Maryland § 23-405
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 23-405, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-405.
(a) In addition to any other powers granted or duties imposed by this subtitle, each board of library trustees has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
(b) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each board of library trustees:
(i) Shall establish and operate the library to provide free services to residents of the county in which it is located; and
(ii) May permit persons outside of the county to use the library facilities on the terms and conditions it determines.
(2) In Baltimore City and Baltimore, Charles, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, the board of library trustees in each of these counties may permit a library to charge fees for the rental of media.
(c) Each board of library trustees may:
(1) Establish and operate libraries at any location in the county;
(2) Determine the policy of the library; and
(3) Adopt reasonable rules, regulations, and bylaws for the use of the library and the conduct of its business.
(d) Each board of library trustees may:
(1) Advise in the preparation of, and approve, the library budget;
(2) Receive, account for, control, and supervise, under the rules and regulations of the county governing body, the spending of all public funds received by the library; and
(3) Use the services of the fiscal agencies of the county governing body.
(e) Each board of library trustees shall:
(1) Provide for an audit at least annually, by an accountant approved by the State Librarian of its business and financial transactions and of the accounts of its treasurer;
(2) Make public the results of the annual audit; and
(3) Make an annual report to the county governing body and the State Librarian on or before November 1 of each year, except that a county having a population of more than 500,000 and having a county library agency as provided by § 23–401(b) of this subtitle shall submit their report by January 1. The report shall show:
(i) The amounts of money received from the library fund and other sources;
(ii) The itemized expenses;
(iii) The number of books and periodicals the library has;
(iv) The results of the annual audit; and
(v) Any other information the State Library Board requires.
(f) Each board of library trustees may:
(1) Accept any gift, grant, or appropriation for library purposes from any person under any appropriate terms and conditions;
(2) Own and dispose of these gifts, grants, and appropriations;
(3) Recommend to the county governing body the acquisition, use, or conveyance of property, for any purpose valid under this subtitle;
(4) Select the location of and approve plans for the erection of library buildings, subject to the approval of the county governing body;
(5) Make contracts for any library service with any person; and
(6) Do anything else necessary for the proper control and development of the library.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 23-405
What does Maryland Code § 23-405 cover?
Section 23-405 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 23-405?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 23-405" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 23-405 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.