reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-307. Investment of fund

22-1-307. Investment of fund.
The moneys held in the library depreciation reserve fund may be invested as provided by law. All interest earned on the fund must be credited to the library depreciation reserve fund.
History: En. 44-231 by Sec. 3, Ch. 78, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 44-231.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-308. Public library -- board of trustees

22-1-308. Public library -- board of trustees.
(1) Upon the establishment of a public library under the provisions of this part, the mayor, with the advice and consent of the city council or city commissioners, shall appoint a board of trustees for the city library and the presiding officer of the board of county commissioners, with the advice and consent of the board, shall appoint a board of trustees for the county library.
(2) The library board must consist of five trustees. Not more than one member of the governing body may be, at any one time, a member of the board.
(3) Trustees shall serve without compensation, but their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties may be paid from library funds.
(4) Trustees shall hold their office for 5 years from the date of appointment and until their successors are appointed. Initially, appointments must be made for 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year terms. Annually thereafter, there must be appointed before July 1 of each year, in the same manner as the original appointments for a 5-year term, a trustee to take the place of the retiring trustee. Trustees may not serve more than two full terms in succession.
(5) Following the appointments, in July of each year, the trustees shall meet and elect a presiding officer and other officers that they consider necessary, for 1-year terms. Vacancies in the board of trustees must be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as original appointments.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-221; amd. Sec. 348, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-309. Trustees -- powers and duties

22-1-309. Trustees -- powers and duties.
The library board of trustees shall have exclusive control of the expenditure of the public library fund, of construction or lease of library buildings, and of the operation and care of the library. The library board of trustees of every public library shall:
(1) adopt bylaws and rules for its own transaction of business and for the government of the library, not inconsistent with law;
(2) establish and locate a central public library and may establish branches thereof at such places as are deemed necessary;
(3) have the power to contract, including the right to contract with regions, counties, cities, school districts, educational institutions, the state library, and other libraries, to give and receive library service, through the boards of such regions, counties, and cities and the district school boards, and to pay out or receive funds to pay costs of such contracts;
(4) have the power to acquire, by purchase, devise, lease or otherwise, and to own and hold real and personal property in the name of the city or county or both, as the case may be, for the use and purposes of the library and to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of property real or personal, when no longer required by the library and to insure the real and personal property of the library;
(5) pay necessary expenses of members of the library staff when on business of the library;
(6) prepare an annual budget, indicating what support and maintenance of the public library will be required from public funds, for submission to the appropriate agency of the governing body. A separate budget request shall be submitted for new construction or for capital improvement of existing library property.
(7) make an annual report to the governing body of the city or county on the condition and operation of the library, including a financial statement. The trustees shall also provide for the keeping of such records as shall be required by the Montana state library in its request for an annual report from the public libraries and shall submit such an annual report to the state library.
(8) have the power to accept gifts, grants, donations, devises, or bequests of property, real or personal, from whatever source and to expend or hold, work, and improve the same for the specific purpose of the gift, grant, donation, devise, or bequest. These gifts, grants, donations, devises, and bequests shall be kept separate from regular library funds and are not subject to reversion at the end of the fiscal year.
(9) exercise such other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for the effective use and management of the library.
History: Ap. p. Sec. 5, Ch. 260, L. 1967; Sec. 44-222, R.C.M. 1947; Ap. p. Sec. 1, Ch. 47, L. 1927; re-en. Sec. 5668.17, R.C.M. 1935; Sec. 11-1006, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 11-1006(part), 44-222.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-310. Chief librarian -- personnel -- compensation

22-1-310. Chief librarian -- personnel -- compensation.
The board of trustees of each library shall appoint and set the compensation of the chief librarian who shall serve as the secretary of the board and shall serve at the pleasure of the board. With the recommendation of the chief librarian, the board shall employ and discharge such other persons as may be necessary in the administration of the affairs of the library, fix and pay their salaries and compensation, and prescribe their duties.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-223.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-311. Use of library -- privileges

