The Waagax Hakiruxara Hosto Library opened in September 2024 to serve as a space rooted in Indigenous knowledge, culture, and access to often-censored books.

     Now, the library is navigating federal changes that could impact the funding it relies on.

     Located at the District 1 Community Center in Black River Falls, the library uses a unique classification system that reflects community values.

     Books are organized by themes like Ho-Chunk history, Indigenous authors, MMIWP, military service, and traditional foods. A red handprint sticker marks MMIWP titles, the Nation’s seal indicates Ho-Chunk-specific works, and Indian corn highlights books on Indigenous foods.

     “We’re trying to build something that lasts,” said Lucas Quackenbush, the library’s first assistant. “It’s really cool seeing people find books that reflect their identity and stories. That means a lot.”

     The library was created in response to calls from Ho-Chunk elders for a space that removed barriers and honored Indigenous perspectives.

     “We didn’t want barriers,” said lead librarian Leslie Falcon. “We wanted people, especially kids and elders, to come in and find what they needed.”

     Unlike most public libraries, Waagax Hakiruxara Hosto does not use the Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress systems. Its collections are built around topics relevant to the community, including a growing section of banned and challenged books.

     In addition to books, the library hosts cultural programming and creative workshops. With support from the Bureau of Indian Education’s Good Life Grant, Falcon runs Indigenous book and art clubs for Ho-Chunk youth. Students receive books and supplies by mail and meet over Zoom.

     The library’s space also offers hands-on classes in jingle dress sewing, ribbon skirt design, and wool coat-making.

     “The community response has been amazing,” Falcon said. “People have been bringing in donations, books, even furniture. But we still need reliable funding. We’ve made huge progress so far and we don’t want to lose that.”

     That progress is now at risk. In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to scale back operations, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), which provided key startup funds to the library.

     Waagax Hakiruxara Hosto received a $10,000 basic grant and a $140,000 enhancement grant in fiscal year 2024, which supported early infrastructure, book collections, and staffing.

     “It’s kind of a wait-and-see thing going on,” said Barbara Blackdeer-Mackenzie, who has helped guide the library’s development. “But that doesn’t stop our programming. We’re still hiring staff, buying books, improving the space, but we’re doing it with the hope that the reimbursement will still come. And now, we’re not sure it will.”

     Quackenbush’s position is one of several directly funded by the grant. Without that funding, Falcon said, “We wouldn’t have been able to hire our assistant. And I need help. This is a library that would normally have four or five people working in it. I’m doing four different jobs in one.”

     The executive order has raised concerns for tribal museums, archives, and libraries across the country that rely on IMLS funding for basic operations and long-term planning.

     In response, the library’s nonprofit board, led by elder Janice Rice, began advocating for the preservation of IMLS.

     Rice has sent letters to Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, and Representative Mark Pocan, urging them to protect the agency. The board is also seeking new partnerships and alternative funding sources.

     “Most of what we put into our enhancement grant was about long-term growth,” Blackdeer said. “Digitization, connecting with other libraries, content creation. If we lose IMLS, those efforts slow down, stall, or stop.”

     The potential loss also affects Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums (TLAM) students from UW–Madison who’ve contributed to the library’s development.

     “This library feels really welcoming,” said Cedar Woodward, a TLAM student who’s helped with cataloging and support. “Tribal libraries like this matter because they offer access to knowledge and culture in a space where people feel seen. Not every public library does that.”

     Despite the uncertainty, the work at Waagax Hakiruxara Hosto continues. New books still arrive, cultural events are still held, and community members still come through the doors.

     “Sometimes people just come in to sit,” Falcon said. “They’ve had a bad day. They just want to be in a place that feels like home. That’s what this library is, it’s home.”