Library Highlights Community Health Efforts

The La Crosse Public Library is celebrating the impact of its community health initiatives this summer through the work of Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) intern Jenna Tuinstra.

Community health focuses on helping residents thrive by ensuring people have access to the resources, information, and support they need in daily life. This includes early learning, housing stability, food access, social connection, and the ability to seek help without stigma. As a free and welcoming space for all, the Library continues to strengthen these community supports through partnerships, programming, and outreach.

"Public libraries are uniquely positioned to connect people with the resources they need to succeed," said Cole Zrostlik, Children and Families Supervisor at the La Crosse Public Library. "Whether it's supporting early literacy, connecting families to community services, or simply providing a welcoming place to learn, create, and belong, this work is an important part of building a healthier community."

Tuinstra, who is studying Public Health and Community Health Education at UW–La Crosse, spent the summer supporting several Library initiatives designed to improve community well-being.

Her projects included updating materials for a forthcoming Thousand Books Before Kindergarten program that will better meet families' needs and make participation more accessible. She also assisted with Lunch Club, welcoming families, distributing lunches, and providing activities for children while meals were served through partnerships with The Salvation Army and the YMCA.

In partnership with REACH, Tuinstra supported TNT in the Tenant-Landlord Resource Office by helping residents navigate housing applications and connect with available services. She also created a community resource display featuring information on housing, food access, mental health, transportation, and family support services, encouraging residents to explore local resources and seek assistance without stigma.

"My experience at the Library showed me how much public libraries contribute to community health beyond books," said Tuinstra. "I was grateful for the opportunity to work directly with families and help connect people with resources that can make a real difference in their lives."

The Library's work this summer reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting lifelong learning, strengthening families, and fostering a healthier, more connected La Crosse community through collaboration and accessible public services.

The La Crosse Public Library provides opportunities to discover, create, and connect by offering free access to information, lifelong learning, technology, and community resources that enrich the lives of residents throughout the La Crosse area.

Wisconsin AHEC offers a variety of education and training programs designed to increase the distribution of the healthcare workforce and enhance healthcare quality and delivery in communities across Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Wisconsin AHEC’s Community Health Internship Program (CHIP) matches college students with an interest in community health to local health departments, tribal health centers, community health centers and community service organizations throughout urban and rural Wisconsin for an eight-week summer internship. More info at https://ahec.wisc.edu/chip/.