CBA Record November-December 2024

In addition to offering space and equipment, librarians also receive special training. The librarians will be able to explain the difference between legal information and legal advice, and which services they can offer under the Illi nois Supreme Court’s “Safe Harbor Policy.” Librarians can help patrons attend court hearings remotely, access approved statewide forms, e-file their docu ments, access case information, and connect with appropriate legal referrals and resources. Librarians interested in more active roles can become certified as court library navigators after additional training. These certified navigators will provide more personalized legal information and procedural assistance in areas such as family law, housing, and consumer debt. They can also help litigants request an inter preter or other accommodation and inform qualifying litigants about fee waivers. “This impactful statewide partnership will significantly enhance access to justice, enabling many individuals to meaningfully engage in their court cases,” Lake County Judge Jorge Ortiz, Chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Com mission on Access to Justice, stated in the recent press release announcing the project.“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Illinois Secretary of State and The Chicago Bar Foundation in this important initiative.” This pilot builds on successful programs like Illinois JusticeCorps, the Com mission on Access to Justice Court Navigator Network, and the Illinois Court Help Program, aiming to break down barriers for people who need legal help but often struggle to connect to the appropriate resources. By bringing these services to public libraries, the hope is that more people – especially those with limited access to technology or difficulty getting to the courthouse – can get the legal information and assistance they need. “This initiative reflects the exemplary leadership of the Secretary of State, Illinois Supreme Court, and the CBF and the dedication and teamwork of our impressive Steering Committee,” Judge Marisie stressed. “Everyone has come together to make this program a reality, and it is this spirit of collaboration that we believe sets up the pilot program for success and eventual expansion to other libraries as well.” Visit chicagobarfoundation.org/court-library for more information on the Court Access Library Centers, including a list of participating locations.

STEERING COMMITTEE Chair Judge Jill C. Marisie Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Maryam Ahmad Circuit Court of Cook County Scott Britton Cook County Commissioner Dennericka Brooks

Legal Aid Chicago Maggie Clemons Chicago Public Library Jennifer Crespo State of Illinois Torture & Inquiry Relief Commission Halle Eichert Kane County Law Library Self Help Center Clarissa Gaff Land of Lincoln Legal Aid Judge Toya T. Harvey Circuit Court of Cook County Ryan Johnson President, Illinois Library Association Carmen Navarro Gercone Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County Judge Jorge L. Ortiz 19th Judicial Circuit, Lake County/Chair, Commission on Access to Justice Justice David K. Overstreet Illinois Supreme Court/Commission on Access to Justice Jamie Paicely Flossmoor Public Library Teri Ross Illinois Legal Aid Online Mony Ruiz-Velasco

PARTICIPATING LIBRARIES

Flossmoor Public Library

Chicago Public Library Glenview Public Library

Wauconda Area Public Library District McHenry Public Library District

Equality Illinois Wendy Vaughn NIU College of Law/Commission on Access to Justice Stacey Weile r Illinois Bar Foundation Candace Williams CCLAHD Outreach Consultant

Indian Trails Public Library District Northlake Public Library District Prairie Trails Public Library District Calumet City Public Library Aurora Public Library – Santori Library Addison Public Library

Rantoul Public Library Peoria Public Library – Main Library O’Fallon Public Library Carbondale Public Library

CBA RECORD 17