dcpl is an independent agency of the district of columbia municipal government, managed by a chief librarian that is selected and reviewed by a board of library trustees. the board of library trustees are appointed by the mayor of the district of columbia, subject to review and approval by the council of the district of columbia. the budget is also determined by the council of the district of columbia based on a request submitted by the mayor as part of the annual budget process for the entire municipal government. the united states congress also has to approve of the district's budget as a part of their oversight of the district of columbia as the nation's capital.