The role of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is to confirm these byelaws. Byelaws define acceptable behaviour inside a library. The requirements that need to be followed are set out in section 236 of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Procedure for the Publishing of Byelaws

1. The Byelaws template Model Public Library Byelaws (RTF 52kb) should be used as a model for the new or revised byelaws.

2. The local authority must send the proposed byelaws to Dempster Marples, Public Libraries Team, DCMS for draft approval at dempster.marples@culture.gsi.gov.uk.

3. Following approval of the draft byelaws, the local authority must:

   • Give notice of the proposed byelaws, in the local press which publish in the geographical area where the byelaws come into effect. Reference should be made to this specimen notice Public Library Byelaws Specimen Notice (RTF 9kb)
   • A sealed copy of the byelaws must be deposited at local authority offices for one month from the date of the above notice for public inspection.
     

4. The local authority must then send:

   • The signed and sealed byelaws
   • The newspaper cuttings showing the notices
   • A certified copy of the byelaws for DCMS records
   • Confirmation that one month public inspection has taken place to: Dempster Marples, Public Libraries Team, DCMS, 2-4   Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH
     

5. DCMS then authorise and return the byelaws to the local authority.  

6. The local authority must display a copy of byelaws in any public library building maintained by the authority to which the public have access.

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