Aug. 18, 2026
VIROQUA Wis. – McIntosh Memorial Library Director Trina Erickson has been recognized by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers at the Executive Residence for embodying neighborly values and her extensive service to the local community.
The recognition is part of the governor’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Neighbor, an initiative celebrating citizens who make outstanding contributions to their local communities. In his State of the State Address, Evers emphasized the critical role of local helpers, including librarians, who support and strengthen their neighborhoods.
“I’m declaring 2026, the Year of the Neighbor, because we could all use a good neighbor, and we could all be better neighbors,” said Evers. “And we’re going to spend the next year celebrating the neighbors who make Wisconsin the great place it is to call home.”
Evers highlighted that Wisconsinites are naturally inclined to support one another in times of need.
“The first responders who answer our call in our darkest hour,” said Evers. “The librarians who help us find our new favorite book. The teachers who comfort, inspire, and educate our kids. The state worker who helped us find and apply for healthcare or job training. The veteran who served our country. The farmer who feeds our families. The nurse taking care of our loved ones. The helpers who work every day to make life just a little bit better for everyone who lives here.”
Evers stated that kindness, empathy, and respect remain the cornerstone of the state’s identity.
“Wisconsinites are helpers by nature. It’s in our DNA,” said Evers. “When things are tough, we roll up our sleeves and get to work. We shovel a driveway or bake a casserole, and we show up for our neighbors. Because we know that, whether it’s unpredictable weather or the unpredictable nature of politics, we’re all in this together, and we’re going to get through it together, not by alienating our neighbors, but by getting to know them, by looking out for one another, and by maintaining our Wisconsin values of kindness, empathy, compassion, and respect. Because it’s the golden rule. Because it’s the right thing to do. Because it’s who we are as Wisconsinites.”
This is not the first time the Library has received statewide recognition. The McIntosh Memorial Library was named the “Best Library in the State of Wisconsin” in 2023. Erickson has been instrumental in how the library engages the community that has achieved a list of significant accolades for launching innovative community programs. The library recently finalized its new five year strategic plan, which was adopted in the fall of 2025 to outline a progressive vision for the institution’s future.
Among its latest accomplishments, the library completed a courtyard transformation and launched the Viroqua Mural Walk on August 14, 2026, using a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The project converted a hot concrete slab into an inviting community space with $24,263 in specialized weighted outdoor furniture, a flat top safety fence, and a $15,000 mural painted by local artist Sarah Peterson of Lucid Painting. The mural features 19 varieties of native prairie plants and a non-native finches to symbolize that all people are welcome at the library. The mural walk creates an interactive loop of nine downtown murals, utilizing QR codes from the company Talking Trails so visitors can listen to recorded interviews of the artists.
Erickson explained that the courtyard project is designed to be an open invitation for residents and visitors to relax and connect.
“The physical transformation at the library involves turning what we’re calling a hot concrete slab into an inviting gathering space,” said Erickson. “Each mural location will have a sign that is part of the talking trails contract so when someone comes up they can scan the QR code and it will tell who the artist is and what the mural represents.”
The library has also established itself as a critical resource for employment and education. Viroqua was selected as the first location in an eight county region to receive a JobPod, a self enclosed, ADA accessible workspace powered by Microsoft. The pod allows job seekers to connect with workforce development professionals, conduct job searches, and participate in online training.
Additionally, the library expanded its programming by converting the old pool pump house shed on Rock Avenue beside the community garden into a new garden tool library.
The library also announced the return of its popular after school program for grades kindergarten through fourth grade for the upcoming school year. The program was previously cancelled in 2025 to redirect staff time, but its return will allow kids to participate in specialized programs like a robotics club.
The library’s innovative approach has earned regional and national attention. Erickson and her staff have been invited to speak at major national library conferences, including events in Chicago and Minneapolis, to share their successful community strategies with peers across the country.
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