There are three types of public libraries in Idaho that are authorized by Idaho Code: Public libraries (in cities), district libraries (independent taxing entities) and school-community libraries. School-community libraries are no longer allowed to be established as of June 30, 1994 – Title 33 Education, Chapter 27 Public Library Districts, 33-2737 School Community Library Districts - http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH27SECT33-2737.htm.

Each of these types of libraries has a board of trustees to:

• create policy;
• set and oversee an operating budget;
• hire, supervise and work as a team with a director; and
• make sure that their communities are well represented and informed about the library.

In Idaho Code, city libraries are established in Title 33, Chapter 26 Public Libraries (http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH26SECT33-2601.htm) and district libraries are established in Title 33, Chapter 27 (http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH27.htm). The following sections give authority for the creation of public libraries and library districts.

33-2601.POLICY. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Idaho, as a part of the provisions for public education, to promote the establishment and development of free library service for all the people in Idaho. It is the purpose of this act to assure an informed electorate by enabling the provision of free local library service, in the present and in the future, to children in their formative years and to adults for their continuing education. To carry out the purpose of this act, an independent, nonpartisan board shall govern the library.
Every library established in this chapter shall be forever free for the use of the residents of the city, always subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as the library board may find necessary to adopt. http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH26SECT33-2601.htm

33-2701.PURPOSE AND POLICY. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state of Idaho, as a part of the provisions for public education, to promote the establishment and development of public library service for all the people of Idaho. By so declaring, the state acknowledges that the ability of its citizens to access information has a critical impact on the state’s educational success, economic development, provision for an informed electorate, and overall quality of life. It is the purpose of this chapter to integrate, extend and add to existing library services and resources so that public library service may be available to all residents of the state from infancy through adulthood, beginning in the formative years and continuing for lifelong learning. http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH27SECT33-2701.htm

Resources

ICFL Library Consultant – http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/staff-contacts-topic-area
The Envoy Trustee Newsletter - http://libraries.idaho.gov/publications/trustee-news
WebJunction Trustee Resources – http://id.webjunction.org/trustees
Wyoming State Library Trustee Trouble Video – http://www.wyominglibraries.org/trusteetrouble.html