Frequently-Asked Questions

Where can I locate health information?
The John and Nettie Mooney Health Resource Center Library, located on the first floor of the La Crosse Clinic, houses a wide range of literature on topics including parenting, childbirth, cancer, mental health, men and women's health, and more.

The John and Nettie Mooney Health Resource Center - East on the first floor of the East Building (in the Radiation/Oncology waiting room) focuses on breast cancer resources, pain management information, ophthalmology and neurological issues.

The Stanek Cancer Resource Library on the second floor of the East Building (in the Hematology/Oncology waiting room) provides extensive information on cancer and its treatment.

The Prairie du Chien Clinic Library in the lobby of the Prairie du Chien Clinic provides consumer health information for patients and members of the Prairie du Chien community. A computer with Internet access is available for public use, and library users may contact the reference librarians at the La Crosse Gundersen Lutheran campus for personalized health information.

The Al & Pauline Weis Health Resource Center on the second floor of the Gundersen Lutheran Clinic in Decorah, IA provides consumer health information for patients and members of the Decorah area. Of special note is a large quantity of eye health information, much of which is available in Spanish. Two computers and a TV/VCR/DVD are accessible to the public. Library users are welcome to contact the reference librarians at the La Crosse Gundersen Lutheran campus for personalized health information.

What are the Health Resource Libraries' hours?
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Who can check out materials from the Health Resource Libraries and for how long?
Anyone can check out materials from the Health Resource Libraries for a period of 3 weeks. Each person may check out a total of 5 items. If no one else is waiting to use an item, you may call or stop by to renew the item for another 3 weeks.

How do I find out what books or videos the libraries own?
Search the Health Resource Libraries Library Catalog.

What can I access on the Health Resource Libraries' computers?
You can access the Internet, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Can I watch a video or listen to a CD or tape in the library?
All of the libraries have equipment to play videotapes or DVDs and some locations also have equipment to play audiotapes. There is software on the library computers to play audio CDs.

Where can I get a cup of coffee or relax between appointments or wait for a friend or family member?
The Mooney Health Resource Center at the La Crosse Gundersen Lutheran campus has a relaxing waiting room and a kitchenette where you can get a cup of coffee, ice water or juice.

Where can I find something relaxing to read?
Patients and family members are welcome to use the Health Resource Libraries' fiction book exchange. This is a simple "take-a-book, leave-a-book" shelf that does not require check-out to borrow items. To donate books in good condition to the fiction book exchange, contact library staff at 775-5995 or hrclibrary@gundluth.org

Who are John & Nettie Mooney?
John & Nettie Mooney's generous gift made possible the creation and endowment of the Health Resource Center. Longtime La Crosse residents, they raised their children here and have been supporting Gundersen Lutheran in many ways for years. John Mooney, who was President and CEO of Western Dressing/Monarch/Richelieu Foods, was a member of the Gundersen Lutheran Board of Trustees, the fourth President of the Medical Foundation, and the first Chairman of the Board. John passed away May 9, 1996, but Nettie is still with us and continues the tradition of generosity.

For whom is the Stanek Cancer Resource Library named?
Muriel (Mae) M. Stanek made one of the very first gifts to the “Building a Home for Hope” campaign for the Cancer Center at Gundersen Lutheran. She wanted a named memorial for her son Daniel who died from cancer in 1997. She also knew that, if possible, she would like to provide a facility like the John and Nettie Mooney Health Resource Center, but for patients and family using the Cancer Center. Her joy in making this a reality was an inspiration to us all.

What is the Medical Museum?
The Medical Museum is a project of the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation and is curated by our volunteer archivist, Dr. Van Elston. The museum, arranged to resemble an old-time doctor's office, contains a selection of medical instruments and documents that show a little of Gundersen Lutheran's past, including a grandfather clock from the Gundersen home, a solid wood examination table, and Civil War medical instruments.

What kind of fish are in the fish tank in the Health Resource Center?
Our colorful fish are all African Cichlids (pronounced sick-lids). The aquarium and the fish were generously donated by Janet Bowe-Hoeschler and family.

Where did you get the sand table in the Health Resource Center?
The magnetic sand table is from People Friendly Places and was graciously donated by Nettie Mooney.

Where did you get the globe in the Health Resource Center?
The large transparent globe, which is hand-blown acrylic, is made by Spherical Concepts as part of their Artline product line. It is the largest Continental model.