2025 Session Last amended: 1993 session

§ 134.001 — Definitions

Plain-Language Summary

This section defines key terms used throughout Minnesota's public library chapter. A public library must provide free access to all residents of a city or county without discrimination and receive at least half its funding from public sources. The definitions also cover regional public library systems, basic system services shared among member libraries, multicounty multitype library systems, and regional public library districts.

Practical Notes
These definitions control who qualifies as a public library eligible for state aid and governance under chapter 134. A library that charges fees or is organized to serve a special group — such as a law library, medical library, or school library — generally does not qualify as a public library under this chapter. Regional systems formed under chapter 317A or section 471.59 can also qualify as regional public library systems.