reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.210 - Library trustees—Organization—Bylaws—Powers and duties.

RCW 27.12.210
Library trustees—Organization—Bylaws—Powers and duties.
The trustees, immediately after their appointment or election, shall meet and organize by the election of such officers as they deem necessary. They shall:
(1) Adopt such bylaws, rules, and regulations for their own guidance and for the government of the library as they deem expedient;
(2) Have the supervision, care, and custody of all property of the library, including the rooms or buildings constructed, leased, or set apart therefor;
(3) Employ a librarian, and upon his or her recommendation employ such other assistants as may be necessary, all in accordance with the provisions of *RCW 27.08.010, prescribe their duties, fix their compensation, and remove them for cause;
(4) Submit annually to the legislative body a budget containing estimates in detail of the amount of money necessary for the library for the ensuing year; except that in a library district the board of library trustees shall prepare its budget, certify the same and deliver it to the board of county commissioners in ample time for it to make the tax levies for the purpose of the district;
(5) Have exclusive control of the finances of the library;
(6) Accept such gifts of money or property for library purposes as they deem expedient;
(7) Lease or purchase land for library buildings;
(8) Lease, purchase, or erect an appropriate building or buildings for library purposes, and acquire such other property as may be needed therefor;
(9) Purchase books, periodicals, maps, and supplies for the library; and
(10) Do all other acts necessary for the orderly and efficient management and control of the library.
[ 2011 c 336 § 703; 1982 c 123 § 9; 1941 c 65 § 8; 1935 c 119 § 9; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 8226-9. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 5; 1901 c 166 § 5.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 27.08.010 was repealed by 1987 c 330 § 402. See RCW 27.04.055 for qualifications of librarians.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.212 - Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.

RCW 27.12.212
Community revitalization financing—Public improvements.
In addition to other authority that a rural county library district or intercounty rural library district possesses, a rural county library district or an intercounty rural library district may provide any public improvement as defined under RCW 39.89.020, but this additional authority is limited to participating in the financing of the public improvements as provided under RCW 39.89.050.
This section does not limit the authority of a rural county library district or intercounty rural library district to otherwise participate in the public improvements if that authority exists elsewhere.
[ 2001 c 212 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.215 - Job recruitment expenditures authorized.

RCW 27.12.215
Job recruitment expenditures authorized.
The trustees of a library or a library district have the authority to spend funds to recruit job candidates. The trustees have the authority to reimburse job candidates for reasonable and necessary travel expenses including transportation, subsistence, and lodging.
[ 1979 ex.s. c 40 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.220 - Rural, island, and intercounty rural districts—Budget for capital outlays—Accumulation of funds.

RCW 27.12.220
Rural, island, and intercounty rural districts—Budget for capital outlays—Accumulation of funds.
The trustees of any rural county library district, any island library district, or any intercounty rural library district may include in the annual budget of such district an item for the accumulation during such year of a specified sum of money to be expended in a future year for the acquisition, enlargement or improvement of real or personal property for library purposes.
[ 1982 c 123 § 10; 1947 c 22 § 1; Rem. Supp. 1947 § 8246a.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.222 - Rural, island, and intercounty rural districts—General obligation bonds—Excess levies.

RCW 27.12.222
Rural, island, and intercounty rural districts—General obligation bonds—Excess levies.
A rural county library district, intercounty rural library district, or island library district may contract indebtedness and issue general obligation bonds not to exceed an amount, together with any outstanding nonvoter approved general obligation indebtedness, equal to one-tenth of one percent of the value of the taxable property within the district, as the term "value of the taxable property" is defined in RCW 39.36.015. The maximum term of nonvoter approved general obligation bonds shall not exceed twenty years. A rural county library district, island library district, or intercounty rural library district may additionally contract indebtedness and issue general obligation bonds for capital purposes only, together with any outstanding general indebtedness, not to exceed an amount equal to one-half of one percent of the value of the taxable property within the district, as the term "value of the taxable property" is defined in RCW 39.36.015 whenever a proposition authorizing the issuance of such bonds has been approved by the voters of the district pursuant to RCW 39.36.050, by three-fifths of the persons voting on the proposition at which election the number of persons voting on the proposition shall constitute not less than forty percent of the total number of votes cast in such taxing district at the last preceding general election. If the voters shall so authorize at an election held pursuant to RCW 39.36.050, the district may levy annual taxes in excess of normal legal limitations to pay the principal and interest upon such bonds as they shall become due. The excess levies mentioned in this section or in RCW 84.52.052 or 84.52.056 may be made notwithstanding anything contained in RCW 27.12.050 or 27.12.150 or any other statute pertaining to such library districts.
[ 2020 c 207 § 1; 1984 c 186 § 8; 1982 c 123 § 11; 1970 ex.s. c 42 § 3; 1955 c 59 § 1.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1984 c 186: See note following RCW 39.46.110.
Severability—Effective date—1970 ex.s. c 42: See notes following RCW 39.36.015.
Island library districts—Tax levies: RCW 27.12.420.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.223 - Bonds—Sale—Security for deposit.

