§ 46-57. Same—Purpose; powers.

The purpose of the governmental library commission shall be to establish, acquire, maintain and operate a county governmental library in Knox County, for the assistance of the courts, judges and public officials in such county; and the library commission shall have all powers that are necessary or desirable for the accomplishment of such purpose. Without limiting the foregoing general powers, the library commission shall have the following specific powers:

(1)

The authority to acquire by purchase, gift, rent, lease, loan, or otherwise, law books, codes, treatises and works of law, government, medicine, literature, and such other books as the library commission may deem necessary or beneficial to the courts, the public officials, the members of the bar, and the public in Knox County, for research or use in the preparation, trial or decision of any matters that come or may come before the courts in the county, or for the use of such public officials on subjects relating to law or government.

(2)

To acquire in like manner any and all furniture, fixtures, bookcases, supplies and all things necessary or desirable to establish, maintain and operate such library.

(3)

To employ and discharge librarians, clerks and other assistants, and to fix the salary of such employees.

(4)

To make arrangements for the performance of any work or duties in connection with such library to be performed by clerks or employees in other public offices, or by such officers themselves, with or without compensation therefor, from the funds administered by the library commission.

(5)

To lease, rent or acquire by any means, other than purchase, space in which to house such library when adequate space for such purpose is not provided in the county courthouse.

(6)

To make all reasonable rules and regulations concerning the operation and use of such library.

(7)

If necessary to provide sufficient operating funds for such library, to fix, assess, and collect reasonable dues or charges for the use of such library from all persons using the library, except judges and other public officials.

(8)

To fix and collect charges for the loss, damage or destruction of books or other property, and for the failure to return books or other property when due.

(Priv. Acts 1955, ch. 50, § 2; Ord. No. O-90-9-121, § 2, 9-10-90)