May 2, 2025
The Glenview Public Library on Friday hosted the formal public launch of the Court Access Library Centers at 18 public libraries to provide private access to Zoom court, enhanced legal resources, and assistance that helps residents navigate the court system. This pilot program is a collaborative partnership between the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, and The Chicago Bar Foundation.
Cook County Commissioner Scott Britton, who sparked the initial idea for this project and has helped to make that idea a reality as a member of the Steering Committee, was one of the cohosts for the public launch event: “I am thrilled that we are helping to expand access to the courts into the community in such an innovative way. I am especially proud that my outstanding hometown library, the Glenview Public Library, is leading the way as one of the initial 18 pilot locations for the project, which will remove barriers and allow residents to receive court services, like mediation and legal aid, remotely,” said Britton.
Each Court Access Library Center provides space and dedicated equipment to allow people without lawyers to access legal information and resources, and court documents. Additionally, these individuals can also remotely participate in Zoom court and other court-related services like mediation directly from their community.
“This pilot program ensures that more individuals can access the resources they need, right in their own communities, and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many, especially those who face barriers like distance or lack of technology,” said Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jill C. Marisie, who chairs the Steering Committee for the project.
Beyond space and equipment, the librarians at each pilot location have been provided with special training to help patrons navigate their legal issues, like how to access approved court forms, e-file their court documents and how to offer the best resources and referrals. Additionally, some librarians are trained as certified “Court Library Navigators” to offer more customized legal information to patrons. These Court Library Navigators are trained to help with procedural information in specific types of cases, including divorce and child custody; domestic violence; wills, trusts and estates; housing; and consumer debt.
“I’ve never been more excited to make really extraordinary inroads in providing access to justice across the state and in partnership with our public librarians. Who better to reduce barriers and provide reliable and safe assistance than the most historically trusted points of information and resources located in the heart of every community, our librarians,” shared Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Rochford.
There already is great enthusiasm for future expansion beyond the initial pilot locations, and data and community feedback will help identify where Court Access Library Centers can make the biggest impact. In the meantime, there are many great resources available in every corner of the state, and people without lawyers are encouraged to contact Illinois Court Help at https://www.ilcourthelp.gov/hc/en-us to learn more about available resources.
To learn more about the Court Access Library Center project, visit the project webpage at https://chicagobarfoundation.org/court-library/ or contact Roya Samarghandi at rsamarghandi@chicagobarfoundation.org.