The City Council shall have the authority to establish and maintain a free public library within the City and to cooperate with any person, firm, association or corporation under such terms as the City Council may prescribe for the establishment of such free public library. For budget purposes, the library shall be considered as a department of the City and the appropriations therefor shall comply with all the budgetary requirements as outlined in this Charter and as may be prescribed from time to time by the City Council.