The Archives & Local History area is on the second floor of the Main Library of the La Crosse Public Library in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The address and contact information are:

The Archives Mission Statement, information on donations, Archives Use Procedure, and information for out of town visitors is available below.

Ask the Archives a question by scrolling down to choose a general area and selecting "Ask a genealogy or local history question."  This form has information about copying and transaction fees for those not living in Wisconsin (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Mission Statement
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 The Archives Room collects and maintains public records, unpublished materials created by governmental units or agencies (such as the City of La Crosse), chronicling the history and progress of that agency, and manuscripts, unpublished materials created by private people, businesses or organizations and are also called “papers” or “records”.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.

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 using the contact information elsewhere on this page.

Archives Use Procedure
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.

LA CROSSE PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES VISITORS GUIDE 
     
The Archives and Local History Room was established in January 1980 and is a non-circulating collection located on the second floor of the La Crosse Public Library.  Location and hours are available elsewhere on this page.

PARKING AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Non-metered parking is available next to the building. If you are staying in La Crosse, http://www.footstepsoflacrosse.org/ has a walking tour of the city highlighting historic architecture. Hotels, motels, and restaurants can be found on the membership directory at the La Crosse Chamber of Commerce website http://www.lacrossechamber.com. The La Crosse Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at http://www.explorelacrosse.com has dining and lodging listings under visitor information.

PROCEDURES
Please sign our guest book on arrival. Please use pencils only when working in the archives reading room. You are welcome to bring your laptops. Digital cameras may be used only with permission. Photocopying is available but must be done by staff. Copyright law limits the La Crosse Public Library to reproducing single copies for educational or informational use.

Visit our main page to find what types of materials and collections we hold.

Click here for a printable copy of this Visitor's Guide (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).


 

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