Because of the expanding area of the system, the name changed in 1978 to the Winding Rivers Library System. Winding Rivers receives about 70 percent of its funds from the state through the Department of Public Instruction. Another 25 percent comes from the seven counties that participate in the System. Remaining funds comes from federal and miscellaneous sources. WRLS is governed by a board of trustees whose twenty members are appointed by the county boards of supervisors.
Membership is apportioned as closely as possible by the population of each county.
Please see the map for specific locations. The philosophy behind library systems in Wisconsin is that they will improve library service by strengthening local libraries, WRLS' primary clients, then are the public librarians of the region. WRLS will search for and retrieve materials from throughout the state and the nation. This service is available from any participating service outlet. WRLS handles the ordering, cataloging, and processing of these materials so that when the library receives them they are ready for patron use.