La Crosse Public Library  
800 Main Street  
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin  
La Crosse WI 54601  
Meeting Minutes  
Library Board  
Tuesday, December 5, 2023  
5:00 PM  
La Crosse Public Library  
Auditorium (Lower Level)  
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE  
Call to Order  
PRESENT: Sue Anglehart, Kathy Ivey, Araysa Simpson, Aaron Engel, Mac Kiel, Ross  
Seymour, Jess Thill, Katie Bittner  
EXCUSED: Erin Raymus  
STAFF: Shanneon Grant, Barry McKnight, Elaine Petersen, Cole Zrostlik, Daniel  
Whitmore, Cynthia Arauz, Dawn Wacek, Russ McClintock  
Agenda Items:  
2024 Winding Rivers Library Resource Contract  
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As the resource library, WRLS contracts annually with La Crosse Public Library (LPL)  
to provide popular materials that fill requests across the system. As required by state  
statute, compensation for back-up reference service is also included. The 2024  
contract was updated to reallocate 5% of the materials portion to cover processing  
costs.  
Fund Balance Priorities  
The Board-approved Fund Balance Policy specifies that when a balance exists in  
excess of the contingency amount, the Board will allocate for an appropriate use.  
Beyond the contingency reserve, the current unallocated amount is $19,176. Ms. Grant  
described the top three priorities in order of need.  
First, a technology need rises to the top as network access points need to be replaced  
by April of 2024 for cyber security. The project was previously slated for completion  
but has been bumped twice to offset other critical technology needs. Due to rising  
costs with no budget increase, this automation project is our highest priority. In  
addition to partial funding from fund balance, this cost may be supplemented with  
earnings from the Donald Gordon endowment after the Main Hall sound system is paid  
for.  
Second, to further advance strategic planning goals focusing on re-envisioning existing  
spaces to enhance the patron experience, an evaluation of Main would be done through  
the lens of optimizing current spaces with minimal cost rather than remodel or  
expansion. Because the outcome improves patron use, it fits the criteria for Special  
Trustee’s Fund spending. Tangentially, Special Trustee’s funding was mentioned as  
an option regarding a potential donor’s provision for matching funds to support specific  
projects at North Library.  
Third, LPL’s old truck has been inoperable for several months, making it challenging  
for Maintenance staff to transport messy, large, or awkward cargo as required for their  
work. This has led to employees using their personal vehicles. Concerns for safety  
and potential legal repercussions were raised. Requests to participate in the City’s  
vehicle leasing program and utilization of Capital Equipment funding were discussed.  
Board Retreat Planning  
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A Board Retreat is planned for February 17, 2024 at the Nature Place from  
8:30am-12:30 p.m. Ms. Grant reviewed proposed topics and invited input from the  
group, noting topics not covered at the retreat may be added to a future COW meeting  
agenda.  
Patron Relations Needs  
Balancing access with safety is paramount in providing a welcoming environment for all  
users. Currently, the City has no permanent solution for the unhoused population in La  
Crosse. Largely because of this challenge, especially during cold months, the Library  
is seeing a significant increase in escalating, distressing, or disruptive behaviors. The  
situation has inflated the number of responses from Patron Relations and Managers,  
as well as EMS, Crisis Team, and Police. This is taking up a great deal of time,  
preventing completion of other work.  
Ms. Grant proposed that, on a temporary basis over the winter months, LPL hires a  
contracted security option utilizing an unspent portion of salaries budget. Talon  
Security is being considered and is different from the contracted security company  
used in the past. Talon staff are certified and trained in de-escalation strategies,  
behavioral health issues, as well as multi-age/teen behavior management. Talon  
provides services for a number of local events, organizations, businesses, medical  
and mental health facilities. Talon company comes highly recommended by other City  
departments.  
Concerns that the presence of uniformed security may have a negative effect on  
access and patrons were expressed. The fundamental importance of supporting staff  
and providing a safe space was also voiced. Ms. Grant will contact Talon and provide  
additional information at the regular December meeting.  
Board President Sue Anglehart expressed continued frustration at the lack of a viable  
long-term solution, emphasizing the need for the City to act.  
While the City and County are working on a five-year response and prevention plan,  
those solutions are at least a year away. In addition to LPL staff working with County  
Crisis on increased presence and training, library leadership seeks seasonal security  
as a temporary strategy.  
Adjournment at 6:53 p.m.