RCW 27.12.223
Bonds—Sale—Security for deposit.
Bonds authorized by RCW 27.12.222 shall be issued and sold in accordance with chapter 39.46 RCW. All such bonds shall be legal securities for any bank or trust company for deposit with the state treasurer or any county or city treasurer as security for deposits in lieu of a surety bond under any law relating to deposits of public moneys.
[ 1984 c 186 § 9; 1983 c 167 § 20; 1970 ex.s. c 56 § 6; 1969 ex.s. c 232 § 4; 1955 c 59 § 2.]
NOTES:
Purpose—1984 c 186: See note following RCW 39.46.110.
Liberal construction—Severability—1983 c 167: See RCW 39.46.010 and note following.
Purpose—1970 ex.s. c 56: See note following RCW 39.52.020.
Validation—Saving—Severability—1969 ex.s. c 232: See notes following RCW 39.52.020.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.240 - Annual appropriations—Control of expenditures.

RCW 27.12.240
Annual appropriations—Control of expenditures.
After a library shall have been established or library service contracted for, the legislative body of the governmental unit for which the library was established or the service engaged, shall appropriate money annually for the support of the library. All funds for the library, whether derived from taxation or otherwise, shall be in the custody of the treasurer of the governmental unit, and shall be designated by him or her in some manner for identification, and shall not be used for any but library purposes. The board of trustees shall have the exclusive control of expenditures for library purposes subject to any examination of accounts required by the state and money shall be paid for library purposes only upon vouchers of the board of trustees, without further audit. The board shall not make expenditures or incur indebtedness in any year in excess of the amount of money appropriated and/or available for library purposes.
[ 2011 c 336 § 704; 1965 c 122 § 4; 1941 c 65 § 9; 1939 c 108 § 3; 1935 c 119 § 10; Rem. Supp. 1941 § 8226-10. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 3; 1901 c 166 § 3. Formerly RCW 27.12.240 and 27.12.250.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.260 - Annual report of trustees.

RCW 27.12.260
Annual report of trustees.
At the close of each year the board of trustees of every library shall make a report to the legislative body of the governmental unit wherein the board serves, showing the condition of their trust during the year, the sums of money received for the library fund from taxes and other sources, the sums of money expended and the purposes of the expenditures, the number of books and periodicals on hand, the number added during the year, the number retired, the number loaned out, and such other statistics and information and such suggestions as they deem of public interest. A copy of this report shall be filed with the state librarian.
[ 1935 c 119 § 12; RRS § 8226-12. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 8; 1901 c 166 § 8.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.270 - Rules and regulations—Free use of libraries.

RCW 27.12.270
Rules and regulations—Free use of libraries.
Every library established or maintained under *this act shall be free for the use of the inhabitants of the governmental unit in which it is located, subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as the trustees find necessary to assure the greatest benefit to the greatest number, except that the trustees may charge a reasonable fee for the use of certain duplicate copies of popular books.
[ 1935 c 119 § 13; RRS § 8226-13. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 9, part; 1901 c 166 § 9, part.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: Term "this act" was first used in basic act, 1935 c 119 and appeared in subsequent amendments. Chapter 119, Laws of 1935 was codified in RCW 27.08.010, 27.12.010 through 27.12.080, 27.12.180 through 27.12.210, 27.12.230 through 27.12.280, 27.12.290 through 27.12.320, 27.12.330, and 27.12.340.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.280 - Use by nonresidents—Exchange of books.

