Minimum Conditions for Public Libraries
Fields with this symbol inform the minimum conditions review process. Please answer carefully and accurately!
In 2019, the Oregon legislature passed HB 2243 which:
- Updated the legal definition of "public library" to:
- “Public library” means a public agency that provides to all residents of a local government unit free and equal access to library and information services that are suitable for persons of all ages.
- Required the State Library Board to establish minimum conditions that a public library must meet; these conditions must, at least:
- Include financial support from public funds and regularly scheduled open hours; and
- Provide reasonable exemptions to libraries with service populations of 2,000 or fewer residents of the local government unit.
The State Library of Oregon uses several data elements collected through the annual Oregon Public Library Statistical Report to help inform our review process of these minimum conditions, and these elements are identified throughout this guide with this blue exclamation point icon. For more information on Minimum Conditions for Public Libraries, please see our guide or contact Darci Hanning, Public Libraries Consultant, with questions.
