The Library is governed by a seven member Board, two of whom are appointed by the Board of Commissioners of the Indianapolis Public Schools, three by the Commissioners of Marion County, and two by the CityCounty Council, to serve staggered terms of four years each.
Members serve without compensation.
The Board levies its own taxes, adopts its own resolutions having the effect of local law governing library matters, and issues its own general obligation bonds subject to approval of the State Board of Tax Commissioners.