In 1937, the Michigan Library Association recommended to the Legislature that state funding be provided to public libraries and that a state board for libraries be appointed. In 1965, Public Act 286 established 24 library systems whose membership comprised approximately one-third of the public libraries in the state. Under Public Act 89 of 1977, Michigan library cooperatives were formed for the purpose of assisting the member public libraries in the delivery of library services. In 1982, PA540 transferred the State Library to the Legislative Branch of state government and renamed it the Library of Michigan. Today, the Library of Michigan continues to administer state aid under PA 89, 1977 and the Guidelines which establish minimum standards for staffing, accessibility and local funding for public libraries seeking state aid, as well as standards of education and experience for directors of library cooperatives and county libraries receiving grants. Following the State Aid to Public Libraries Act, Act 89 of 1977, State Aid Guidelines are outlined and include the following categories: cooperative guidelines, public library guidelines, and guidelines for school district public libraries. A chart summarizing the historical distribution of state aid appears at the end of this publication, along with a table detailing state aid payments under PA 89, 1977 and a pie chart illustrating funding of public libraries in Michigan, 1996. (AEF)