Anchorage’s mayor has presented two budgets for city libraries, one to maintain the same service levels as 2012, the other to drastically reduce not only programs and hours but even days of service.

Our choice will reveal not only what we are but also what we want to be. A good city is a people fully alive to all that is good.

Public libraries are an essential part of that good, enrich lives in countless ways, are a democratic jewel, and are available, affordable and responsive to all.

 — Sallie and Norman Hogg

Anchorage