Massachusetts General Laws
Chapter 78 - Libraries
Section 10 - Town Libraries; Selection of Trustees and Officers

Section 10. A town which raises or appropriates money for the support of a free public library, or free public library and reading room, owned by the town, shall, unless the same has been acquired entirely or in part through some gift or bequest which contains other conditions or provisions for the election of its trustees, or for its care and management, which have been accepted by the town, elect by ballot at a meeting a board of trustees consisting of any number of persons, male or female, divisible by three, which the town determines to elect. When such board is first chosen, one third thereof shall be elected for one year, one third for two years and one third for three years, and thereafter one third shall be elected annually for a term of three years. The board shall, from its own number, annually choose a chairman and secretary and, if the town so votes, a treasurer, who shall give a bond similar to that given by the town treasurer, in an amount and with sureties to the satisfaction of the selectmen. Until the town otherwise directs the town treasurer shall act as treasurer of the board of trustees.

Structure Massachusetts General Laws

Massachusetts General Laws

Part I - Administration of the Government

Title XII - Education

Chapter 78 - Libraries

Section 1 - Existing Corporations

Section 2 - Organization of County Law Libraries

Section 3 - Use by Residents of County

Section 4 - Source of Funds

Section 5 - Right to Receive Legislative Documents

Section 6 - Right to Receive Other Books and Documents

Section 7 - Establishment by Cities and Towns; Records

Section 8 - Use of Facilities by Non-Residents

Section 9 - Return of Unwanted State Publications

Section 10 - Town Libraries; Selection of Trustees and Officers

Section 11 - Board of Trustees; Powers and Duties

Section 12 - Annual Report of Trustees

Section 13 - Applicability of Sections Relating to Trustees

Section 14 - Board of Library Commissioners; Members; Appointment; Term; By-Laws; Reimbursement; Officers; Staff

Section 15 - Duties Relating to Management and Maintenance of Libraries

Section 19 - Powers, Duties and Status of Board

Section 19a - State Aid; Determination

Section 19b - State Aid; Annual Reports by Libraries; Requisites for Aid

Section 19c - Regional Public Library Service; Annual Appropriation

Section 19d - Regional Public Library Service; Council of Members

Section 19e - Library Media Services; Comprehensive Statewide Program; Funds; Standards

Section 19f - Regional Public Library Service; Arrangement for Delivery and Retrieval of Materials or Services

Section 19g - State Assistance for Public Library Projects

Section 19h - Definitions

Section 19i - Application for and Distribution of Funds

Section 19j - Allocation of Funds; Priorities

Section 19k - Gifts and Grants

Section 19l - Massachusetts Library and Information Network

Section 19m - Statewide Advisory Council on Cooperative Library Programs

Section 19n - Rules and Regulations

Section 20 - Librarians; Appointment; Examination; Registration

Section 21 - Inapplicability of Certain Sections to Cities

Section 22 - Certification of Librarians

Section 23 - Board Meetings; Quorum

Section 24 - Definitions Applicable to Secs. 22 to 31

Section 25 - Rules and Regulations

Section 27 - Clerical Assistance, etc.; Expenditures

Section 28 - Duties of Board

Section 29 - Librarians; Qualifications

Section 30 - Fees

Section 31 - Status of Existing Librarians; Certificates

Section 32 - Library Staff Members; Leaves of Absence for Study or Research

Section 33 - Policy for Selection and Use of Library Materials and Facilities

Section 34 - Employment Contracts for Library Employees