The West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979
west-bengal · 1979
The scanned source for this Act is imperfect — headings or section boundaries may be off. Verify against the official source.
- S. 1—
- S. 2Section 2 defines key terms used in the West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979.
- S. 3Section 3 establishes a State Library Council to advise on library management and eligibility for aid.
- S. 4Section 4 outlines the composition of the State Library Council under the West Bengal Public Libraries Act, 1979.
- S. 5Section 5 outlines the Central Library's duties, including additional functions assigned by the Government.
- S. 6Section 6 appoints a Director of Libraries to oversee and manage public libraries in West Bengal, including registration, inspection, and enforcement of rules.
- S. 7Section 7 establishes a Directorate of Libraries with government officers to manage public libraries under the Act.
- S. 8Section 8 establishes Local Library Authorities in each district to organize and administer public libraries.
- S. 9Local Library Authorities are legal entities with perpetual succession, property rights, and the ability to enter contracts.
- S. 10Section 10 empowers a Local Library Authority to manage public libraries by providing facilities, staffing, and resources, and making necessary changes.
- S. 11Section 11 vests all property acquired for public libraries in the Local Library Authority of the respective area.
- S. 12Section 12 allows local library authorities to make regulations for library admission, fees, and exclusion of non-compliant users, with government approval.
- S. 13Section 13 allows the government to cancel or modify library regulations made by local authorities after considering any representations.
- S. 14Section 14 allows a Local Library Authority to form an executive committee and delegate its powers or duties.
- S. 15Section 15 mandates Local Library Authorities to prepare and submit library establishment schemes to the Director for approval and modification.
- S. 16Section 16 appoints District Library Officers and Librarians to manage library affairs in districts.
- S. 17(1) Every Local Library Authority shall maintain a library fund out of which payments under this Act shall be met
- S. 18Section 18 mandates annual auditing and reporting of Local Library Authority's financial accounts and endowments.
- S. 19Section 19 ensures actions by the Council or Local Library Authority remain valid despite membership vacancies or defects.
- S. 20Section mandates local library authorities and in-charges to submit reports and information to the Director as requested.
- S. 21Section authorizes the Director to inspect public libraries to ensure compliance with the Act and its rules.
- S. 22Section 22 imposes fines for violations of the West Bengal Public Libraries Act and requires complaints from the Director for prosecution.
- S. 23(1) The Government may, by notification, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act
- S. 24The Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, shall, in its 25 of 1867
- S. 1979extent and commence- (2) It extends to the whole of West Bengal