Court Access Library Centers

Innovative Partnership with Public Libraries to Increase Court Access

Recognizing libraries as important community hubs for information and assistance, new Court Access Library Centers will provide new resources to help people access the court system and related resources in their own communities throughout the state. With the leadership of Judge Jill Marisie and a dedicated Steering Committee (see full list below), this innovative partnership between the Illinois Secretary of State, the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice, and the CBF builds on the many great benefits that libraries already provide to make it possible for people without lawyers to get help navigating the legal system from a trusted resource in their own communities. The participating public libraries in this program offer space and dedicated equipment for residents without lawyers to appear in court remotely, obtain legal information and resources, and e-file and access court documents online with the assistance of local librarians who will have access to new training and support. Learn more below. Additionally, you can view a handout about the program here.

Partner Organizations

“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. 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.” – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias

Steering Committee

Chair
Hon. Jill Cerrone-Marisie
Circuit Court of Cook County

Hon. 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

Hon. Toya Harvey
Circuit Court of Cook County

Ryan Johnson
President, Illinois Library Association

Hon. Jorge Ortiz
19th Judicial Circuit, Lake County/Chair, Commission on Access to Justice

Hon. David Overstreet
Illinois Supreme Court/Commission on Access to Justice

Katherine M. Keefe
McHenry County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Susan W. McGrath
Champaign County Circuit Clerk

Jamie Paicely
Flossmoor Public Library

Teri Ross
Illinois Legal Aid Online

Brenda Sprague
Office of the Chief Judge

Wendy Vaughn
NIU College of Law/Commission on Access to Justice

Stacey Weiler
Illinois Bar Foundation

Candace Williams
CCLAHD Outreach Consultant

Participating Libraries

Chicago Public Library (Cook County)

Glenview Public Library (Cook County)

Indian Trails Public Library District (Cook County)

Northlake Public Library District (Cook County)

 

Prairie Trails Public Library District  (Cook County)

Calumet City Public Library (Cook County)

Aurora Public Library – Santori Library (Kane County)

Gail Borden Public Library (Kane County)

St. Charles Public Library District (Kane County)

 

Addison Public Library (DuPage County)

Glenside Public Library District (DuPage County)

Villa Park Public Library (DuPage County)

Fox Lake Public Library District (Lake County)

Wauconda Area Public Library District (Lake County)

Freeport Public Library (Stephenson County)

McHenry Public Library District (McHenry County)

Rantoul Public Library (Champaign County)

Carbondale Public Library (Jackson County)