22-1-311. Use of library -- privileges.
Every library established under the provisions of this part shall be free to the use of the inhabitants of the city or the county supporting such library. The board may exclude from the use of the library any and all persons who shall willfully violate the rules of the library. The board may extend the privileges and use of the library to persons residing outside of the city or county upon such terms and conditions as it may prescribe by its regulations.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-224.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-312. Cooperation and merger

22-1-312. Cooperation and merger.
Library boards of trustees, boards of other educational institutions, library agencies, and local political subdivisions are hereby empowered to cooperate, merge, or combine in providing library service.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-225.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-313. Existing tax-supported libraries -- notification -- exemption from county taxes

22-1-313. Existing tax-supported libraries -- notification -- exemption from county taxes.
After the establishment of a county free library as provided in this part, the governing body of any city which has an existing tax-supported public library may notify the board of county commissioners that such city does not desire to be a part of the county library system. Such notification shall exempt the property in such city from liability for taxes for county library purposes.
History: En. Sec. 9, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-226.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-314. Continued existence of all public libraries

22-1-314. Continued existence of all public libraries.
All public libraries heretofore established shall continue in existence, subject to the changes in administration provided herein.
History: En. Sec. 12, Ch. 260, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-228.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-315. City library may assume functions of county library

22-1-315. City library may assume functions of county library.
(1) Instead of establishing a separate county free library, the board of county commissioners may enter into a contract with the board of library trustees or other authority in charge of the free public library of any incorporated city, and the board of library trustees or other authority in charge of such free public library is hereby authorized to make such a contract.
(2) Such contract may provide that the free public library of such incorporated city shall assume the functions of a county free library within the county with which such contract is made, and the board of county commissioners may agree to pay out of the county free library fund into the library fund of such incorporated city such sum as may be agreed upon.
(3) Either party to such contract may terminate the same by giving 6 months' notice of intention to do so.
History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 45, L. 1915; re-en. Sec. 4573, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 4573, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 44-211.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-316. Joint city-county library

22-1-316. Joint city-county library.
(1) A county and any city or cities within the county, by action of their respective governing bodies, may join in establishing and maintaining a joint city-county library under the terms of a contract agreed upon by all parties.
(2) The expenses of a joint city-county library must be apportioned between or among the county and cities on the basis agreed upon in the contract.
(3) Subject to 15-10-420, the governing body of any city or county entering into a contract may levy a special tax as provided in 22-1-304 for the establishment and operation of a joint city-county library.
(4) The treasurer of the county or of a participating city within the county, as provided in the contract, has custody of the funds of the joint city-county library, and the other treasurers of the county or cities joining in the contract shall transfer quarterly to the designated treasurer all money collected for the joint city-county library.
(5) The contract must provide for the disposition of property upon dissolution of the joint city-county library.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 273, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 44-219.1; amd. Sec. 124, Ch. 584, L. 1999.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-317. City-county library -- board of trustees

22-1-317. City-county library -- board of trustees.
(1) A joint city-county library must be governed by a board of trustees composed of five members chosen as specified in the contract, with terms not to exceed 5 years.
(2) Trustees may not serve more than two full terms in succession.
(3) Trustees shall serve without compensation, but their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties may be paid from library funds.
(4) Trustees shall meet and elect a presiding officer and other officers that they consider necessary, for 1-year terms.
(5) The board of trustees has the same powers and duties as the board of trustees of a city library or a county library.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 273, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 3, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 44-219.2; amd. Sec. 349, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-325. Short title

22-1-325. Short title.
Sections 22-1-325 through 22-1-331 may be cited as the "Information Access Montana Act".
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 670, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-326. State aid to public libraries

