May 20, 2026
Award winning organization sets sights on continued growth and development
In 2024, a group of volunteers at the De Soto Public Library set forth an effort to raise funds to further drive programming and circulation growth for this small town library. Just two years later, as a fully formed non-profit, the Friends of the De Soto Public Library received recognition for its impact with a Crawford County Community Fund Leadership Award. The Friends of the De Soto Public Library were recognized for their leadership in bringing this valuable resource to a community in the county. To continue this valuable effort and growth,the group is currently seeking candidates for the board positions of president, vice president and secretary/treasurer.
Illustrating the group’s impact, FODSPL has secured a variety of grants and donations that have allowed the group to enhance the library through new furnishings, computers, software, outdoor amenities, as well as book and art supplies. Its most recent accomplishment is the establishment of a “Library of Things,” providing a variety of resources residents can check out on loan, rather than purchasing these resources. The list of “things” includes blood pressure monitor, coffee maker, sewing machine, jumper cables, clothes iron and more. The Library of Things collection was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin, secured by the Friends’ Fund Development Community. Another key funder has been the Viroqua Area Foundation, which has supported exterior enhancements such as an outdoor seating area with seating, tables and planters.
In order to ensure the future of the group’s longevity and impact, Friends’ leadership is currently seeking individuals who are interested in joining the board and helping to drive the next round of growth and service to the community. The current leaders will remain as members of the organization. Available positions include board president, vice president and secretary/treasurer, as well as volunteers who can assist the current library director with day-to-day activities at the library, located at 111 Houghton St in De Soto. Those interested in learning more can call the library at 608-648-3593 or send an email inquiry to desotopl@wrlsweb.org.
The De Soto Public Library’s mission is to offer programs and services to the residents that will enrich their lives through book lending services, internet usage and other programming that will enhance its unique position as a community service. The library serves the residents of De Soto, Red Mound, Retreat, Ferryville, Genoa, Victory, Stoddard and the rural areas between these locations, and is a member of the Winding Rivers Library System of Southwest Wisconsin. The library boasts a book collection of over 11,000 and includes adult fiction, children’s, juvenile, young adult and non-fiction sections. Its DVD collection is at 1,900 and includes movies, documentaries, TV series, Classic movies, Westerns and more.
The Friends of the De Soto Library is also regularly seeking new members, who can join at any time by stopping by the library. The group suggests at $20 donation for individuals and $50 for families/households. More information about the group can be found at https://www.libraryfriends.net/
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