The Utica Public Library was started in 1933 by members of the Utica Tuesday Club, a local community organization. Together with other clubs and individuals they formed the Library Association. In 1949, the voters of the city of Utica approved a one-mill tax levy for the library. The Utica Public Library was officially established under 1877 P.A 164, section 1. As such, the library has a five member appointed board; trustees are appointed to five-year terms by the City Council. The library board is autonomous which means it has legal authority and responsibility for the operation of the library. The library board is expected to act as the trustee of the library. Sometimes boards act in a quasi-judicial capacity when they have to resolve personnel disputes or complaints from citizens. The Library Board meets at 6:30 pm on the third Wednesday of January, March, April, June, September and November.