Article 1General Provisions

Section § 19300

Explanation

This law states that public libraries are important for spreading knowledge and intelligence in California. The state has a duty to promote lifelong learning through these libraries. Libraries are seen as a valuable addition to the formal education system, offering information and inspiration for people of all ages. They help with learning even beyond school years and should receive enough financial support from all levels of government.

The Legislature hereby declares that it is in the interest of the people and of the state that there be a general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence through the establishment and operation of public libraries. Such diffusion is a matter of general concern inasmuch as it is the duty of the state to provide encouragement to the voluntary lifelong learning of the people of the state.
The Legislature further declares that the public library is a supplement to the formal system of free public education, and a source of information and inspiration to persons of all ages, and a resource for continuing education and reeducation beyond the years of formal education, and as such deserves adequate financial support from government at all levels.
public libraries lifelong learning free public education formal education system continuing education reeducation financial support government funding knowledge diffusion intelligence inspiration resources for all ages learning beyond school educational supplement
(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

Section § 19301

Explanation

This law establishes the existence of the California State Library as a government agency.

There is in the state government an agency known as the California State Library.
California State Library state government agency library establishment public library system government entity state library agency library organization statutory agency state resources information access heritage preservation educational support
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 666, Sec. 9. (AB 486) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Section § 19302

Explanation

This law specifies that the California State Library is managed by a professional librarian who holds the title of 'State Librarian.'

The California State Library is under the control of an executive who shall be a technically trained librarian and shall be known as the “State Librarian.”
California State Library State Librarian library management executive control technical librarian library executive librarian role state library leadership library governance technical training requirement administrative role librarian qualifications
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 666, Sec. 10. (AB 486) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Section § 19303

Explanation

The Governor gets to choose who becomes the State Librarian, but the Senate has to approve this choice. The State Librarian can stay in their role as long as the Governor is happy with their performance.

The State Librarian shall be appointed by and hold office at the pleasure of the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
State Librarian Governor's appointment Senate confirmation hold office pleasure of the Governor California State Librarian appointment process state government role library leadership executive appointment Senate approval job tenure political appointment
(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

Section § 19306

Explanation

This law states that the State Librarian is responsible for nominating a Deputy State Librarian, but the actual appointment is made by the Governor, who can also decide how long the Deputy stays in the position.

The State Librarian shall nominate a Deputy State Librarian to be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the Governor.
State Librarian Deputy State Librarian nomination appointment Governor hold office pleasure of the Governor library administration state library California government positions government appointment process public service roles
(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 666, Sec. 11. (AB 486) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Section § 19307

Explanation

This section defines what is considered a 'public library' for the purposes of this chapter, including any public library defined in the code or any county law library set up under certain sections of the Business and Professions Code.

As used in this chapter, “public library” means any public library as defined in this code, or any county law library established pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6300) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.
public library county law library Business and Professions Code Chapter 5 Division 3 Section 6300 library definition library classification law library establishment public library code county library public institution definition
(Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 318, Sec. 2. (SB 711) Effective January 1, 2016.)