22-1-326. State aid to public libraries.
(1) As used in 22-1-326 through 22-1-331, "public library" means a library created under Title 7 or under 22-1-301 through 22-1-317 or an accredited tribal college library that provides services to the public.
(2) As provided in 22-1-325 through 22-1-329, the commission shall administer state aid to public libraries and public library districts created and operated under part 7 of this chapter. The purposes of state aid are to:
(a) broaden access to existing information by strengthening public libraries and public library districts;
(b) augment and extend services provided by public libraries and public library districts; and
(c) permit new types of library services based on local need.
(3) Money appropriated for the purposes of this section may not be used to supplant general operating funds of recipient public libraries or public library districts. The commission may withhold a distribution to a library or district that receives less support from a mill levy or local government appropriation than its average for the preceding 3 fiscal years if the decrease may reasonably be linked to money received or expected to be received under 22-1-325 through 22-1-329.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 670, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 356, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 203, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 621, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-327. State aid -- per capita -- per square mile

22-1-327. State aid -- per capita -- per square mile.
(1) The commission shall distribute grants to public libraries and public library districts on a per capita and per square mile basis.
(2) The total amount of annual per capita and per square mile funding to public libraries for each fiscal year is the base amount of 50 cents multiplied by the total number of residents of the state as determined by the most recent decennial census of the population produced by the U.S. bureau of the census.
(3) The amount determined under subsection (2) is statutorily appropriated, as provided in 17-7-502, from the general fund to the commission for distribution as state aid to public libraries. (Subsections (2) and (3) terminate July 1, 2029--sec. 4, Ch. 621, L. 2023.)
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 670, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 203, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 244, L. 2013; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 621, L. 2023.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-328. Statewide interlibrary resource-sharing program

22-1-328. Statewide interlibrary resource-sharing program.
The commission shall establish a statewide interlibrary resource-sharing program. The purpose of the program is to administer funds appropriated by the legislature to support and facilitate resource-sharing among libraries in Montana, including but not limited to public libraries, public library districts, libraries operated by public schools or school districts, libraries operated by public colleges or universities, tribal libraries, libraries operated by public agencies for institutionalized persons, and libraries operated by nonprofit, private medical, educational, or research institutions.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 670, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 183, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 47, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-329. Statewide library access program

22-1-329. Statewide library access program.
The commission shall develop a voluntary statewide library access program whereby a participating library may allow access to the library's materials and services by patrons registered and in good standing with another library.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 670, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 47, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-330. Commission rulemaking authority

22-1-330. Commission rulemaking authority.
The commission may adopt rules and procedures for:
(1) the distribution of state aid to public libraries and public library districts on a per capita and per square mile basis, as provided in 22-1-327;
(2) the statewide library access program provided for in 22-1-329;
(3) the statewide interlibrary resource-sharing program provided for in 22-1-328;
(4) distribution of base grants provided for in 22-1-331; and
(5) the composition of the library federation board of trustees, as provided in 22-1-404.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 670, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 183, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 203, L. 2005; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 47, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 3. Free Public Libraries › 22-1-331. Base grants

22-1-331. Base grants.
The commission shall provide a base grant for each public library to support the cooperative activities and services of the six library federations in the state.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 670, L. 1989.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-401. Policy

22-1-401. Policy.
It is the policy of the legislature to encourage the most efficient delivery of library services to the people of Montana. To that end the state should be divided into regions within which libraries desiring to participate in the distribution of such state funding to libraries as may be available from time to time shall organize into library federations to pool resources and information and avoid duplication of effort.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 215, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 357, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 44-131(part).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-402. Library federations -- definition

22-1-402. Library federations -- definition.
(1) A library federation is a combination of libraries serving a multicounty, multicity, or city-county area within a federation area designated by the state library commission. Any other public, school, special, college, or university library or town, city, or county within the federation area may participate in a federation.
(2) The governing body of any library may agree to participate in the federation. The participating entities may retain the autonomy over their respective libraries.
(3) The expense of providing library services for the library federation must be based on funds received from the state or participating libraries.
(4) A participating entity may withdraw from a federation according to the terms for withdrawal provided in the federation's bylaws.
(5) A federation may contract with other federations, libraries, or the state library to provide federation services.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 132, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 357, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 44-212; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 374, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 66, Ch. 387, L. 1995; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 183, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 80, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 73, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-403. Repealed

