CBA Record November-December 2024

Chicago Bar Foundation Report

Innovative Court and Public Library Partnership Makes Legal Help More Accessible Across Illinois By Roya Samarghandi, CBF Associate Director of Advocacy, Innovation & Training

Judge Jill Marisie

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Judge Jorge Ortiz

N avigating the legal system can be challenging, especially for individuals without lawyers who don’t know where to seek help. A new pilot program is bringing court resources into public libraries across Illinois to help bridge this gap. These Court Access Library Centers are intended to assist people in finding the legal information and procedural assistance they need in their local communities. Under the leadership of Cook County Circuit Judge Jill C. Marisie and a dedi cated Steering Committee, this inno vative partnership between the Illinois Secretary of State, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, and the CBF builds on the existing ben efits that libraries offer by giving librarians

the resources and training to better serve patrons dealing with legal issues. The pilot program placed Court Access Library Centers in 18 public libraries in 11 judicial circuits. The participating libraries provide space and dedicated equipment for online access to legal infor mation and resources, e-files, and court documents. Through the Court Access Library Centers, patrons can also par ticipate in Zoom court and court-related services like mediation remotely. This is especially helpful for those who live far from their local courthouse or must deal with transportation issues, saving time and money. “By placing Court Access Library Cen ters in public libraries, we are opening the door for people who might otherwise

struggle to navigate the legal system,” said Judge Marisie. “This program ensures that more individuals can access the resources they need, right in their own communi ties, and will make a meaningful differ ence in the lives of many, especially those who face barriers like distance or lack of technology.” The 18 library locations were selected based on the number of people in that area representing themselves in court, the community’s diversity, and challenges like geographic distance to the local court house and limited internet access. Four Chicago Public Library locations are participating in the pilot: Harold Wash ington Library Center, Legler Regional Library, Sulzer Regional Library, and Woodson Regional Library.

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