In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Print disabled individual” means an individual who cannot effectively read print because of a visual, physical, perceptual, developmental, cognitive, or learning disability.
“State Library Agency” means the Maryland State Library Agency.
“State Library Board” means the Maryland State Library Board.
“State standards for libraries” means the standards for the consistent and equitable operation of a library that serve all citizens of the State as established under § 23–102.1(b) of this subtitle.
The General Assembly finds:
That public library resources and services are essential components of the educational system; and
That libraries stimulate awareness and understanding of critical social issues, and assist individuals in reaching their highest potential for self–development.
It is the policy of this State:
To continue the orderly development and maintenance of library facilities and services throughout this State, in collaboration with the counties; and
To develop coordinated programs and services among libraries and institutions to:
Provide the widest possible access to the library and information resources of this State; and
Ensure more effective and economical services to all library users.
In this section, “library” includes:
The State Library Resource Center;
A regional resource center;
A correctional facility library;
A county library system and the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore;
The Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled;
The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library; and
A metropolitan cooperative service program.
“Library” does not include a school library media program established by a local school system.
It is the policy of the State that each library shall operate in a manner consistent with the following standards:
Library materials, services, and resources exist and should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons the library serves;
A library should not exclude material from its catalogue because of the origin, background, or views of a person who created the material; and
A library should not prohibit or remove material from its catalogue because of partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval.
It is the intent of the General Assembly that a library that receives funding from the State adopt and follow a written policy for operation of a library that is consistent with the State standards for libraries under subsection (b) of this section.
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Automated external defibrillator (AED)” has the meaning stated in § 13–517 of this article.
“Library” means:
Each branch of a county library system; or
The Enoch Pratt Free Library.
“Library” does not include:
A school library established by a local school system;
A mobile library unit; or
A correctional facility library.
Beginning January 1, 2026, each library shall:
Place an automated external defibrillator in a prominent area, accessible to employees and library users;
Comply with § 13–517 of this article; and
Maintain the functionality of the automated external defibrillator.
In addition to any other immunities available under statutory or common law:
A library is not civilly liable for any act or omission in the provision of automated external defibrillation if the library has satisfied the requirements under this section;
An individual is not civilly liable for any act or omission if:
The individual is acting in good faith while rendering automated external defibrillation to another individual who is the victim or is reasonably believed by the individual to be a victim of a sudden cardiac arrest;
The assistance or aid is provided in a reasonably prudent manner; and
The automated external defibrillation is provided without fee or other compensation; and
A library or individual is not civilly liable for failing to render automated external defibrillation to an individual who is a victim or is reasonably believed to be a victim of a sudden cardiac arrest.
There is a State Library Agency and a State Library Board. The State Library Agency is the central State library agency.
The head of the State Library Agency is the State Librarian, who is appointed by the State Library Board with the advice and consent of the Senate.
The State Librarian shall:
Hold an advanced degree in library and information service;
Have administrative experience in libraries; and
Have any other qualifications the State Library Board considers necessary.
The State Librarian shall:
Select, organize, and direct the staff of the State Library Agency;
Perform the duties the State Library Board assigns;
See that the policies and decisions of the State Library Board are carried out; and
Serve at the pleasure of the State Library Board.
The State Librarian is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.
The State Library Agency may employ the professional and clerical staff provided in the State budget.
Each employee of the State Library Agency is entitled to the salary provided in the State budget.
Each employee of the State Library Agency shall join the Teachers’ Pension System of the State of Maryland or the Employees’ Pension System of the State of Maryland.
In addition to the other powers granted and duties imposed by this article, the State Library Board has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
The State Library Board shall appoint the State Librarian.
The State Library Board shall exercise general direction and control of library development in this State and may:
Adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer this title;
After considering the recommendations of the State Librarian, establish library policies and procedures for the statewide system of libraries;
Consider the library needs of this State and recommend to the Governor and the General Assembly desirable legislation; and
With the approval of the Governor, accept, administer, and spend any appropriation, gift, or grant for library purposes from the federal government or from any other person.
In accordance with the bylaws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent shall certificate professional library personnel.
Each year the State Library Board shall report to the Governor and the people of this State on the support, condition, progress, and needs of libraries.
The report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include any findings of the State Library Agency related to its duties under § 23–106(b)(4) of this subtitle.
The State Library Board shall approve county public library capital projects for State funding in accordance with § 23–509 of this title.
The State Library Board shall develop policies for the operation of libraries that are consistent with the State standards for libraries.