RCW 27.12.280
Use by nonresidents—Exchange of books.
The board of trustees of a library, under such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary and upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon, may allow nonresidents of the governmental unit in which the library is situated to use the books thereof, and may make exchanges of books with any other library, either permanently or temporarily.
[ 1935 c 119 § 14; RRS § 8226-14. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 10; 1901 c 166 § 10.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.285 - Library services for Indian tribes.

RCW 27.12.285
Library services for Indian tribes.
The legislature finds that it is necessary to give the several boards of library trustees in this state additional powers in order to effectuate the state's policy with regard to libraries as set forth in RCW 27.12.020. On and after March 27, 1975 the board of library trustees in any county of this state, in addition to any other powers and duties, is hereby authorized to provide library services to Indian tribes recognized as such by the federal government or to supplement any existing library services of such an Indian tribe. The power granted by this section shall extend beyond the geographic limits of the library district and the county or counties in which the district is located.
[ 1975 c 50 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.290 - Violators may be excluded.

RCW 27.12.290
Violators may be excluded.
A board of library trustees may exclude from the use of the library under its charge any person who wilfully and persistently violates any rule or regulation prescribed for the use of the library or its facilities or any person whose physical condition is deemed dangerous or offensive to other library users.
[ 1935 c 119 § 15; RRS § 8226-15. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 9, part; 1901 c 166 § 9, part.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.300 - Gifts—Title to property.

RCW 27.12.300
Gifts—Title to property.
The title to money or property given to or for the use or benefit of a library shall vest in the board of trustees, to be held and used according to the terms of the gift.
[ 1935 c 119 § 18; RRS § 8226-18. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 20; 1901 c 166 § 20.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.305 - Sale of library materials authorized—Disposition of proceeds.

RCW 27.12.305
Sale of library materials authorized—Disposition of proceeds.
Any public library, including the state library created pursuant to chapter 27.04 RCW, shall have the authority to provide for the sale of library materials developed by the library staff for its use but which are of value to others such as book catalogs, books published by the library, indexes, films, slides, book lists, and similar materials.
The library commission, board of library trustees, or other governing authority charged with the direct control of a public library shall determine the prices and quantities of materials to be prepared and offered for sale. Prices shall be limited to the publishing and preparation costs, exclusive of staff salaries and overhead. Any moneys received from the sales of such materials shall be placed in the appropriate library fund.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any library to charge any resident for a library service nor to authorize any library to sell materials to a branch library or library which is part of a depository library system when such materials may be distributed free of cost to such library nor shall this section be construed to prevent, curtail, or inhibit any free distribution programs or exchange programs between libraries or between libraries and other agencies.
[ 1972 ex.s. c 90 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.310 - Charter provisions superseded.

RCW 27.12.310
Charter provisions superseded.
Every existing free public library shall be considered as if established under *this act, and the board of trustees and the legislative body of the governmental unit in which the library is located shall proceed forthwith to make such changes as may be necessary to effect compliance with the terms hereof; and every existing contract for library service shall continue in force and be subject to *this act until the contract be terminated or a library be established by the governmental unit for which the service was engaged. The provisions of *this act shall be construed as superseding the provisions of any municipal charter in conflict herewith.
[ 1935 c 119 § 19; RRS § 8226-19.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: For "this act," see note following RCW 27.12.270.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.321 - School district public libraries abolished—Disposition of assets.

RCW 27.12.321
School district public libraries abolished—Disposition of assets.
School district public libraries organized under chapter 119, Laws of 1935, as amended prior to *this 1965 amendatory act, are hereby abolished as of January 1, 1966.
All assets belonging to any school district public library abolished by this section shall go to the rural county library district of the county in which the school district public library is located.
[ 1965 c 122 § 6.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note: For codification of "this 1965 amendatory act" [1965 ex.s. c 122], see Codification Tables.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.330 - Penalty for injury to property.

RCW 27.12.330
Penalty for injury to property.
Whoever intentionally injures, defaces, or destroys any property belonging to or deposited in any public library, reading room, or other educational institution, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
[ 1935 c 119 § 16; RRS § 8226-16. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 11; 1901 c 166 § 11.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.340 - Wilfully retaining books—Infraction.

