The Office of the Illinois Secretary of State – in partnership with the Illinois Supreme Court’s Commission on Access to Justice and The Chicago Bar Foundation – launched a new pilot utilizing local libraries’ technology to improve court access.
The Court Access Library Centers program will offer space and dedicated equipment in selected public libraries for residents without lawyers to appear in court remotely, obtain legal information and resources, and e-file and access court documents online.
The goal of the pilot is to help Illinoisans who are without lawyers or may be struggling to navigate the legal system on their own more easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library.
“This impactful statewide partnership will significantly enhance access to justice, enabling many individuals to meaningfully engage in their court cases,” said Lake County Judge Jorge Ortiz, chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. “This is particularly vital for those who face barriers such as limited access to legal services, technology, or transportation to the courthouse.”
Using a data-driven approach, 18 libraries across Illinois were selected for the pilot phase based on the volume of litigants without lawyers, geographic and transportation limitations to local courthouses, broadband internet access constraints, and interest from public libraries in the area.
Each pilot location has been provided with court access training for the librarians who volunteer, the press release said.
Some librarians will be trained as certified “Court Library Navigators” to offer more customized legal information to patrons. The Court Library Navigators’ training sessions will focus on specific types of cases, including divorce and child custody; domestic violence; wills, trusts, and estates; housing; and consumer debt.
“Libraries have long been a trusted place where people can find help right in their own community,” said Bob Glaves, executive director of The Chicago Bar Foundation. “We are thrilled to be part of this innovative partnership with the Secretary of State and the Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice to expand the information and resources that libraries already offer their communities so they can better assist people facing legal problems on their own.”
“Our libraries have always served as a hub for learning and finding answers. Adding legal guidance as a supplement to the knowledge already available just makes sense,” Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. “Bringing services directly to the people has been a top priority of my administration, and we will continue to find innovative ways to work toward that goal.”
