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HomeEducation CodeCh. 4Art. 1§ 18703 Local Control And Funding Principles

§ 18703 Local Control And Funding Principles

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 18703 Local Control And Funding Principles

Key Takeaways

  • •Local governments control their own libraries.
  • •Libraries don’t have to add or remove specific books or materials to get state money.
  • •State money helps libraries but doesn’t replace local funding.
  • •Libraries should serve everyone, including those who need help the most.

Example

A small town library wants state money to buy new books.

The state can’t force the library to buy or remove certain books. The library can choose what books to have, and the state money is extra help, not the only money they use.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 18703 Local Control And Funding Principles

In adopting this chapter, the Legislature declares that its policy shall be as follows: (a) To reaffirm the principle of local control of the government and administration of public libraries, and to affirm that the provisions of this chapter apply only to libraries authorized by their jurisdictions to apply to participate in the programs authorized by this act. (b) To require no library, as a condition for receiving funds or services under this chapter, to acquire or exclude any specific book, periodical, film, recording, picture, or other material, or any specific equipment, or to acquire or exclude any classification of books or other material by author, subject matter, or type. (c) To encourage the adequate financing of libraries from local sources, with state aid to be furnished to supplement, not supplant, local funds. (d) To encourage service to the underserved of all ages. (e) To encourage and enable the sharing of resources between libraries. (f) To ensure public participation in carrying out the intent of this act. (Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 24, Sec. 2. (AB 1602) Effective June 27, 2016.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

local controlstate aidunderservedresource sharingpublic participation

Related Statutes

  • § 18702 Statewide Library Resource Access
  • § 101040 Public University Capital Funding
  • § 1500 County School Service Funding
  • § 15700 School Construction Funding Priorities
  • § 15701 School District Funding Definitions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 18703.
View Official Source