125-7. State policy as to public library service; annual appropriation therefor; administration of funds.

(a) It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote the establishment and development of public library service throughout all sections of the State.

(b) For promoting, aiding, and equalizing public library service in North Carolina a sum shall annually be appropriated out of the moneys within the State treasury to be known as the Aid to Public Libraries Fund.

(c) The fund herein provided shall be administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which shall frame bylaws, rules and regulations for the allocation and administration of such funds. The funds shall be used to improve, stimulate, increase and equalize public library service to the people of the whole State, shall be used for no other purpose, except as herein provided, and shall be allocated among the legally established municipal, county or regional libraries in the State taking into consideration local needs, area and population to be served, local interest and such other factors as may affect the State program of public library service.

(d) For the necessary expenses of administration, allocation, and supervision, a sum not to exceed seven percent (7%) of the annual appropriation may annually be used by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

(e) The fund appropriated under this section shall be separate and apart from the appropriations of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which appropriation shall not be affected by this section or the appropriation hereunder.

(f) Repealed by Session Laws 1973, c. 476, s. 84.