public Library to reproducing single copies that are to be used for educational, informational or cultural purposes.  Depending on condition, staff may not allow copying of certain materials.