22-1-403. Repealed.
Sec. 5, Ch. 73, L. 2005.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 132, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 249, L. 1963; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 357, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 44-213; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 80, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-404. Board of trustees -- coordinator

22-1-404. Board of trustees -- coordinator.
(1) In a library federation, there must be a board of trustees, with advisory powers only, appointed according to the federation's bylaws. The state library commission, provided for in 22-1-101, shall adopt rules governing the composition of the federation board of trustees. A majority of the members of each federation board of trustees must be trustees of a public library, as defined in 22-1-326.
(2) The federation membership shall appoint a coordinator of the federation who shall serve as a nonvoting member of the federation board of trustees.
History: (1)En. Sec. 3, Ch. 132, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 10, Ch. 260, L. 1967; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 357, L. 1974; Sec. 44-214, R.C.M. 1947; (2)En. Sec. 2, Ch. 215, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 357, L. 1974; Sec. 44-131, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 44-131(part), 44-214; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 183, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 80, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 73, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-405. Boards of trustees -- authority -- resolution of disagreements

22-1-405. Boards of trustees -- authority -- resolution of disagreements.
(1) The board of trustees of a library federation shall act as an advisor to the participating libraries and their boards of trustees.
(2) Control over the budgets and administrative policies of participating libraries shall remain in their boards of trustees as provided in 22-1-309.
(3) Any disagreement among participants in a library federation regarding the apportionment of funds or grants received from the state library commission shall be resolved by the state library commission.
History: En. 44-214.1 by Sec. 5, Ch. 357, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 44-214.1.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-411. Repealed

22-1-411. Repealed.
Sec. 1, Ch. 355, L. 1981.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 132, L. 1939; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 357, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 44-215.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-412. Purpose

22-1-412. Purpose.
It is the purpose of 22-1-413 and this section to establish a program whereby state funds may be appropriated to the Montana state library commission to provide the benefits of quality public library service to all residents of Montana by developing and strengthening local public libraries through library federations as defined in 22-1-402.
History: En. 44-304 by Sec. 1, Ch. 416, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 44-304; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 373, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 119, Ch. 42, L. 1997.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-413. Administration by Montana state library commission

22-1-413. Administration by Montana state library commission.
The Montana state library commission must receive and shall administer the appropriation for state funding to public library federations. The commission shall allocate the appropriation among grant programs and shall allocate funds among federations according to formulas for distribution as the commission establishes in rules adopted pursuant to 22-1-103. Federations receiving state funds from the commission shall submit annual plans for the expenditure of state funds and report annually to the commission concerning the progress of the various projects for which state funding was received. The reports must contain an accounting for all state funds received.
History: En. 44-305 by Sec. 2, Ch. 416, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 44-305; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 373, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 183, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 80, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-414. Repealed

22-1-414. Repealed.
Sec. 3, Ch. 373, L. 1981.
History: En. 44-306 by Sec. 3, Ch. 416, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 44-306.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-415. Repealed

22-1-415. Repealed.
Sec. 3, Ch. 373, L. 1981.
History: En. 44-307 by Sec. 4, Ch. 416, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 44-307.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 4. Library Systems › 22-1-416. Repealed

22-1-416. Repealed.
Sec. 3, Ch. 373, L. 1981.
History: En. 44-308 by Sec. 5, Ch. 416, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 44-308.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 5. Law Library › 22-1-501. State law library created

