The Branch provides leadership and technical assistance to improve library service. Origins of the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch trace to 1902 when the State Library Commission was created. Commission responsibilities for public library development were assigned to the Office of Public Libraries under the State Board of Education in 1935, and to the Division of Library Extension from 1947 to 1971.  Within the Division of Library Development and Services, the Public Libraries Branch was formed in 1971 and renamed the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch in 1988.

MPOWER CARD, one of the innovative projects supported by the Public Libraries and State Networking Branch,  is a state-wide library card,   enabling the cardholder to borrow books, CDs. DVDs. and magazines from any library in the state. AskUsNow , offers 24/7 online chat reference help from a librarian.  

Summer Reading Club is an innovative and creative program which encourages all ages to continue to read throughout the summer months through the use of a reading log and special activities planned by librarians.