A. The Oklahoma Department of Libraries is hereby created. The Department shall be the official library agency of the state and shall discharge the responsibilities and exercise the authority of the state with respect to all public and special libraries. The Department shall cooperate with other state agencies, local units of government, federal agencies and private individuals and organizations with respect to library facilities and services, or any allied or related facilities and services. The Department shall be responsible for the receipt and administration of all state funds and such federal funds as may be administered by a state agency, may receive and administer private and other funds, for libraries, library services or any allied or related services.

B. The Department shall have its headquarters and shall maintain The State Library at the Allen Wright Memorial Library in the State Capitol area.

C. Branches or offices of the Department may be established under such conditions and terms and in such locations within the state as are deemed necessary.

D. The Jan Eric Cartwright Memorial Library, which shall be located in the State Capitol Building, shall provide law library and legislative reference services for state government and the citizens of Oklahoma.