RCW 27.12.340
Wilfully retaining books—Infraction.
It is a class 4 civil infraction for any person to wilfully retain any book, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, manuscript, or other property belonging in or to any public library, reading room, or other educational institution, for thirty days after notice in writing to return the same, given after the expiration of the time that by the rules of such institution such article or other property may be kept.
[ 1987 c 456 § 29; 1935 c 119 § 17; RRS § 8226-17. Prior: 1909 c 116 § 12; 1901 c 166 § 12.]
NOTES:
Legislative finding—1987 c 456: See RCW 7.80.005.
Effective date—1987 c 456 §§ 9-31: See RCW 7.80.901.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.350 - Executory conditional sales contracts for purchase of property—Limit on indebtedness—Election, when.

RCW 27.12.350
Executory conditional sales contracts for purchase of property—Limit on indebtedness—Election, when.
See RCW 39.30.010.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.360 - Annexation of city or town into rural county library district, island library district, or intercounty rural library district—Initiation procedure.

RCW 27.12.360
Annexation of city or town into rural county library district, island library district, or intercounty rural library district—Initiation procedure.
Any city or town with a population of three hundred thousand or less at the time of annexation may become a part of any rural county library district, island library district, or intercounty rural library district lying contiguous thereto by annexation in the following manner: The inclusion of such a city or town may be initiated by the adoption of an ordinance by the legislative authority thereof stating its intent to join the library district and finding that the public interest will be served thereby. Before adoption, the ordinance shall be submitted to the library board of the city or town for its review and recommendations. If no library board exists in the city or town, the state librarian shall be notified of the proposed ordinance. If the board of trustees of the library district concurs in the annexation, notification thereof shall be transmitted to the legislative authority or authorities of the counties in which the city or town is situated.
[ 2009 c 40 § 1; 1982 c 123 § 13; 1981 c 26 § 3; 1977 ex.s. c 353 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.370 - Annexation of city or town into library district—Special election procedure.

RCW 27.12.370
Annexation of city or town into library district—Special election procedure.
The county legislative authority or authorities shall by resolution call a special election to be held in such city or town at the next special election date according to RCW 29A.04.321, and shall cause notice of such election to be given as provided for in RCW 29A.52.355.
The election on the annexation of the city or town into the library district shall be conducted by the auditor of the county or counties in which the city or town is located in accordance with the general election laws of the state and the results thereof shall be canvassed by the canvassing board of the county or counties. No person shall be entitled to vote at such election unless he or she is registered to vote in said city or town for at least thirty days preceding the date of the election. The ballot proposition shall be in substantially the following form:
"Shall the city or town of . . . . . . be annexed to and be a part of . . . . . . library district?
YES
. . . .
□
NO
. . . .
□"
If a majority of the persons voting on the proposition shall vote in favor thereof, the city or town shall thereupon be annexed and shall be a part of such library district.
[ 2011 c 10 § 78; 2006 c 344 § 19; 1982 c 123 § 14; 1977 ex.s. c 353 § 2.]
NOTES:
Notice to registered poll voters—Elections by mail—2011 c 10: See note following RCW 29A.04.008.
Effective date—2006 c 344 §§ 1-16 and 18-40: See note following RCW 29A.04.311.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.380 - Annexation of city or town into library district—Withdrawal of annexed city or town.

RCW 27.12.380
Annexation of city or town into library district—Withdrawal of annexed city or town.
The legislative body of such a city or town which has annexed to such a library district, may, by resolution, present to the voters of such city or town a proposition to withdraw from said library district at any general election held at least three years following the annexation to the library district.
[ 1982 c 123 § 15; 1977 ex.s. c 353 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.390 - Annexation of city or town into library district—Tax levies.

RCW 27.12.390
Annexation of city or town into library district—Tax levies.
The annual tax levy authorized by RCW 27.12.050, 27.12.150, and 27.12.420 shall be imposed throughout the library district, including any city or town annexed thereto. Any city or town annexed to a rural library district, island library district, or intercounty rural library district shall be entitled to levy up to three dollars and sixty cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation less any regular levy made by such library district in the incorporated area, notwithstanding any other provision of law: PROVIDED, That the limitations upon regular property taxes imposed by chapter 84.55 RCW shall apply.
[ 1982 c 123 § 16; 1977 ex.s. c 353 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.395 - Annexation of city or town into library district—Assumption of liabilities.

