South Library closes in La Crosse, but talks are planned about other ways to use the building

The city of La Crosse is now officially down to two public libraries.

The South Community Library on 16th Street closed last week, two days ahead of the Dec. 1 date that had been announced in October. The library board decided this fall to shut down the south branch, following a $100,000 cut in city funding.

Library director Shanneon Grant said the keys to the building will be turned over to City Hall by New Year’s Day. Books and other materials at the south branch will be distributed to the remaining libraries on Main Street and Gillette Street, as well as to other facilities.

The future of the library in La Crosse is expected to be discussed at a neighborhood meeting next month.

Grant said people in the Holy Trinity Longfellow neighborhood are planning to meet on Jan. 22 to discuss future plans for the building.