System merger

According to Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, the county library system and the Minneapolis Public Library system serve two definable functions. The first supplies its readers much of the recent and popular content available today, while the latter is good for research and archived documents.

The two may become one system.

Sponsored by Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal), HF1973 would allow the two library systems to merge. Approved by the House Finance Committee, the bill next goes to the House Taxes Committee.

The bill calls for the Minneapolis system to transfer all interests and titles to the county, but the benefits and seniority of all transferred employees would be protected.

The city would remain responsible for any city-issued bonds for capital improvements, and would contribute operating funds for the next 10 years.

A companion bill, SF1812, sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), awaits action by the Senate Taxes Committee.