RCW 27.12.395
Annexation of city or town into library district—Assumption of liabilities.
(1) All liabilities of a city or town that is annexed to a rural county library district or intercounty rural library district, which liabilities were incurred for the purpose of or in the course of acquiring, operating, or maintaining a library or libraries, may, if provided for in the ordinance providing for annexation and in the resolution of the district consenting to annexation, pass to and be assumed by the rural county library district or intercounty rural library district. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the city or town has incurred any voted bonded indebtedness for the purpose of acquiring, operating, or maintaining a library or libraries, and if the indebtedness is outstanding at the time of the annexation, the voted bonded indebtedness shall not be assumed by the annexing district.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the annexed city or town has outstanding at the time of the annexation any voted bonded indebtedness incurred for the purpose of acquiring, operating, or maintaining a library or libraries, a special election may be called by the board of trustees of the rural county library district or intercounty rural library district, to be held at the next general or special election held in the applicable county or counties, for the purpose of affording the voters residing within the area of the district outside the annexed city or town an opportunity to assume the voted bonded indebtedness of the annexed city or town upon the assent of three-fifths of the voters.
[ 1985 c 392 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.400 - Island library districts—Establishment—Procedure.

RCW 27.12.400
Island library districts—Establishment—Procedure.
The procedure for the establishment of an island library district shall be as follows:
(1) Petitions signed by at least ten percent of the registered voters of the island, outside of the area of incorporated cities and towns, asking that the question, "Shall an island library district be established?" be submitted to a vote of the people of the island, shall be filed with the board of county commissioners.
(2) The board of county commissioners, after having determined that the petitions were signed by the requisite number of qualified petitioners, shall place the proposition for the establishment of an island library district on the ballot for the vote of the people of the island, outside incorporated cities and towns, at the next succeeding general or special election.
(3) If a majority of those voting on the proposition vote in favor of the establishment of the island library district, the board of county commissioners shall forthwith declare it established.
[ 1982 c 123 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.410 - Island library districts—Restrictions on establishment.

RCW 27.12.410
Island library districts—Restrictions on establishment.
An island library district may not be established if there is in existence a library district serving all of the area of the county not included within the area of incorporated cities and towns.
[ 1982 c 123 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.420 - Island library districts—Board of trustees—Tax levies.

RCW 27.12.420
Island library districts—Board of trustees—Tax levies.
Immediately following the establishment of an island library district, the board of county commissioners shall appoint a board of library trustees for the district in accordance with RCW 27.12.190. The board of trustees shall appoint a librarian for the district.
Funds for the establishment and maintenance of the library service of the district shall be provided by the board of county commissioners by means of an annual tax levy on the property in the district of not more than fifty cents per thousand dollars of assessed value per year. The tax levy shall be based on a budget to be compiled by the board of trustees of the island library district who shall determine the tax rate necessary and certify their determination to the board of county commissioners.
Excess levies authorized pursuant to RCW 27.12.222, 84.52.052, or 84.52.056 shall be at a rate determined by the board of trustees of the island library district and certified to the board of county commissioners.
[ 1982 c 123 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.430 - Island library districts—Name may be adopted.

RCW 27.12.430
Island library districts—Name may be adopted.
The board of trustees of an island library district may adopt a name by which the district shall be known and under which it shall transact all of its business.
[ 1982 c 123 § 6.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.440 - Island library districts—Powers and limitations for indebtedness.

RCW 27.12.440
Island library districts—Powers and limitations for indebtedness.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, island library districts and the trustees thereof shall have the same powers and limitations as are prescribed by RCW 27.12.060 through 27.12.070 for rural county library districts and shall follow the same procedures and be subject to the same limitations as are provided therein with respect to the contracting of indebtedness.
[ 1982 c 123 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.12 - Public Libraries. › 27.12.450 - Island library districts—Dissolution, when.

RCW 27.12.450
Island library districts—Dissolution, when.
If after an island library district serving a single island has been established, a rural county library district serving all of the area of the county not included within the area of incorporated cities and towns is established as provided in RCW 27.12.040, the district serving the single island in the county shall be dissolved.
[ 1982 c 123 § 7.]
NOTES:
Dissolution of library districts: RCW 27.12.320.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.005 - Findings.

RCW 27.15.005
Findings.
The legislature finds that it is in the interests of the people of the state of Washington to be able to establish library capital facility areas as quasi-municipal corporations and independent taxing units existing within the boundaries of existing rural county library districts, rural intercounty library districts, rural partial-county library districts, or island library districts, for the purpose of financing the construction of capital library facilities.
[ 1995 c 368 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.010 - Definitions.

