To the Journal editor:

I love Marquette. I love the Peter White Public Library. I’ve devoted a considerable portion of my professional life to helping make the library and the city such a great place in which to live and grow up.

It is within this context that I read the Feb. 25 Guest op-ed column by Dr. Michael Coyne in The Mining Journal titled, “Marquette faces challenges but residents, institutions are resilient.”

The notice to repay $30,072.58 to Duke LifePoint-MGH comes at almost the midpoint of the library’s fiscal year. In addition to the money the library must return to the hospital, the library has been alerted to further possible tax tribunal decisions related to a number of businesses in Marquette Township. This liability could approach $40,000 this year.

No, the library has not had to lay off employees due to the repayments of tax monies. However, vacancies are not being filled and most budgets, including the book budget, have been reduced.

This past fall, the library cut its hours of operation by 1 hour per day Monday through Friday in anticipation of Michigan Tax Tribunal decisions affecting Marquette Township.

The recent agonizing decision to close the library on Sundays further reduces library hours by five per week.

While it is true that the 2013-14 repayment to Duke LifePoint-MGH is a small portion of PWPL’s budget, it may be only the tip of an iceberg looming from possible Michigan Tax Tribunal decisions. Preparations must be put into place for this possibility.

The lights may have dimmed, but our spirits are bright and the whole library staff will continue to serve PWPL patrons as faithfully and steadfastly as we have for almost 125 years.

Cathy Sullivan Seblonka

Collection Development/

Reference Librarian

Peter White Public Library

Marquette