EDITOR:

On May 5 at 7 p.m., Escanaba City Council will have its first meeting to review the 2022-2023 budget proposed by its city manager. Included in that budget is a 40% reduction in the allocation for the Escanaba Public Library. It is the only department in the city to have such a significant budget cut.

As the former director of this library (1994-2004), I know this budget cut will have a serious impact on the library’s hours and staffing, services and programming, and ability to purchase books and magazines, audio and video materials.

The proposed reduction was not discussed during budget hearings and library administration had no opportunity for input.

If you are concerned the process of creating a budget for the library and the city, talk with those who are, or should be, involved: the library director and city council. Attend the meeting, write a letter or email. Let them know what the library means to you and to our community. Don’t wait to see if it actually happens. Let them know now you don’t want to happen.

Mary Cary Crawford

Bark River