LIBRARY SYSTEM

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 2, ch. 2-14

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-1 Library system established.

Sec. 2-14-1. - Library system established. A library system is hereby established to operate a main facility and all city branches located within the City of Memphis, and to operate and provide library services to any municipality or entity located within the county that has contracted with the system for the provision of such library services in accordance with T.C.A. § 10-3-101 and section 2-14-8 of this Code. (Code 1967, § 21-51; Code 1985, § 18-16; Ord. No. 1891, § 1, 11-6-1973; Ord. No. 5093, § 1, 2005)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-2 Title.

Sec. 2-14-2. - Title. The library system referenced in this article shall be known as the "Memphis Public Library and Information Center." (Code 1967, § 21-52; Code 1985, § 18-17; Ord. No. 1891, § 2, 11-6-1973; Ord. No. 5093, § 2, 2005)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-3 City funding of system; budget approval required; expenditures in excess of approved budget.

Sec. 2-14-3. - City funding of system; budget approval required; expenditures in excess of approved budget. The operation of all library branches located within the City of Memphis shall be funded by the city. The operation of any branch located within a municipality or entity outside the city shall be borne by the municipality or entity in which the branch is located. The total budget of the library system shall be approved by the city council each fiscal year upon submission of the financial needs of the system. The budget will be presented as a part of the budget of the public services and neighborhoods division as a department under its general control and direction. No funds shall be expended that exceed the approved budget. (Code 1967, § 21-53; Code 1985, § 18-18; Ord. No. 1891, § 3, 11-6-1973; Ord. No. 5093, § 3, 2005)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-4 Appointment of board of trustees; qualifications, terms and compensation of members; ex officio members designated; library board subcommittee.

Sec. 2-14-4. - Appointment of board of trustees; qualifications, terms and compensation of members; ex officio members designated; library board subcommittee. A seven member board of trustees shall be appointed to provide general direction and guidance regarding the affairs of the library system as outlined in section 2-14-3. All members shall be appointed by the mayor, with approval of the city council. The director of public services and neighborhoods or a designee shall serve as a member of the board. Each board member must reside within the city limits in accordance with the city's residency policy. Such members shall serve without salary, three for one year, two for two years, and two for three years. In the event of a vacancy, whether by reason of resignation, death or other cause, the mayor, with the approval of council, may elect a successor only for such unexpired term except for members serving for three years, whose successors shall serve for a term of three years. No more than five of the members shall be of the same sex. (Code 1967, § 21-54; Code 1985, § 18-19; Ord. No. 1891, § 4, 11-6-1973; Ord. No. 5093, § 4, 2005; Ord. No. 5333, § 1, 11-3-2009)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-5 Organization of library board; general powers and duties of board.

Sec. 2-14-5. - Organization of library board; general powers and duties of board. A. The members of the library board shall organize by electing officers and adopting rules of procedure. B. The library system will be under the general control of the public services division and shall be lead by an executive director, chosen by the mayor of the city with recommendation from the library board. C. The library system shall have the authority to operate its own pension plan separate from the city plan for those employees hired on or before July 1, 2005. The board may make and endorse rules and regulations and establish branches of travel service at its discretion subject to appropriate funding. It may receive donations, devises and bequests to be used by it directly for library purposes. It shall recommend to the mayor of the city contracts for services and leases with title to the property in the name of the city or the municipality providing the capital funds. The library board shall furnish to the state library agency such statistics and information as may be required, and shall make annual reports to the city council. (Code 1967, § 21-55; Code 1985, § 18-20; Ord. No. 1891, § 5, 11-6-1973; Ord. No. 5093, § 5, 2005)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-6 Capital expenditures for branches located within and outside the city.

Sec. 2-14-6. - Capital expenditures for branches located within and outside the city. Any capital expenditure necessary for the branches located within the city limits shall be provided within the capital budget of the city. Any capital expenditure for the branches located within municipalities outside the city shall be borne by the municipality in which the branch is located. (Code 1967, § 21-56; Code 1985, § 18-21; Ord. No. 1891, § 6, 11-6-1973)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-7 Disposition of funds raised by bonds or taxation; rate of disbursement of operating funds; conformance with city's financial practices required; annual audit of library accounts.

Sec. 2-14-7. - Disposition of funds raised by bonds or taxation; rate of disbursement of operating funds; conformance with city's financial practices required; annual audit of library accounts. All funds for library purposes, raised by bonds or taxation, shall be held by the city comptroller separate from other funds. Operating funds shall be disbursed at the rate of 1/12 the annual allocation per month. All library accounts of every character shall be maintained in conformity with city financial practice for the purpose of reports, budget submission and any other financial forms so required by city departments. All library accounts shall be audited annually by or under the city. (Code 1967, § 21-57; Code 1985, § 18-22; Ord. No. 1891, § 7, 11-6-1973)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-8 Use of libraries by residents and nonresidents of county.

Sec. 2-14-8. - Use of libraries by residents and nonresidents of county. A. The mayor shall be authorized to contract with the county government and with each municipality or entity within the county for the furnishing of library services and capital expenditures by the Memphis Public Library and Information Center during any calendar year. The library system and information center shall maintain records of such service, and forward invoices for such services quarterly, beginning with July 1, 1983. A municipality or entity so rendered invoices for library services shall reimburse the city within 30 days after such quarterly billing by the city. Failure to reimburse the city for such quarterly services will be grounds for discontinuation of services until such time as reimbursement has been made. B. The library system and information center, upon recommendation of its board with approval by the city, may extend the privileges of the library to persons residing outside, the city and the county, and to municipalities and entities within the county that have chosen not to contract with the system for the provision of library services, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem proper. (Code 1967, § 21-58; Code 1985, § 18-23; Ord. No. 1891, § 8, 11-6-1973; Ord. No. 3293, § 1, 5-3-1983; Ord. No. 5093, § 6, 2005)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 2-14-9 Library board authorized to make and enforce rules relative to loss or injury to library property; board authorized to establish social services fees.

Sec. 2-14-9. - Library board authorized to make and enforce rules relative to loss or injury to library property; board authorized to establish social services fees. The library board shall have the power to make and enforce rules providing penalties for loss of or injury to library property and shall at their discretion establish fees for special services. (Code 1967, § 21-59; Code 1985, § 18-24; Ord. No. 1891, § 9, 11-6-1973)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT2AD_CH2-14LISYFetched: 10/28/2026