(1) Professional library staff members of a public library shall be eligible for sabbatical leave for the purpose of professional improvement, for not more than one (1) year immediately following any six (6) or more consecutive years of active service in the libraries of this state. Absence on sick leave shall not be deemed to interrupt the active service herein provided for. Sabbatical leave for professional library staff members shall only be granted with the approval of the administrative board of trustees.

(2) Applications for sabbatical leave may be made to the administrative board of trustees of such library system, with the approval of the library director of such system. Any person who is granted a sabbatical leave and who fails to comply with the provisions of such leave may have his/her leave terminated by the administrative board of trustees. No person on sabbatical leave can be denied any regular increment of increase in salary because of absence on sabbatical leave. Service on sabbatical leave shall count as active service for the purpose of retirement and contributions to the retirement fund shall be continued.

(3) In no instance shall leave be granted unless there is a contract providing for continued service, after expiration of the leave, in the library system where the person is employed.

(4) Each person granted sabbatical leave may receive and be paid compensation up to the rate of fifty percent (50%) of such person’s annual salary. Compensation payable to persons on sabbatical leave shall be paid at the same time and in the same manner salaries of the other members of the library system are paid.