Remembering Medora Nelson‑Ferris: A Beacon of Joy in La Crosse
It is with heavy hearts that the La Crosse community mourns the passing of Medora Nelson‑Ferris, the beloved children’s librarian at the La Crosse Public Library whose warmth, creativity, and spirit left a lasting mark on generations of children and families.
While a memorial service has not yet been scheduled, the outpouring of love, remembrances, and heartfelt gratitude is already a testament to how deeply she was cherished.
A Quiet Hero of Imagination and Connection
From newborns and toddlers to teens, Medora’s presence in the library was more than functional—she was a friend, a guide, a bright soul who made every child feel seen. As her library announced:
“Medora was more than a librarian — she was the best friend of children across our city, from newborns to teens. Many will remember her as the librarian who always knew your name, your child’s name, and could pick up a conversation right where you’d left it … Her ability to connect with people was a rare and beautiful gift.”
She had a remarkable talent for turning a routine library visit into an adventure. Whether through themed story hours, dressing up for events, or recommending “that perfect book” to a hesitant reader, Medora invited imaginations to take flight.
Colleagues describe her as a “creative force” whose energy and kindness permeated every corner of the children’s department. Her laughter would echo through the halls; her enthusiasm inspired both staff and families.
The Impact She Carried
1. Building Personal Bonds
One of the things many people mention is how Medora “knew your name” and treated each child individually—as more than just a patron. She fostered trust, stability, and comfort, especially for those children who viewed the library as a safe, welcoming space.
2. Enriching Community Through Story
Her programs—storytime, literacy events, outreach—weren’t just about reading. They were about forming a community, kindling curiosity, and empowering children to see themselves in stories.
For example, the library continues to offer programs such as storytimes for toddlers and preschoolers, extending the spirit of what Medora championed.
3. A Legacy of Compassion in Workplace & Community
Her kindness wasn’t confined to book stacks. In public salary records, Medora Nelson‑Ferris is listed as a City of La Crosse employee, with a 2023 wage of $49,176—reflecting her years of dedicated service.
Her co‑workers recall a person who gave her heart to the library, to children, and to the community—someone whose absence will be felt in every corner of the building she helped make magical.
Grieving, Healing, and Honoring
In light of her passing, the La Crosse Public Library has invited the community to submit stories of Medora, to help preserve her memories for others.
They have also scheduled a special session for children ages 4–10 and their families on “processing grief through play” on October 20 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the library.
While no formal memorial has been announced, the library asks that people hold her coworkers, loved ones, and the many children who adored her in their thoughts during this difficult time.
A Life That Speaks Beyond Its Years
Though Medora’s years were cut short, her legacy is far from diminished. In every storytime, every child who falls in love with a book, every shy reader who finds confidence, her influence lives on.
She taught us that a library is not just a repository of books—but a place of connection, of imagination, of belonging. She modeled how one person’s warmth and dedication can transform lives quietly but indelibly.
To all who walk through the doors of the La Crosse Public Library, Medora’s spirit lingers: in a shelf arranged just so, in a child’s delighted gasp during story hour, in the soft encouragement of a librarian passing along “just the right book.”
May she be remembered, may she be missed—and may we all honor her by caring even more deeply, reading even more kindly, and hearing others with the same compassion she shared so generously.
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