22-1-501. State law library created.
The library formerly known as a department of the state library of Montana and called "the law library" is a separate and distinct library designated the "state law library of the state of Montana". The collections of laws, decisions of courts, law reports, textbooks, legal periodicals, and miscellaneous books and journals together with pamphlets, papers, maps, charts, and manuscripts in the law library or belonging to the law library or acquired by or donated to the law library constitute the law library, and the title to all of the property constituting the law library must be in the state of Montana, subject to the custody and control of the library board established in 22-1-502.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 153, L. 1949; R.C.M. 1947, 44-401; amd. Sec. 20, Ch. 16, L. 1991.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 5. Law Library › 22-1-502. Location -- control by board of trustees

22-1-502. Location -- control by board of trustees.
The state law library of the state of Montana shall be located in Helena, Montana, and shall be in the immediate custody and subject to the control of a board of trustees consisting of the chief justice and the justices of the supreme court of the state of Montana.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 153, L. 1949; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 142, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 44-402; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 252, L. 1981.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 5. Law Library › 22-1-503. Authority of board

22-1-503. Authority of board.
The powers and duties of said board are as follows:
(1) to make rules, not inconsistent with law, for the government of the board and for the government and administration of the state law library, including rules designating when and for what periods of time the library shall be open to the public and the office hours of the library;
(2) to appoint a librarian and prescribe the duties of such librarian when not otherwise provided for by law;
(3) to sell or exchange duplicate copies of books and pay the moneys arising therefrom into the state law library fund;
(4) to see that the books and other properties of the library are maintained in good order and repair and are protected from theft or injury;
(5) to draw from the state treasury, at any time when needed for the legitimate expenses in maintaining and operating the library and acquiring books, reports, journals, and other works and properties therefor, including complete sets of statutory laws and codified laws of the United States of America, of the several states of the union, and of other jurisdictions, any moneys in the fund and available for such purposes;
(6) to establish such lawful relations and working arrangements with the library of congress of the United States, with the copyright office therein, and with the superintendent of documents of the United States as may be for the benefit and advantage of the state law library and promote the acquisition of books and other works from such sources as may be useful to those resorting to the facilities of the state law library.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 153, L. 1949; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 93, L. 1969; R.C.M. 1947, 44-403; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 125, L. 1983.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 5. Law Library › 22-1-504. Duties of librarian -- library staff state employees

22-1-504. Duties of librarian -- library staff state employees.
(1) The librarian shall develop and maintain an adequate collection and services to fulfill the needs of library users and shall establish procedures for the maintenance and control of the collection.
(2) The members of the staff of the state law library, except the librarian, are employees of the judicial branch of state government, are subject to classification and compensation as determined by the judicial branch personnel plan adopted by the supreme court under 3-1-130, and must receive state employee benefits and expenses as provided in Title 2, chapter 18.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 153, L. 1949; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 142, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 44-405(2); amd. Sec. 25, Ch. 585, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 5. Law Library › 22-1-505. Use of library

22-1-505. Use of library.
The state law library shall be maintained and operated for the use of the members of the supreme court, the members of the legislature, the several officers of the senate and of the house of representatives, for state officers and employees, for members of the bar of the supreme court of Montana, for members of the bar of supreme courts of other states while in attendance before the supreme court of Montana, and members of the general public agreeing to the rules established by the librarian.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 153, L. 1949; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 142, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 44-405(1).
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 5. Law Library › 22-1-506. Liability for injury to books or failure to return

22-1-506. Liability for injury to books or failure to return.
A person who defaces, tears, or otherwise injures any book or other work or who fails to return any book taken by the person is liable to the state in three times the value of the book if the book is not replaced by a new one or another book of identical title, in good order and condition. A statute of limitations may not ever be effective against the claim of the state under this section.
History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 153, L. 1949; R.C.M. 1947, 44-406; amd. Sec. 350, Ch. 56, L. 2009.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 6. Interstate Library Compact › 22-1-602. Executive officer of state library commission as administrator

22-1-602. Executive officer of state library commission as administrator.
The executive officer of the state library commission shall be the compact administrator of the Interstate Library Compact.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 119, L. 1967; R.C.M. 1947, 44-602.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-701. Public library districts -- purpose -- territory

