Library Board Relationship to Local Government

Library board authority is defined in law - either in Montana Code Annotated 22-1-309 or Montana Code Annotated 22-1-707. 

Review this short video on the powers and duties of library boards for more information.

Please note – the library board may NOT have the authority outlined in MCA 22-1-309 if the municipality has a self-governing charter that makes the library board advisory rather than governing.

If your town or city has a self-governing charter it would be wise to review the language within the charter. It may have defined different authority for the library board. It usually removes the power of the board to hire, supervise, and set salaries, to sign contracts, and to set a budget for the library.