Establishment of Public Libraries
The tax-supported public library is a legal entity guided by a board of trustees whose powers and duties are described in Library Board Roles. All trustees are obliged to read and understand the federal, state, and local laws and regulations that govern their library as well as the more general laws that apply. Board members should thoroughly understand the extent of their legal authority and responsibilities.
"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state, as part of its provision for public education, to promote the establishment and development of public library service throughout its various subdivisions." RCW 27.12.020
The legal authority and the process for establishing libraries are described in the Revised Code of Washington:
"Any governmental unit has power to establish and maintain a library, either by itself or in cooperation with one or more other governmental units." RCW 27.12.025
"A library may be established in any county, city, or town either (1) by its legislative body of its own initiative; or (2) upon the petition of one hundred taxpayers of such a governmental unit, the legislative body shall submit to a vote of the qualified electors thereof, at the next municipal or special election held therein (in the case of a city or town) or the next general election or special election held therein (in the case a of a county), the question whether a library shall be established; and if a majority of the electors voting on the question vote in favor of the establishment of a library, the legislative body shall forthwith establish one." RCW 27.12.030
In addition, RCW 27.12.360 - RCW 27.12.400 provide the process that enables a city or town to annex with a district for library services.
Speaking very broadly, there are two primary categories of public libraries in Washington - the library district and the municipal library. There are several types of library districts and various types of municipalities. The Map of Public Library Service provides an overview of the various types of libraries found throughout the state of Washington. The following summaries present an overview of library districts and municipal libraries.