22-1-701. Public library districts -- purpose -- territory.
(1) The purpose of this part is to provide a method for:
(a) establishing, equipping, administering, and funding public libraries; and
(b) contracting for library services from existing public libraries.
(2) A public library district may contain the entire territory of a county, the territory of part of a county, or territory in more than one county. A public library district may include incorporated municipalities within a county.
(3) The territory included in a public library district must contain a taxable value of at least $5 million.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 92, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-702. Creation or enlargement of public library district

22-1-702. Creation or enlargement of public library district.
(1) Proceedings for the creation or enlargement of a public library district or the conversion of a public library to a public library district may be initiated by:
(a) a petition signed by not less than 15% of the qualified electors who reside within the proposed district or the area to be added to an existing district; or
(b) a resolution of intent adopted by the county governing body, calling for the creation of a district.
(2) The petition must contain:
(a) the boundaries of the proposed public library district;
(b) a map showing the boundaries;
(c) subject to 15-10-420, the proposed maximum property tax mill levy that could be levied on property owners within the district for the operation of the district; and
(d) the proposed number of members on the board of trustees. The number of members must be five or seven.
(3) When the territory to be included in the proposed public library district lies in more than one county, a petition must be presented to the governing body of each county in which the territory lies. Each petition must be signed by not less than 15% of the qualified electors of the territory within the county proposed for inclusion in the district.
(4) Upon receipt of a petition to create a public library district, the county clerk shall examine the petition and within 15 days either reject the petition if it is insufficient under the provisions of subsection (1), (2), or (3) or certify that the petition is sufficient and present it to the county governing body at its next meeting.
(5) The text of the petition must be published as provided in 7-1-2121 in each county in which territory of the proposed public library district lies.
(6) At a hearing on the proposed public library district, the county governing body shall hear testimony:
(a) of all interested persons on whether a district should be created;
(b) regarding the proposed boundary, the property tax mill levy, and the number of members of the board of trustees; and
(c) on any other matter relating to the petition.
(7) After the hearing, if the county governing body determines that the proposed public library district should be created, it shall by resolution:
(a) set the boundaries of the proposed district;
(b) set the maximum mill levy for the proposed district;
(c) set the number of members to be on the board of trustees; and
(d) call for an election on the question of whether to create the district. The election may be:
(i) held in conjunction with a regular or primary election; or
(ii) conducted by mail ballot in accordance with the provisions of Title 13, chapter 19.
History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 203, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-703. Election on creation of district

22-1-703. Election on creation of district.
(1) The election on the question of whether to create a public library district must be conducted in accordance with Title 13, chapter 1, part 5.
(2) Only qualified electors residing within the proposed public library district may vote on the question of whether to create the district.
(3) The question of creating a public library district must be submitted to the electors in substantially the following form:
☐ FOR the creation of a public library district that may levy not more than ... mills of property tax for the operation of the district.
☐ AGAINST the creation of a public library district.
History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 233, Ch. 49, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-704. Formation of public library district -- appointment of initial board of trustees

22-1-704. Formation of public library district -- appointment of initial board of trustees.
(1) If a majority of the votes cast at the election in the territory of each county included in the proposed public library district approve the formation of the district, the governing body of each county shall, within 10 days of the receipt of the official canvass of the result, certify that the district is formed.
(2) Within 30 days after the certification of the formation of the public library district, the governing body of each county with territory included in the district shall jointly appoint the initial members of the district's board of trustees. The members shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified.
History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 92, L. 2001.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-705. Consolidation of existing public libraries and public library districts