In addition to any other powers granted and duties imposed by this title, and subject to the authority of the State Library Board, the State Library Agency has the powers and duties set forth in this section.
The State Library Agency shall:
Provide leadership and guidance for the planning and coordinated development of library and information service in this State;
Develop statewide public and school library services and networks, resource centers, and other arrangements to meet the library and information needs of this State;
Provide professional and technical advice on improving library services in this State to:
Public and school library officials;
Higher education and special library officials;
State government agencies; and
Any other person;
Collect library statistics and other data;
Identify library needs and provide for needed research and studies of them; and
Coordinate library services with other information and education services and agencies;
Administer federal and State funds appropriated to it by the State for library purposes;
Develop and recommend professional standards and policies for libraries; and
Establish requirements and procedures for the certification of librarians and library personnel;
Provide:
Specialized library service to the blind and other print disabled individuals in this State; and
Other desirable specialized library services;
Encourage, advise, and assist in establishing, operating, and coordinating libraries at State institutions and agencies and administer the operation of library and information services for the State Library Board;
Administer the State grant program for county public library capital projects, in accordance with § 23–509 of this title;
Adopt guidelines for the administration of public libraries and recommend to the State Library Board rules and regulations to implement this title;
Cooperate with national library agencies and those of any other state;
Develop a Deaf Culture Digital Library in accordance with § 23–109 of this subtitle;
Ensure that each library as defined in § 23–102.1 of this subtitle that receives State funds is operated in a manner consistent with the State standards for libraries; and
Perform any other duty necessary for its proper operation.
There is a Maryland State Library Board.
The State Library Board consists of 12 members, 7 of whom are appointed by the Governor. Each member is entitled to participate fully and equally in the activities of the Board.
Each member shall:
Be a resident of this State;
Be an individual of ability and integrity who is experienced in public or library affairs; and
Represent the interests of the citizens of this State in better library services.
Of the appointed members:
Four shall be selected from the public at large;
One shall be a professional librarian;
One shall be a library trustee; and
One shall be a blind patron of the Maryland Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
The Governor shall ensure geographic diversity when appointing members.
The following officials serve ex officio and each may designate someone to serve in his place:
The President of the Congress of Academic Library Directors;
The President of the Board of Trustees of Enoch Pratt Free Library;
The President of the Maryland Library Association;
The Dean of the University of Maryland College of Library and Information Services; and
The President of the Maryland Association of School Librarians.
Each appointed member serves for a term of 5 years and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. These terms are staggered as required by the terms of the members serving on July 1, 1978.
An appointed member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term serves only for the remainder of that term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
Each member of the State Library Board:
Serves without compensation; and
Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations.
Each year:
The Governor shall appoint a member of the State Library Board as its Chairman; and
The State Library Board shall elect one of its members as its vice chairman.
The State Librarian shall:
Serve as secretary to the State Library Board;
Record the proceedings of the State Library Board; and
Provide necessary staff services.
Each year, the State Library Board:
Shall hold at least four regular meetings; and
May hold special meetings as necessary.
Seven members of the State Library Board are a quorum and at least 7 affirmative votes are required for any recommendation to:
The State Library Agency; or
The Governor.
The State Library Board shall:
Gather information on the needs of libraries throughout this State;
Oversee the State Library Agency;
Advise the Governor on library matters; and
Promote improvement of library services in this State.
The State Library Board may be funded annually as provided in the budget of the State Library Agency.
Subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of this section, a public, school, college, or university library in this State shall prohibit inspection, use, or disclosure of any circulation record or other item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that:
Is maintained by a library;
Contains an individual’s name or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual; and
Identifies the use a patron makes of that library’s materials, services, or facilities.
A public, school, college, or university library in the State shall permit inspection, use, or disclosure of the circulation record of an individual only:
If necessary for the reasonable operation of the library;
On written consent of the individual; or
By subpoena or court order.
The State Library Agency shall establish the Deaf Culture Digital Library as the primary information center on deaf resources for library customers and staff in the State.