RCW 27.15.010
Definitions.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Library district" means rural county library district, rural intercounty library district, rural partial-county library district, or island library district.
(2) "Library capital facility area" means a quasi-municipal corporation and independent taxing authority within the meaning of Article VII, section 1 of the state Constitution, and a taxing district within the meaning of Article VII, section 2 of the state Constitution, created by a county legislative authority of one or several counties. A library capital facility area may include all or a portion of a city or town.
(3) "Library capital facilities" includes both real and personal property including, but not limited to, land, buildings, site improvements, equipment, furnishings, collections, and all necessary costs related to acquisition, financing, design, construction, equipping, and remodeling.
[ 1995 c 368 § 2.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.020 - Request to establish library capital facility area—Ballot proposition.

RCW 27.15.020
Request to establish library capital facility area—Ballot proposition.
(1) Upon receipt of a completed written request to both establish a library capital facility area and submit a ballot proposition under RCW 27.15.050 to finance library capital facilities, that is signed by a majority of the members of the board of trustees of a library district or board of trustees of a city or town library, the county legislative authority or county legislative authorities for the county or counties in which a proposed library capital facility area is to be established must submit a ballot proposition to voters to establish the proposed library capital facility area and authorize the library capital facility area to finance library capital facilities by issuing general indebtedness and imposing excess levies to retire the indebtedness. The ballot proposition must be submitted to voters at a general or special election. If the proposed election date is not a general election, the county legislative authority is encouraged to request an election when another unit of local government with territory located in the proposed library capital facility area is already holding a special election under RCW 29A.04.330. The ballot proposition must be approved by a supermajority vote.
(2) A completed request submitted under this section must include: (a) A description of the boundaries of the library capital facility area; and (b) a copy of the resolution of the legislative authority of each city or town, and board of trustees of each library district, with territory included within the proposed library capital facility area indicating both: (i) Its approval of the creation of the proposed library capital facility area; and (ii) agreement on how election costs will be paid for submitting the ballot proposition to voters.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a supermajority vote means the affirmative vote of a three-fifths majority of those voting on the proposition, and the total number of persons voting on the proposition must be at least 40 [forty] percent of the voters in the proposed library capital facility area who voted in the last preceding statewide general election.
[ 2020 c 207 § 2; 2015 c 53 § 4; 1996 c 258 § 1; 1995 c 368 § 3.]
NOTES:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.030 - Governing body.

RCW 27.15.030
Governing body.
The governing body of the library capital facility area shall be three members of the county legislative authority from each county in which the library capital facility area is located. In counties that have more than three members of their legislative body, the three members who shall serve on the governing body of the library capital facility area shall be chosen by the full membership of the county legislative authority. Where the library capital facility area is located in more than one county, a county may be represented by less than three members by mutual agreement of the legislative authorities of the participating counties.
[ 1995 c 368 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.040 - Authority to construct, acquire, maintain, and remodel facilities—Interlocal agreements—Legal title.

RCW 27.15.040
Authority to construct, acquire, maintain, and remodel facilities—Interlocal agreements—Legal title.
A library capital facilities [facility] area may construct, acquire, maintain, and remodel library capital facilities and the governing body of the library capital facility area may, by interlocal agreement or otherwise, contract with a county, city, town, or library district to design, administer the construction of, operate, or maintain a library capital facility financed pursuant to this chapter. Legal title to library capital facilities acquired or constructed pursuant to this chapter may be transferred, acquired, or held by the library capital facility area or by a county, city, town, or library district in which the facility is located.
[ 1995 c 368 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.050 - Financing—Bonds authorized.

