An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Public libraries in Kentucky have been established using various statutes. The majority of these libraries are Special Purpose Governmental Entities and are governed by a board of five trustees. There are many reporting requirements to which all libraries are subject, regardless of the method of formation. There are also some requirements that apply only to those libraries formed with taxing authority.
When reading any of the information regarding the governance of Kentucky public libraries, it is important to know under which statute the library was formed. Below is an alphabetical listing of counties under the formation statute. If you need help in understanding library establishment, please contact your KDLA regional librarian for assistance on this topic.
For libraries established by a statute other than those in Chapter 173, the ordinance or resolution establishing the district should specify the section – KRS 173.300, KRS 173.450, KRS 173.710 – under which they will operate. This information should be available in the fiscal court minutes or records.