Any city in this state may maintain from its own resources a free public library without the levy or collection of a tax specifically designated for the support and maintenance of such library. The governing body of the city may act as the library board for the library and may designate city officers and employees to serve in other capacities related to the operation of the library. The governing body of the city may accept from any sources property or funds to be utilized for the establishment, maintenance and support of the library. Any city maintaining from its own resources a free public library without the levy or collection of a tax specifically designated for the support and maintenance of such library shall be eligible for state aid to public libraries under the provisions of chapter 181 if the support provided by the city for the public library is at least equal to the amount of revenue which would be realized by a tax of one mill if the library had been tax supported.