Property Laws

22-1-707, MCA grants broad and general authority to the district trustees in the management of buildings.  

Library districts are authorized to lease, purchase, or contract for the purchase of personal property.  

• They may hold title to buildings and facilities.
• They may accept by transfer the ownership or control of a library building from a county or city.  
• They may accept donations of land or facilities within the district to be used for district purposes with the concurrence of the county governing body.
• They may accept donations and personal property.
• They are empowered to exercise powers necessary for the operation and management of the district.    

Yet as a political subdivision of the county, coordination with the Board of County Commissioners is essential in the acquisition of real property. 

Cooperation with the County is important, and to maintain the public’s investment in personal or real property the Library District Board may authorize building projects that fall within the budgetary amount allocated to the District.  Library districts are a creation of the Board of County Commissioners, and upon dissolution of the district the assets and liabilities transfer back to the Board of County Commissioners.     

For any type of library, working together is in the best interest of the Trustees, the Commissioners, and the general public.

Now it is time to work through some Property Scenarios.