CONSOLIDATION OF TOWNSHIP LIBRARIES

MCL ch. 397, subtit. Act 165 of 1927

in effect

MCL 397.351 Consolidation of township libraries; procedure.

397.351. Consolidation of township libraries; procedure. Sec. 1. It shall hereafter be lawful for the township boards of adjoining townships in the same county, by joint action of the respective township boards of such townships, by proceeding as hereinafter provided, to consolidate the libraries in each township into 1 library, and to designate the site thereof. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8094; CL 1948, 397.351

MCL 397.352 Referendum; petition.

397.352. Referendum; petition. Sec. 2. (1) If the township board of each township that has a library is presented with a petition, signed by registered electors equal to not less than 25% of the registered electors of each township, the township board shall promptly adopt a resolution submitting the question of consolidation of the libraries of the 2 townships to the qualified electors of each township at any regular election or special election duly called for that purpose. (2) A petition under subsection (1), including the circulation and signing of the petition, is subject to section 488 of the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.488. A person who violates a provision of the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1 to 168.992, applicable to a petition described in subsection (1) is subject to the penalties prescribed for that violation in the Michigan election law, 1954 PA 116, MCL 168.1 to 168.992. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8095; CL 1948, 397.352; Am. 1998, Act 184, Eff. Mar. 23, 1999

MCL 397.353 Referendum; form of ballot; conduct of election.

397.353. Referendum; form of ballot; conduct of election. Sec. 3. The election shall be by ballot in substantially the following form: "Shall the township libraries of ........... and ........... townships be consolidated? Yes [ ] No [ ]." The election shall be conducted in every respect the same as other special or general elections are conducted, and the results canvassed and certified in like manner. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8096; CL 1948, 397.353

MCL 397.354 Referendum; meeting to pass joint resolution; consolidation.

397.354. Referendum; meeting to pass joint resolution; consolidation. Sec. 4. If the proposition shall be carried by a majority of those voting at the election, in each township, and the respective election boards shall so certify, the respective township boards shall meet together in the township casting the largest vote at such election and shall pass a joint resolution, which shall be recorded in the minutes of the clerk of each board, canvassing the returns of the elections, and shall formally consolidate the township libraries of the 2 townships. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8097; CL 1948, 397.354

MCL 397.355 Site of library; designation.

397.355. Site of library; designation. Sec. 5. Such resolution shall designate the site of the library, and if not able to agree by a majority vote of the board members present and voting, the county commissioner of schools shall choose a site properly located and most advantageous to the townships. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8098; CL 1948, 397.355

MCL 397.356 Maintenance expenses; apportionment.

397.356. Maintenance expenses; apportionment. Sec. 6. The expense of maintenance for the ensuing year shall be estimated, and the expense apportioned between the 2 townships in proportion to their respective assessed valuations for the preceding year, and such tax certified by the clerk of each board to its respective supervisor. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8099; CL 1948, 397.356

MCL 397.357 Control of library.

397.357. Control of library. Sec. 7. Said library when so consolidated shall be under the joint control of the township boards, and any matter upon which they can not agree shall be decided by the county commissioner of schools. Not more than 2 joint meetings per year shall be held. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8100; CL 1948, 397.357

MCL 397.358 Free public library; formation.

397.358. Free public library; formation. Sec. 8. After consolidation, the library may be formed into a free public library, with provisional board of directors in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, upon proper procedure for that purpose, jointly taken by the township boards of the townships consolidating. 1927, Act 165, Eff. Sept. 5, 1927; CL 1929, 8101; CL 1948, 397.358

Source: Michigan Legislature (legislature.mi.gov)URL: https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/Chapter%20397.xmlFetched: 10/20/2026