(a) There is hereby established the Council on Libraries.
(b) The Council on Libraries shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Department and shall consider matters relating to libraries and library standards throughout the State and such other matters as may be referred to it by the Governor, the Secretary of the Department or the General Assembly. The Council on Libraries may study, research, plan and make advisory recommendations to the Governor, the Secretary of the Department or the General Assembly on matters it deems appropriate to provide the best possible library service in Delaware.
(c) The Council on Libraries shall be composed of 2 members who shall be elected annually by each County Library Advisory Board and who shall serve at its pleasure and 7 members appointed by the Governor. Of the 7 members appointed by the Governor, 3 members shall be appointed for a term of 1 year, 2 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years and 2 members shall be appointed for a term of 3 years; at no time shall there be more than a bare majority representation of 1 major political party, but any person who declines to state a political affiliation shall be considered eligible for appointment as a member; and after the initial appointments, all terms shall be for 3 years. No member shall be appointed for more than 2 consecutive terms. The Chairperson of the Council shall be chosen by the members of the Council from among its members and shall serve in that capacity for a term of 1 year and shall be eligible for reelection.
(d) Members of the Council on Libraries shall serve without compensation, except that they may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incident to their duties.
(e) A vacancy prior to the expiration of the term of a member of the Council on Libraries shall be filled only for the remainder of that term.