District of Columbia Code Division VI. Education, Libraries, and Cultural Institutions. § 39-101. Public library established; Mayor authorized to accept gifts.

A free public library is hereby established and shall be maintained in the District of Columbia which shall be the property of the said District and a supplement of the public educational system of said District. Said library shall consist of a central library and such number of branch libraries so located and so supported as to furnish books and other printed matter and information service convenient to the homes and offices of all residents of the said District. All actions relating to such library, or for the recovery of any penalties lawfully established in relation thereto, shall be brought in the name of the District of Columbia; and the Mayor of said District is further authorized to receive, as component parts of said library, collections of books and other publications that may be transferred to him.