A branch library is governed by an administrative entity, commonly referred to as a central library, in which the branch is an auxiliary unit; branch libraries are simply outlets or extensions of the central library where services are provided. There is no independent governing board of a branch library as the branch is governed by the central library’s board of directors. All staff of the branch are that of the central library, all policies are that of the central library’s board, all expenses incurred for maintenance and function of the branch are the responsibility of the main library, and all hours and services provided by the branch library are at the discretion of the central library’s director under the authority of the central library’s board. There are no requirements that an administrative entity needs to have in order to create a branch (population size, financial support, etc.); the only standards required are those related to the equal distribution portion of state aid.
According to the PA Code Title 22 (§141.24(b)(c)(ii)(B)) a branch is an auxiliary unit with the following characteristics:
- separate quarters
- permanent basic collection of books
- permanent staff
- regular schedule of open hours to the public
- administered by a central library or central unit