22-1-705. Consolidation of existing public libraries and public library districts.
(1) (a) If all or part of the territory served by an existing public library, as defined in 22-1-326, is included within the boundaries of a public library district, the governing body of each county with territory included in the district shall notify the governing body of the city or county that established the public library that the territory served by the library is included in the district boundaries. The governing body of the city or county that established the public library shall hold a public hearing on the question of whether the territory served by the library should be included in the district. If the governing body determines that the territory served by the public library should be consolidated into the district, it shall adopt a resolution, following the public hearing, to that effect. If the governing body of the city or county that established the public library determines that the territory served by the library should not be included in the district, it shall adopt a resolution to that effect and the boundaries of the district must be adjusted to exclude the territory served by the public library.
(b) Any existing bonded indebtedness against the territory served by the public library or the library district remains the indebtedness of the original territory and must be paid by levies on the original territory.
(2) The territory of an existing public library district may be consolidated into a contiguous district upon the adoption of a resolution, following a public hearing, by the board of trustees of each district. The governing board of the county containing the largest percentage of territory in the district shall appoint the board of trustees for the consolidated district. The appointed trustees shall serve until their successors are elected, in accordance with the provisions of 22-1-706.
History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 203, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-707. Duties and powers of board of trustees

22-1-707. Duties and powers of board of trustees.
(1) The board of trustees of a public library district shall:
(a) operate and maintain library property within the district and may conduct programs relating to libraries and make improvements to district property as the board considers appropriate;
(b) prepare annual budgets as required by the county governing body or bodies;
(c) pay necessary expenses of district staff members when on business of the district; and
(d) prepare and submit any records required by the Montana state library.
(2) The board has all powers necessary for the betterment, operation, and maintenance of library property within the territory of the public library district, including establishing library locations. In the exercise of this general grant of powers, the board may:
(a) (i) employ or contract with administrative, professional, or other personnel necessary for the operation of the district; or
(ii) contract with other entities to provide or receive library services and to pay out or receive funds for those library services;
(b) lease, purchase, or contract for the purchase of personal property, including property that after purchase constitutes a fixture on real property;
(c) (i) lease, purchase, or contract for the purchase of buildings and facilities on lands controlled by the district and may own and hold title to the buildings and facilities and equip, operate, and maintain the buildings and facilities; or
(ii) receive by transfer, conditionally or otherwise, from a county or city, the ownership or control of a library building, with all or any part of its property, provided that any existing debt of the governing body transferring the interest tied to the property must remain an obligation of the governing body and may not become an obligation of the district;
(d) adopt by resolution bylaws and rules for the operation and administration of the district;
(e) subject to 15-10-420, establish a property tax mill levy for the operation of the district as provided in 22-1-708;
(f) with the concurrence of the county governing body or bodies, accept donations of land or facilities within the district to be used for district purposes;
(g) accept donations and devises of money or personal property;
(h) establish a library depreciation reserve fund as authorized and described in 22-1-716; and
(i) exercise other powers, not inconsistent with the law, necessary for the operation and management of the district.
History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 203, L. 2005.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-708. Public library district budget -- property tax levy

22-1-708. Public library district budget -- property tax levy.
(1) The board of trustees shall annually prepare a budget for the ensuing fiscal year and present the budget to the governing body of each county with territory in the public library district at the regular budget meetings as prescribed in Title 7, chapter 6, part 40, and certify the amount of money necessary for the operation of the district for the ensuing fiscal year.
(2) Subject to 15-10-420, the county governing body shall, annually at the time of levying county taxes, fix and levy a tax on all taxable property within the public library district sufficient to raise the amount certified by the board of trustees and approved by the electors. The tax levied may not in any year exceed the maximum amount approved by the electorate pursuant to 22-1-703 or 22-1-709.
History: En. Sec. 8, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 235, Ch. 49, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-709. Election to change maximum property tax mill levy

