6. The option for reorganization of the county library system provided in this section shall be known as the “Branch Development Option” and shall govern the county library system of any county whose voters have adopted it pursuant to section 5 of this act.

a. The county library commission shall establish a branch of the county library in each municipality: (1) which is a member of the county library system upon the effective date of the reorganization of the system; and (2) in which the municipal governing body adopts a resolution approving the establishment of a branch library. The county library commission may establish a joint branch library for two or more adjacent municipalities upon its determination that the library needs of such municipalities could best be served by a joint branch library, and upon the adoption by the governing bodies of all municipalities to be served thereby of joint resolutions, approving the establishment thereof. A branch library or a joint branch library established pursuant to this act shall conform to all standards promulgated by the State Library for branch libraries.

b. The county library commission shall assure that all branch or joint branch libraries agreed upon pursuant to subsection a. of this section are operating within three calendar years of the effective date of the reorganization of the county library system.

c. Any municipality which has agreed to the establishment of a branch library or joint branch library of the county library shall remain a member of the county library system for at least five years following the effective date of the reorganization of the county library system.

d. Any municipality which is a member of the county library system and whose governing body does not approve the establishment of a branch library or a joint branch library shall remain a member of the county library system until such time as it elects to withdraw from the system in the manner provided in chapter 33 of Title 40 of the Revised Statutes. The governing body of such a municipality may, by resolution, request that the county library establish a branch library or a joint branch library at any time following the effective date of the reorganization of the county library system, in the manner provided in subsection a.

L.1981,c.489,s.6; amended 2001, c.137, s.47.