The Legislature hereby declares that it is in the interest of the people and of the state that there be a general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence through the establishment and operation of public libraries. Such diffusion is a matter of general concern inasmuch as it is the duty of the state to provide encouragement to the voluntary lifelong learning of the people of the state.

The Legislature further declares that the public library is a supplement to the formal system of free public education, and a source of information and inspiration to persons of all ages, and a resource for continuing education and reeducation beyond the years of formal education, and as such deserves adequate financial support from government at all levels.

There is in the state government an agency known as the California State Library.

The California State Library is under the control of an executive who shall be a technically trained librarian and shall be known as the “State Librarian.”

The State Librarian shall be appointed by and hold office at the pleasure of the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate.

The State Librarian shall nominate a Deputy State Librarian to be appointed by, and hold office at the pleasure of, the Governor.

As used in this chapter, “public library” means any public library as defined in this code, or any county law library established pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6300) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code.