§51-8-8. Authority to establish county law libraries; control of circuit judge; rules.

The Supreme Court of Appeals may establish county law libraries which once established, are wholly under the management of the circuit judge, with the assistance of the circuit clerk. The Supreme Court of Appeals may determine the appropriate number of law libraries that will be in operation as well as the location of the libraries and may expend funds for the purchase of books or other expenses necessary for the operation of the county law libraries.

All county law libraries in operation shall be kept current and the cost of the libraries, other than for provision of adequate space, shall be borne by the state and paid from the judicial branch appropriation. The county libraries shall be available for use by the public subject to reasonable rules as may be adopted by the circuit judge. County commissions shall provide adequate space for the county libraries.