The board may erect, construct and maintain, and use for all purposes connected with or incident to the work of the public schools or library or art gallery or museum, and let out to others for compensation, an auditorium or public hall suitable for public gatherings. The auditorium may be erected or constructed either in connection with the building devoted to the public library, art gallery or museum, or separate therefrom. The proceeds of rents over expenses shall be used for the purchase of books for the public library.
§ 177.151, RSMo