22-1-709. Election to change maximum property tax mill levy.
(1) The maximum property tax mill levy authorized for the operation of a public library district may be changed by an election on the question of changing the maximum mill levy.
(2) A vote on the question of raising or lowering the maximum property tax mill levy in the public library district may be initiated by:
(a) a petition signed by not less than 15% of the electorate of the district; or
(b) a resolution of the board of trustees.
(3) The petition must set forth the proposed new maximum mill levy for the operation of the district.
(4) On receipt of a petition for a change in the maximum mill levy, certified by the county clerk as sufficient under this section, or on receipt of a resolution for a change adopted by the board of trustees, the county governing body shall submit to the electorate of the public library district, at an election held in accordance with Title 13, chapter 1, part 5, a ballot question on changing the maximum mill levy. The question must be submitted to the electors of the district in substantially the following form:
☐ FOR changing the authorized maximum property tax mill levy for the operation of the public library district from .... to ....
☐ AGAINST changing the authorized maximum property tax mill levy for the operation of the public library district.
History: En. Sec. 9, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 236, Ch. 49, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-710. Dissolution of public library district

22-1-710. Dissolution of public library district.
(1) A public library district may be dissolved after an election on the question of dissolving the district. The process of dissolving the district may be initiated by a petition of 15% of the electorate of the district or by a resolution of intent to dissolve the district adopted by either the board of trustees or the governing body of the county in which territory of the district is located.
(2) On receipt of a petition that has been certified by the county clerk as sufficient under this section or upon adoption of a resolution of intent, the county governing body shall hold a public hearing on the question of dissolving the public library district. Notice of the hearing must be published as provided in 7-1-2121.
(3) At the public hearing, the county governing body shall hear testimony of interested persons regarding the dissolution of the public library district. After the public hearing, the county governing body may either submit the question of dissolving the district to the electorate of the district or it may call for a public hearing on the question of altering the boundaries of the district. If the county governing body calls for a public hearing on the question of altering the boundaries of the district by the withdrawal of territory, it shall publish notice of the hearing as provided in 7-1-2121. The notice must state the boundaries of the area proposed to be withdrawn from the district. After hearing testimony at the hearing, the county governing body may submit the question of either dissolving the district or altering the district by the withdrawal of specified territory from the district to the electorate of the district.
(4) The question must be submitted by a resolution calling for an election on either dissolving the public library district or altering the boundaries of the district by the withdrawal of land from the district. The county governing body shall schedule and conduct the election in accordance with Title 13, chapter 1, part 5.
(5) The question of withdrawal of territory under this section must be voted on separately by the electorate of the territory to be withdrawn and the electorate of the balance of the territory of the public library district. The question fails unless a simple majority of those voting on the question in each of the two territories authorize altering the district boundary. If the question passes, the boundary alteration is effective the following January 1. If the question fails, the county governing body shall by resolution call for an election on the question of dissolving the district.
History: En. Sec. 10, Ch. 92, L. 2001; amd. Sec. 237, Ch. 49, L. 2015.
2023 Montana Code Annotated › Title 22. Libraries, Arts, and Antiquities › Chapter 1. Libraries › Part 7. Public Library Districts › 22-1-711. Effect of dissolution

22-1-711. Effect of dissolution.
(1) If dissolution of a public library district is authorized by a majority of the electorate of the district, the county governing body shall order the dissolution and file the order with the county clerk. The dissolution is effective upon the earlier of the following:
(a) 6 months after the date of the filing of the order; or
(b) certification by the board of trustees that all debts and obligations of the district have been paid, discharged, or irrevocably settled.
(2) (a) If debts or obligation of the public library district remain unsatisfied after the dissolution of the district, the county governing body shall, subject to 15-10-420 and for as long as necessary, levy a property tax in an amount not to exceed the amount authorized for the district, on all taxable property that is in the territory formerly comprising the district, to be used to discharge the debts of the former district.
(b) If the electors of the district lowered the maximum amount to be levied for the operation of the district within 2 calendar years prior to the election authorizing the dissolution, the county governing body may, subject to 15-10-420, levy a property tax not to exceed the levy authorized prior to the reduction of the maximum levy for the discharge of the district's obligations.
(3) Any asset of the public library district remaining after all debts and obligations have been discharged becomes the property of the county in which the asset is located.
History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 92, L. 2001.