What services and programs are available to me at the Richmond Public Law Library?
Nov 20, 2024
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- You may know that Richmond Public Library offers books for checkout and other free services, but did you know its Law Library offers legal resources, including databases for research, informative events and legal materials?
Services and resources
According to a spokesperson, the Richmond Public Law Library can be found in the Richmond Room of the Main Library, located at 101 East Franklin Street in the city's Monroe Ward area.
The Law Library has collection of both print and digital legal resources. Materials can't be checked out, but digital access and print copies of materials can be provided.
Among those online resources are Westlaw, a database providing free access to state and federal cases, regulations and statues from throughout the U.S., as well as forms and briefs. Another resource is LexisNexis, which also provides access to information about state and federal cases.
Those online resources can only be accessed while inside the library due to agreements with those platforms, according to the Law Library.
Availability and assistance
A spokesperson for the Law Library shared that folks most often come in with questions regarding tenant and landlord rights, as well as seeking information regarding creating a nonprofit, though staff can help with a number of other legal topics.
Staff of the Richmond Room are generally available Monday through Friday when the library is open to help folks both on a drop-in basis -- though availability depends on capacity -- and by appointments.
The spokesperson added that the Law Library cannot provide visitors legal guidance, but instead acts as a facilitator to connect those in need to resources and services.
To see the library's hours, visit Richmond Public Library's website.
Upcoming events
In addition, the Law Library also hosts events to support folks on a variety of topics, including small businesses and nonprofits, family law and estate planning.
Upcoming events include "Spotting Fraud and Financial Scams," which is geared toward adults, seniors and caretakers, and will take place in the morning on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Ginter Park Branch Library.
Another event coming up is "Now What? LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Workshop," which will give folks a space to discuss the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in Virginia and the U.S. This event is slated for the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Main Library.
In addition, the Law Library will be hosting a Lunch and Learn on contract law, including information about non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), memorandum of understanding (MOUs) and more. The Lunch and Learn will be hosted in the afternoon on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Main Library.
Looking for more information? Visit the Richmond Public Law Library's website for legal resources, or Richmond Public Library for more general information.