Pennsylvania § 9318 - Local library governance.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9318 — Local library governance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9318. Local library governance.

(a) Board of library directors.--The following shall apply:

(1) A local library established under this chapter or the former act of June 14, 1961 (P.L.324, No.188), known as The Library Code, shall be governed exclusively by a board of library directors as follows:

(i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii), the board shall be composed of not fewer than five nor more than seven members.

(ii) If two or more municipalities contribute to the establishment of, maintenance of and aid to a local library, the municipalities may appoint a maximum of nine members to serve on the board as they mutually agree.

(2) The municipal officers of a municipality shall appoint a majority of the members of the local library board if the municipality maintains or aids a local library that is established:

(i) after June 14, 1961; and

(ii) by deed, gift or testamentary provision or in any manner other than under section 9351 (relating to financial support for libraries authorized) or 9352 (relating to popular subscription).

(3) The municipal officers of a municipality shall not appoint more than two members of the local library board if the municipality maintains or aids a local library that was established prior to June 14, 1961, by deed, gift or testamentary provision or by any association, corporation or group.

(b) Appointment; terms of office.--

(1) The municipal officers of the municipality in which the local library is established shall appoint any members of the board and fill any vacancies on the board that they are authorized to appoint in subsection (a).

(2) A library director shall serve for a term of three years or until a successor is appointed.

(3) A vacancy on the board shall be filled for the unexpired term.

(c) Compensation.--No member of the board shall receive any salary for service as a director.

(d) Officers and agents.--The board shall elect a president, secretary and treasurer from its membership and any other officers and agents that the board deems necessary.

(e) Bond.--The treasurer of the board shall obtain a bond in an amount to be determined by the board to provide satisfactory surety to the municipality.

(f) Control of all funds.--Any money appropriated for the establishment or maintenance of a local library and all moneys, if any, received from other sources for the use of the library shall be under the exclusive control of and disbursed under the direction of the board.

(g) Cooperative plans.--The board may contract with the board of directors of another library to establish a cooperative plan for improving library services.

(h) Annual report.--The following shall apply:

(1) The board and any library receiving municipal appropriations shall make an annual report to the proper municipal authorities of:

(i) Any moneys received by the library from the municipality.

(ii) Any disbursements of moneys received by the library from the municipality.

(iii) The accounts of the treasurer of the board, which shall be audited in the same manner as other municipal expenditures.

(2) The annual report shall include:

(i) An itemized statement of all receipts from all sources.

(ii) All expenditures.

(iii) A description of the condition of the library and any branches.

(iv) An accounting of the volumes, maps, pamphlets and other materials of the library, including:

(A) The total number of materials in the library's possession.

(B) The number of materials added by purchase, gift or otherwise.

(C) The number of materials lost or withdrawn.

(v) The number of registered borrowers and readers.

(vi) A statement of the circulation of materials.

(vii) Any other information and suggestions as the board desires.

(3) A copy of each annual report shall be sent to the State Library.

Cross References. Section 9318 is referred to in sections 9315, 9352 of this title.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 9318

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9318 cover?

Section 9318 ("Local library governance.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 9318?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 9318" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 9318 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.