The La Crosse Public Library is bringing the library to you! The new Pop-Up Library is bringing library services and programs to local parks, beaches, pools, and events throughout La Crosse. The Pop-Up Library is currently appearing Friday afternoons at the Cameron Park Farmers Market in addition to a rotating schedule of appearances at public pools and beaches. Look for the Pop-Up Library for easy access to a variety of library services including library card signups and renewals, checkout of books from a specially curated browsing collection, free WiFi, fun activities for all ages, and personal consultations and demonstrations with local librarians.
Liz Ringstrom, Children’s and Outreach Librarian, explains that this new program is an expansion of the library’s successful youth programs. “With the new library outreach van, we started to bring storytimes and other activities to public parks to reach kids that might not be coming into the library.” Based on the success of these youth programs, the library expanded their outreach efforts to include direct library services and all-ages programs, which lead to the creation of the Pop-Up Library.
“The Pop-Up Library is a great way to get out in the community and provide library services to everyone,” says Barry McKnight, Programming and Community Engagement Coordinator for the La Crosse Public Library. “Librarians will be popping up throughout the city to share their love of reading and to highlight our services and programs, from storytimes to crafts to tech support to book chats.”
In addition to providing library services, the Pop-Up Library will feature different programs at each scheduled Farmers Market appearance. This week- Friday, June 21 from 4-6 PM- Kelly Krieg-Sigman, Director of the La Crosse Public Library, and Mary Dunn, Reader Services Librarian, will be appearing with the Pop-Up Library to lead a book chat about the role of powerful women in literature and history. Interested community members will find them at the Cameron Park Farmers Market wearing historical costumes and appearing next to the library’s colorful new outreach van. A selection of books about strong women will be available to check out at the event directly from the Pop-Up Library.