RCW 27.15.050
Financing—Bonds authorized.
(1) A library capital facility area may contract indebtedness or borrow money to finance library capital facilities and may issue general obligation bonds for such purpose not exceeding an amount, together with any existing indebtedness of the library capital facility area, equal to one and one-quarter percent of the value of the taxable property in the district and impose excess property tax levies to retire the general indebtedness as provided in RCW 39.36.050 if a ballot proposition authorizing both the indebtedness and excess levies is approved by at least three-fifths of the voters of the library capital facility area voting on the proposition, and the total number of voters voting on the proposition constitutes not less than forty percent of the total number of voters in the library capital facility area voting at the last preceding general election. The term "value of the taxable property" has the meaning set forth in RCW 39.36.015. Such a proposition shall be submitted to voters at a general or special election and may be submitted to voters at the same election as the election when the ballot proposition authorizing the establishing of the library capital facility area is submitted. If the proposed election date is not a general election, the county legislative authority is encouraged to request an election when another unit of local government with territory located in the proposed library capital facility area is already holding a special election under RCW 29A.04.330.
(2) A library capital facility area may accept gifts or grants of money or property of any kind for the same purposes for which it is authorized to borrow money in subsection (1) of this section.
[ 2015 c 53 § 5; 1996 c 258 § 2; 1995 c 368 § 6.]
NOTES:
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.15 - Library Capital Facility Areas. › 27.15.060 - Dissolution of library capital facility area.

RCW 27.15.060
Dissolution of library capital facility area.
(1) A library capital facility area may be dissolved by a majority vote of the governing body when all obligations under any general obligation bonds issued by the library capital facility area have been discharged and any other contractual obligations of the library capital facility area have either been discharged or assumed by another governmental entity.
(2) A library capital facility area shall be dissolved by the governing body if the first two ballot propositions under RCW 27.15.050 that are submitted to voters are not approved.
[ 1995 c 368 § 7.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.18 - Interstate Library Compact. › 27.18.010 - Definitions.

RCW 27.18.010
Definitions.
As used in this chapter, except where the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Compact" means the interstate library compact.
(2) "Public library agency", with reference to this state, means the state library and any county or city library or any regional library, rural county library district library, island library district library, or intercounty rural library district library.
(3) "State library agency", with reference to this state, means the commissioners of the state library.
[ 1982 c 123 § 17; 1965 ex.s. c 93 § 1.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.18 - Interstate Library Compact. › 27.18.030 - Compact administrator—Deputies—Library agreements, submittal.

RCW 27.18.030
Compact administrator—Deputies—Library agreements, submittal.
The state librarian shall be the compact administrator pursuant to Article X of the compact. The state librarian shall appoint one or more deputy compact administrators. Every library agreement made pursuant to Article VI of the compact shall, as a condition precedent to its entry into force, be submitted to the state librarian for his or her recommendations.
[ 2011 c 336 § 705; 1965 ex.s. c 93 § 3.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.18 - Interstate Library Compact. › 27.18.040 - Compliance with tax and bonding laws enjoined.

RCW 27.18.040
Compliance with tax and bonding laws enjoined.
No regional library, county library, rural county library district library, island library district library, intercounty rural library district library, or city library of this state shall be a party to a library agreement which provides for the construction or maintenance of a library pursuant to Article III, subdivision (c-7) of the compact, nor levy a tax or issue bonds to contribute to the construction or maintenance of such a library, except after compliance with any laws applicable to regional libraries, county libraries, rural county library district libraries, island library district libraries, intercounty rural library district libraries, or city libraries relating to or governing the levying of taxes or the issuance of bonds.
[ 1982 c 123 § 18; 1965 ex.s. c 93 § 4.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.18 - Interstate Library Compact. › 27.18.050 - Withdrawal—Compact administrator to send and receive notices.

RCW 27.18.050
Withdrawal—Compact administrator to send and receive notices.
In the event of withdrawal from the compact the compact administrator shall send and receive any notices required by Article XI(b) of the compact.
[ 1965 ex.s. c 93 § 5.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.20 - State Law Library. › 27.20.030 - Library part of judicial branch.

RCW 27.20.030
Library part of judicial branch.
The state law library shall be a part of the judicial branch of state government and shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the supreme court.
[ 1959 c 188 § 1.]
NOTES:
Committee abolished: "The state law library committee is hereby abolished." [ 1959 c 188 § 5.] Provisions relating to the state law library committee were formerly codified in chapter 43.36 RCW but were repealed by 1959 c 188 § 6.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.20 - State Law Library. › 27.20.040 - State law librarian and assistants—Appointment, tenure, compensation.

RCW 27.20.040
State law librarian and assistants—Appointment, tenure, compensation.
The supreme court shall appoint a state law librarian, who may be removed at its pleasure. The librarian shall receive such compensation only as shall be fixed by the court.
The court may also appoint and fix the salaries of such assistants and clerical personnel as may be required.
[ 1959 c 188 § 2.]
NOTES:
Rules of court: SAR 18.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.20 - State Law Library. › 27.20.050 - Duties of law librarian.

