Page:The school law of Michigan.djvu/87

Rh  of this act shall be subject to a fine or forfeiture, the same as for neglect of any other duty pertaining to their office. This act shall apply to all schools in this state, including schools in cities or villages, whether incorporated under special charter or under the general laws.&rdquo;

In the twelfth section of article thirteen of the constitution of the state, may be found the following provision for the establishment of libraries.

The legislature shall also provide for the establishment of at least one library in each township and city; and all fines assessed and collected in the several counties and townships for any breach of the penal laws, shall be exclusively applied to the support of such libraries, unless otherwise ordered by the township board of any township, or the board of education of any city: Provided, That in no case shall such fines be used for other than library or school purposes.

To carry into effect the above requirement, the legislature has from time to time enacted certain laws providing not only for libraries in townships, but in school districts.

The law contemplates that a library shall be maintained in every organized township. The library is the property of the township, and all actions relating to township libraries are brought in the name of the township (5136). All persons who reside within the township have an equal right to the privileges of the library, excepting those who reside in districts that maintain a district library (5137).

The care of the township library is entrusted to the township board of school inspectors. The inspectors are held accountable for the proper care and preservation of said library, prescribe rules and