Wisconsin Free Library Commission

The Free Library Commission was established in 1895. It existed as an independent state agency until 1965. In 1965 the Legislature transferred the functions, personnel and properties of the Free Library Commission to the jurisdiction of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction as the Division for Library Serices (WIHV85-A897) in the Department of Public Instruction (WIHV86-A116).

The Free Library commission was originally established to acquire and circulate books not available locally and to plan and develop an effective system of public libraries in the state. Subsequently, additional functions were assigned to the Commission by law, e.g., giving special service to legislators; certifying public librarians; extending and improving library service to rural areas; and supervising all public libraries in the state by fixing standards and receiving annual reports.

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