La Crosse Public Library  
800 Main Street  
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin  
La Crosse WI 54601  
Meeting Minutes  
Library Board  
Tuesday, December 2, 2025  
5:00 PM  
La Crosse Public Library  
Auditorium (Lower Level)  
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE  
Call to Order  
The Vice Chair, Kathy Ivey, called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.  
PRESENT: Sue Anglehart, Kathy Ivey, Araysa Simpson, Mac Kiel, Erin Raymus, Jess  
Thill, Rosanne Northwood, Aaron Engel  
ABSENT: Katie Bittner  
STAFF: Dawn Wacek, Daniel Whitmore, Cynthia Arauz, Brooke Newberry, Amber  
Leibundgut-Peterson, Miranda Greeno  
Agenda Items:  
Library Hours 2026  
1
Director Wacek presented four options for 2026 Library hours. Two options for Main  
reduce operating hours by four hours per week. The first option proposes closing on  
Sundays; the second proposes closing two hours earlier on Wednesdays and  
Thursdays. Staff feedback indicates a general preference for a Sunday closure.  
Two options for North reduce operating hours by 16 hours per week. The first option  
proposes operating Monday through Thursday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The second  
option proposes hours of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 2:00 to  
6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Director Wacek will gather additional staff  
feedback prior to next week’s regular Board meeting.  
In reviewing these proposals, the Board discussed which options would best serve the  
greatest number of patrons. Director Wacek confirmed that school visits can still be  
scheduled outside of North’s public hours. A vote on 2026 Library hours will occur at  
next week’s meeting. The Board plans to revisit Main hours in the summer, following  
the closure of North, while considering of the potential 2027 budget.  
North Community Library Planning  
2
Library leadership has initiated planning for next steps in anticipation of North’s June  
closure. A meeting is scheduled in January to discuss City ownership of the building.  
The June closure date will be voted on by the Board next week.  
Mural – Arts Board Collaboration  
3
4
Jacqueline Marcou, City of La Crosse Arts Coordinator, attended the meeting to  
discuss the exciting mural collaboration among the Arts Board, Library, and artist  
Lettie Jane Rennekamp. Rennekamp, based in Portland, Oregon, will work with  
UW–La Crosse students during the project. The mural is planned for the large exterior  
cement wall of Main, with a projected start in May 2026. The Board will vote on the  
mural color palette next week.  
Replacement Electrical Breaker-1964  
Infrastructure Manager Whitmore reported that an electrical breaker installed in 1964  
failed during the planned November 18 power outage. The issue requires prompt  
attention and has been reported to City inspectors.  
4.1 Cost Estimate and Funding  
A temporary repair is estimated at approximately $50,000, while full replacement  
is estimated at more than $100,000. Final cost estimates are pending.  
Construction contingency funds within the grant-supported renovations may  
cover the expense. Carryover funds from vacant Library positions may also be  
available. Director Wacek noted this situation may provide an opportunity to  
discuss shared responsibility for unforeseen costs with Mayor Shaundel  
Washington-Spivey and City Finance.  
Medora Nelson-Ferris Fund Update  
5
Director Wacek reported that LPL has received more than 40 generous donations in  
honor of children’s Librarian Medora Nelson-Ferris, totaling roughly $20,000. This  
amount includes a generous $10,000 contribution from the Washburn Board. The  
Library plans to work with the La Crosse Area Community Foundation to establish a  
non-endowed fund to support future renovations to spaces serving children and  
families.  
Adjournment  
Ms. Ivey adjourned the Committee of the Whole at 5:52 p.m.