RCW 27.20.050
Duties of law librarian.
The duties of the state law librarian shall be as prescribed by statute and by rules of court.
[ 1959 c 188 § 3.]
NOTES:
Duties of state law librarian relative to session laws, legislative journals and supreme court reports: Chapter 40.04 RCW.
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.24 - County Law Libraries. › 27.24.010 - Establishment.

RCW 27.24.010
Establishment.
Each county with a population of eight thousand or more shall have a county law library, which shall be governed and maintained as hereinafter provided.
[ 1992 c 62 § 1; 1919 c 84 § 1; RRS § 8247.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.24 - County Law Libraries. › 27.24.020 - Board of trustees—Composition—Terms.

RCW 27.24.020
Board of trustees—Composition—Terms.
(1) Unless a regional law library is created pursuant to RCW 27.24.062, every county with a population of three hundred thousand or more must have a board of law library trustees consisting of five members to be constituted as follows: The chair of the county legislative authority is an ex officio trustee, the judges of the superior court of the county shall choose two of their number to be trustees, and the members of the county bar association shall choose two members of the bar of the county to be trustees.
(2) Unless a regional law library is created pursuant to RCW 27.24.062, every county with a population of eight thousand or more but less than three hundred thousand must have a board of law library trustees consisting of five members to be constituted as follows: The chair of the county legislative authority is an ex officio trustee, the judges of the superior court of the county shall choose one of their number to be a trustee, and the members of the county bar association shall choose three members of the county to be trustees. If there is no county bar association, then the lawyers of the county shall choose three of their number to be trustees.
(3) If a county has a population of less than eight thousand, then the provisions contained in RCW 27.24.068 shall apply to the establishment and operation of the county law library.
(4) If a regional law library is created pursuant to RCW 27.24.062, then it shall be governed by one board of trustees. The board shall consist of the following representatives from each county: The judges of the superior court of the county shall choose one of their number to be a trustee, the county legislative authority shall choose one of their number to be a trustee, and the members of the county bar association shall choose one member of the bar of the county to be a trustee. If there is no county bar association, then the lawyers of the county shall choose one of their number to be a trustee.
(5) The term of office of a member of the board who is a judge is for as long as he or she continues to be a judge, and the term of a member who is from the bar is four years. Vacancies shall be filled as they occur and in the manner directed in this section. The office of trustee shall be without salary or other compensation. The board shall elect one of their number president and the librarian shall act as secretary, except that in counties with a population of eight thousand or more but less than three hundred thousand, the board shall elect one of their number to act as secretary if no librarian is appointed. Meetings shall be held at least once per year, and if more often, then at such times as may be prescribed by rule.
[ 2011 c 336 § 706; 2005 c 63 § 2; 1992 c 62 § 2; 1919 c 84 § 2; RRS § 8248.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.24 - County Law Libraries. › 27.24.030 - Powers of board.

RCW 27.24.030
Powers of board.
The board of law library trustees shall have power:
(1) To make and enforce rules for their own procedure and for the government, care and use of the library, and for the guidance of employees.
(2) To remove any trustee, except an ex officio trustee, for neglect to attend the meetings of the board.
(3) To employ a librarian and assistants and to prescribe their duties, fix their compensation and remove them at will.
(4) To purchase books, periodicals and other property suitable for the library and to accept gifts and bequests of money and property for the library, and to sell property which is unsuitable or not needed for the library.
(5) To examine and approve for payment claims and demands payable out of the county law library fund.
[ 1919 c 84 § 3; RRS § 8249.]
2023 Revised Code of Washington › Title 27 - Libraries, Museums, and Historical Activities › Chapter 27.24 - County Law Libraries. › 27.24.040 - Annual report.

RCW 27.24.040
Annual report.
The board of law library trustees shall, on or before the first Monday in September of each year, make a report to the county legislative authority of their county giving the condition of their trust, with a full statement of all property received and how used, the number of books and other publications on hand, the number added by purchase, gift or otherwise during the preceding year, the number lost or missing, and such other information as may be of public interest, together with a financial report showing all receipts and disbursements of money.
[ 1992 c 62 § 3; 1919 c 84 § 4; RRS § 8250.]