A Selective List of Massachusetts Laws Pertaining to Libraries
Most laws pertaining to the Board of Library Commissioners and libraries in the Commonwealth are contained in Chapter 78 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The following laws, located in other chapters of the General Laws also affect library operations and the use of library materials and services.
Notice from Mass.Gov:- This is NOT the official version of the Massachusetts General Laws (Mgl). While reasonable efforts have been made to assure the accuracy of the data provided, do not rely on this information without first checking an official edition of the Mgl. If you are in need of legal advice or counsel, consult a lawyer
| Subject | Chapter | Section(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-Discrimination Law | 151B | 1-10 |
| Anti-Obscenity Law | 272 | 28, 29, 29B, 31 |
| Charitable Corporations | 180 | 1-11C, 26-26B |
| Confidentiality of Library Records | 4, 66 | 7(26), 10 |
| Conflict of Interest | 268A | 17-25 |
| Destruction or Mutilation of Library Materials | 266 | 100 |
| Disturbance of Libraries | 272 | 41 |
| Dog Tax Law | 140 | 147A, 172 |
| Funds, Receipt of Revolving Funds | 44 | 53, 53A, 53E1/2 |
| Handicapped Access to Public Buildings | 22 | 13A |
| Harmful to Minors Act | 272 | 28, 31 |
| Labor Relations: Public Employees | 150E | 1-15 |
| Liability | 258 | |
| Lost Materials: Use of Recovered Money | 44 | 53 |
| Open Meeting Law | 39 | 23A-C, 24 |
| Public Records | 66 | 1-18 |
| Smoking in Public Places | 270 | 21-22 |
| Theft of Library Materials | 266 | 99, 99A |
| Trust Funds | 44 | 54, 55B |