By Abbey Kwiatkowski
Marquette, MI – A recently-approved state budget for the Department of Education is forcing Peter White Public Library in Marquette to make a few cutbacks. The new budget was passed last week and includes a 4.2 percent reduction for the library. That's on top of cuts made over the past 3 years that total 62 percent. Library Director Pamela Christensen says the biggest change will be ending the Michi-Card program, a state-wide library card for Michigan residents. Christensen says eliminating the program, which serves 1,500 of the library's patrons, will be a disappointment for many customers. Residents have until December 30th, 2010 to use their Michi-Cards. Christensen says even though the library has done very well for itself and continues to gain customers, funding per person has gone from $1.50 to 57 cents.