Chapter 2.74 — PUBLIC LIBRARY

The city council of the city of Palm Desert hereby establishes and provides for the regulation and maintenance of a public library in the city to be known as the Palm Desert Public Library. The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that the Palm Desert Public Library provides a quiet, orderly, and safe environment in which people may read, study, use library materials and equipment, and attend programs.

(Ord. 1408, 2/15/2024)

The city manager or their designee shall direct and control all affairs of the library. The city manager shall cause to be employed a director of library services, and authorize the director of library services to employ such assistants and employees as may be necessary for the proper management of the library, and fix their compensation; provided, however, that prior to such employment, the compensation of the director of library services, assistants and employees shall have been fixed and approved by a majority of the members of the city council voting in favor thereof.

(Ord. 1408, 2/15/2024)

The city manager or their designee shall establish the rules of conduct for library patrons. The city manager or their designee may do and perform any and all other acts and things necessary or proper to carry out the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 1408, 2/15/2024)

• A. The legislative body of the city shall annually allocate from the general funds of the city a sum of money, the amount of which shall be determined by the legislative body, which sum, together with all money acquired by gift, devise, bequest or otherwise for the purposes of the library shall be apportioned to a fund to be designated the library fund and be applied to the purposes authorized under this chapter.

• B. If such payment into the treasury should be inconsistent with the conditions or terms of any such gift, devise, or bequest, the city shall provide for the safety and preservation of the same, and the application thereof to the use of the library, in accordance with the terms and conditions of such gift, devise, or bequest.

• C. Payments from the fund shall be made in the same manner as provided for the payment of other demands against the city; provided, that all demands on such fund shall be first presented to the city council and approved by it before being ordered paid.

• (Ord. 1408, 2/15/2024)

The title to all property acquired for the purposes of the library established under this chapter,

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City of Palm Desert, CA § 2.74.050

PALM DESERT CODE

§ 2.74.070

when not inconsistent with the terms of its acquisition, or otherwise designated, shall vest in the city and, in the name of the city, may be sued for and defended by action at law or otherwise. (Ord. 1408, 2/15/2024)

• A. Established. The library board of trustees ("board") is hereby established and shall serve as the legislative body responsible for the fiduciary and administrative oversight and establishing policies and long-term plans for the library. The faithful implementation of the policies adopted by the board shall be the responsibility of the city employees assigned to the library.

• B. Members. The Board shall consist of the five members of the city council. The board members shall individually hold office for a term which coincides with their respective terms of office on the city council.

• C. Meetings. Regular meetings of the board shall be held concurrently with the regular city council meeting. Special meetings may be held from time to time as necessary and in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act.

• (Ord. 1413, 5/9/2024)

• A. Established. A library advisory committee ("committee") is hereby established for the city of Palm Desert. The provisions set forth in Chapter 2.34 of this code shall apply to this committee, except as otherwise required by state law. If there is any conflict between this chapter and Chapter 2.34 of this code, the provisions of this chapter shall control.

• B. Purpose. The committee shall advise and provide input to the board relative to programming and space planning; monitor performance indicators, activities, and outcomes; assist staff in connecting with community groups and organizations; and such other functions as the library board of trustees may request.

• C. Members. The committee shall be composed of seven community members.

• D. Meetings. The committee may hold meetings quarterly at such date, time, and place as set by committee resolution or minute order.

• E. Responsibilities. The committee has the following responsibilities:

  1. Provide input on programming and space planning;

  2. Monitor performance indicators, activities, and outcomes;

  3. Assist staff in connecting with community groups and organizations; and

4. Other functions as the library board of trustees may request.

(Ord. 1413, 5/9/2024; Ord. 1428, 3/13/2025)

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City of Palm Desert, CA