§ 31-a. Participation by school district public libraries. a. A
school district public library, by resolution legally adopted by its
board of trustees, may elect to become a participating employer in the
retirement system, separate and distinct from the school district.
Acceptance of the school district public library as a participating
employer in the retirement system shall be mandatory with the
comptroller.

b. The officers and employees of such library shall be credited with
such periods of prior service as shall be certified by the library for
service rendered to it, or its predecessor, or the state, or in any
other capacity approved by such library and the comptroller. Service for
such library after the date on which it commences to participate in the
retirement system shall be considered as member service. An officer or
employee of such library who, as of the date he is so approved for
membership in the retirement system, is already a member thereof, shall
not have his total credit reduced by such approval. Any reserve held on
account of any such officer or employee in the pension accumulation fund
shall be used as an offset against the deficiency contribution payable
thereafter by such library on account of such officer or employee for
any prior service credit and any such previous credit.