The Maharashtra Public Libraries Act, 1967 is a piece of legislation that governs the establishment, management, and operation of public libraries in the state of Maharashtra, India. The act sets out the responsibilities of the state government and local authorities in ensuring the provision of library services to the public, and provides for the creation of a State Library Council to advise on library development and the coordination of library services in the state.
The main features of this Act are given hereunder :
- Constitution of State Library Council by the Government. Minister for Education shall be the Ex-officio President of the Council. The Council will advise the State Government “on all matters connected with the administration of this Act.”
- There is no library cess. The Government shall contribute to the library fund every year, a sum not less than 25 lakh of rupees. The Government may make special grants to library fund.
- Grant-in-aid to public libraries organised by voluntary organisations.
