It’s taken awhile but the Peter White Public Library in the city of Marquette is soon opening to the public.

Closed to customer foot traffic since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venerable institution will open its doors on a limited basis.

“We are definitely excited to have people back in the library … to have people on site and in the building,” PWPL director Andrea Ingmire said for a Mining Journal story on the issue. “It is going to look different. That is the biggest thing. What we are going to be able to have available is going to be reduced because there are areas of the building that we just can’t open logistically. But we are going to do the best we can to meet all of the service needs that people have.”

What’s being termed express walk-in hours will be 3 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

Not unreasonably, officials ask that visitors observe the standard social distancing of six feet while inside. And masks will be required for people to want to enter the premises.

“If masks cannot be tolerated, we ask that you consider wearing a bandana or buff instead,” a PWPL press release states. “Those who are medically unable to tolerate a face covering of any kind are welcome to continue utilizing curbside library services.”

Although it’s presently unclear how long the limited hours and access will be in place, we applaud Ingmire and her crew for getting the facility up and running in any form.

In a way that’s rare even for small towns, the Peter White Public Library in Marquette is central to so much that happens around here. Start with basic library functions and services but then add in arts, culture, community gatherings, learning, music and so much more.

We’re pleased it’s back, even in this limited form.

— The Mining Journal