Minnesota § 609.541 - PROTECTION OF LIBRARY PROPERTY
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 609.541 — PROTECTION OF LIBRARY PROPERTY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 609.541. PROTECTION OF LIBRARY PROPERTY
Subdivision 1.Damage to library materials.
A person who intentionally, and without permission from library personnel damages any books, maps, pictures, manuscripts, films, or other property of any public library or library belonging to the state or to any political subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
Subd. 2.Removal of library property.
A person who intentionally, and without permission from library personnel removes any books, maps, pictures, manuscripts, films, or other property of any public library or library belonging to the state or to any political subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 3.Detention of library materials.
A person who detains a book, periodical, pamphlet, film, or other property belonging to any public library, or to a library belonging to the state or any political subdivision, for more than 60 days after notice in writing to return it, given after the expiration of the library's stated loan period for the material, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. The written notice shall be sent by mail to the last known address of the person detaining the material. The notice shall state the type of material borrowed, the title of the material, the author's name, the library from which the material was borrowed, and the date by which the material was to have been returned to the library. The notice shall include a statement indicating that if the material is not returned within 60 days after the written notice the borrower will be in violation of this section.
Subd. 4.Responsibility for prosecution for regional libraries.
For regional libraries the county attorney for the county in which the offense occurred shall prosecute violations of subdivisions 1 to 3.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 609.541
What does Minnesota Statutes § 609.541 cover?
Section 609.541 ("PROTECTION OF LIBRARY PROPERTY") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. 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 Minnesota § 609.541?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 609.541" (Minnesota). 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 Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 609.541 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota 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 Minnesota.