The Deaf Culture Digital Library shall:
Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in library services for deaf patrons and to implement strategies to fill the gaps and better coordinate library services for the deaf;
In coordination with the Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing, develop and provide sensitivity training for State and county library staff to help them better understand deaf patrons and their needs;
Develop a website that will allow for information sharing and coordination between the Deaf Culture Digital Library and county library systems;
In coordination with the State Library Agency, develop deaf–related programs and materials and share them with county library systems and other libraries in the State;
Develop partnerships and strategic alliances with other entities, including:
The Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing;
County library systems;
The State Library Agency;
Veterans’ groups;
State and local arts councils;
Senior citizens organizations; and
Deaf and hard of hearing organizations, including:
The National Association of the Deaf;
The Hearing Loss Association of America; and
The Maryland Association of the Deaf;
Encourage partnerships and collaborations with information service providers to help provide virtual access to information and research;
Form a Deaf Culture Digital Library Advisory Board to provide advice on initiatives that further advance the mission and goals of the Deaf Culture Digital Library and the majority of whose members are deaf or hard of hearing and selected from the following entities:
County library systems;
The State Library Agency;
The Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing;
Statewide deaf and hard of hearing organizations; and
Other organizations as agreed on by the Governor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing and the State Library Agency; and
Establish a Deaf Culture Digital Library “Friends of the Library” group composed of individuals who are strongly committed, well–positioned, and able to promote community involvement, advocacy, and funding for the Deaf Culture Digital Library.
The lead employee or coordinator who manages the Deaf Culture Digital Library shall be:
A deaf or hard of hearing individual; and
Knowledgeable and experienced concerning issues affecting deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $450,000 to the Deaf Culture Digital Library.
The Deaf Culture Digital Library shall submit its annual operating budget to the State Library Agency on or before June 1 each year.
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Early reader organization” means a nonprofit organization:
That is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
Whose mission is to distribute to children free, high–quality books designed to aid the development of reading skills.
“Program” means the Baltimore City Young Readers Program.
There is a Baltimore City Young Readers Program in the State Library Agency.
The purpose of the Program is to work with an early reader organization to distribute free, high–quality books to children in Baltimore City.
The State Librarian shall:
Administer the Program; and
Carry out the Program in partnership with an early reader organization partner.
For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $200,000 to the Program.
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Affiliated service” means a book–gifting service performed by a nonprofit organization that is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or a unit of State, county, or municipal government that forms an affiliated partnership with an early reader organization.
“Early reader organization” means a nonprofit organization:
That is tax exempt under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
Whose mission is to distribute to children free, high–quality books designed to aid the development of reading skills.
“Program” means the Young Readers Grant Program.
There is a Young Readers Grant Program in the State Library Agency.
The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to public libraries and affiliated services to:
Support the establishment and operation of affiliated services; and
Contribute to the operation of an affiliated service.
The State Librarian shall administer the Program.
A public library or an affiliated service may submit an application for a program grant on the form that the State Librarian requires.
An application for a program grant shall include a plan to ensure that the public library or the affiliated service is able to gift books to eligible children, including specific measures for serving children in low–income zip codes within its area of service.
A program grant shall be disbursed to a public library or an affiliated service that qualifies for the Program.
The State Library Board shall:
On or before December 1, 2024, and every other year thereafter, report to the General Assembly on the effectiveness of the Program in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article; and
Collect statistics and other information necessary for this purpose.
For each fiscal year, the Governor shall include in the annual budget bill an appropriation of $450,000 to the Program.
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Child” means a biological or adopted child, a stepchild, a grandchild, or a legal ward of an incarcerated individual.
“Program” means the Family Literacy Pilot Program.
There is a Family Literacy Pilot Program.
The purpose of the Program is to foster family literacy and strengthen parent–child relationships by providing children’s books in State correctional facilities to incarcerated individuals and a means for an incarcerated individual to read aloud to the incarcerated individual’s child.
The Program shall be administered by the State Library Agency.
The State Library Agency, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Correctional Education Council, shall select four State correctional facility libraries or prerelease centers to participate in the Program that shall:
Represent each of the western, central, and eastern regions of the State;
Consist of at least one correctional facility serving female incarcerated individuals; and
Consist of at least one correctional facility serving male incarcerated individuals.
The State Library Agency shall select the children’s books for use in the Program including children’s books in languages other than English.
The State Library Agency, in consultation with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Correctional Education Council, shall:
Establish a process to secure written permission to participate in the Program from the custodial parent or guardian of an incarcerated individual’s child;
Establish a process to assist an incarcerated individual in selecting an age–appropriate children’s book, preparing a recording of the incarcerated individual reading the book aloud, and distributing a copy of the book and the recording to the incarcerated individual’s child; and
Ensure participation in the Program is free of charge for the incarcerated individual, the child, and the custodial parent or guardian.
The State Library Agency may adopt regulations necessary to carry out the requirements of this section.