La Crosse library director Dawn Wacek in studio to discuss the closing of the north branch, the budget situation its in and what this all means for the future of the library.

Wacek has been library director the past year and with the La Crosse Public Library the past five years.

Earlier this week, the library board voted 6-2 to close the north branch in June with the library facing a $174,705 budget crunch for next year — and the city facing a $2 million budget shortfall for 2026.

Wacek talks about the public meeting before the board made its decision, the options the board had and what happens now with the Main Street library.

We also talk about some of the reasonings heard for wanting to keep the library open, how utilized the north branch was and how the role of the library has changed over the years.

La Crosse library director Dawn Wacek in studio to discuss the closing of the north branch, the budget situation its in and what this all means for the future of the library.
Wacek has been library director the past year and with the La Crosse Public Library the past five years.
Earlier this week, the library board <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/2025/11/11/la-crosse-library-board-votes-to-close-north-branch-in-june/">voted 6-2 to close the north branch</a> in June with the library facing a $174,705 budget crunch for next year &mdash; and the city facing a $2 million budget shortfall for 2026.
Wacek talks about the public meeting before the board made its decision, the options the board had and what happens now with the Main Street library.
We also talk about some of the reasonings heard for wanting to keep the library open, how utilized the north branch was and how the role of the library has changed over the years.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.