The LA Law Library operates under the California Business and Professions Code, Section 6300 et seq. as independent public agency.

A seven-member Board of Trustees set policy and appoint the Executive Director. The Board consists of five Superior Court judges appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County and two attorneys appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

The Law Library derives its income primarily from a portion of the filing fee charges paid by parties to civil litigation in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.

The LA Law Library staff welcomes you. 

LA Law Library provides public access to legal information. We are here to assist your use of the resources and services offered. Please help us keep the library safe and pleasant for everyone by following these rules of conduct when on Library property. 

RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS

Users shall respect the rights of other library users and library staff. The Library shall not be used in lieu of an office for the practice of law or any other professional or business activity.  Soliciting, harassing, offending, intimidating or disturbing library patrons or staff or intentionally interfering with their ability to conduct library business is strictly prohibited.
[California Penal Code 602.1(b)]

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

LA Law Library does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request an accommodation for any of the Library's programs, services, or activities, please inform a staff member of your accommodation request or submit a completed request form. (Forms are available on our website or in person.)

PHOTOGRAPHY

We are delighted our patrons enjoy the library and want to take photos.  To protect the privacy of others, however, no photography or filming is permitted on library premises without arrangements and approval in advance.  Should you wish to request permission to photograph within a public space or arrange space for private photography sessions, please contact us at 213.785.2511 for assistance.  Personal electronic devices may be used to photograph or record content of Library materials, subject to the following Rules.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

Users should limit their carry-in items to those materials necessary to accomplish their legal research. For safety and security, the library reserves the right to limit users to one bag and one purse or a briefcase. 

• Abide by all posted LA Law Library Patron Expectations for Health and Safety
• Running, jumping or moving faster than the pace of pedestrian traffic is prohibited (whether on foot or operating a personal mobility device).
• Briefcases, backpacks, packages and outer garments may be subject to inspection at any time.
• With the exception of wheelchairs or other mobility devices covered by the ADA, large objects such as carts, luggage, bicycles or parcels that collectively exceed 26” x 19” x 9” are not permitted in the library.
• Notwithstanding the above, a patron may bring one personal handcart into the library, provided the cart can be folded or collapsed and is placed entirely under a patron table in the Reading Room within the single, individual space at the table being used by the patron.
• Walkways and aisles shall be kept clear and unobstructed by personal items, including but not limited to, briefcases, packages, backpacks, garments, electric cords and equipment.
• The Law Library is not responsible for, nor shall it have any liability for, the personal items that users bring into the library.
• Security personnel will remove unattended items.
• To ensure an unobstructed view of patrons within the Reading Room, users may not place, stack or pile materials in a manner that prevents Security Personnel from viewing patron activity or impairs the line of sight from Security Personnel to any patron.

PERSONAL CONDUCT IN THE LAW LIBRARY

In consideration of others, quiet is expected throughout the Library, including in the lobby area.  Users may engage in quiet conversation in person or by telephone as long as other users are not disturbed. If a conversation or use of a device can be heard by patrons more than 5 feet away, it is presumed to be disturbing to others.  Telephone conversations are permitted on the front patio and walkways, provided they do not interfere with ingress, egress or Library operations.

Pagers, cell phones and PDAs should be turned to vibrate or silent mode. Photocopiers/scanners or other equipment should be used as quietly as possible.

Appropriate attire, including shirts and shoes must be worn in the library.

Animals, other than service animals (as defined by law) assisting persons with disabilities, are not permitted in the library. Service animals must be under the control of their patron handler at all times and may not cause disruption, noise or damage to Library property. Anyone bringing service animals other than a single service dog into the library is requested to provide written notice in advance so that the library may determine whether the animals can be reasonably accommodated.

Children must be under the control and supervision of a responsible adult at all times.

Beverages in covered, spill-proof containers are allowed. The eating of food and the chewing of gum are prohibited.

The following are not permitted in LA Law Library:

• Smoking, including smoking within 20’ of any entrance to the Law Library.
  [California Government Code 7597]
• Weapons, including firearms whether open or concealed, with or without permit, unless the carrier is an active peace officer as defined under California Penal Code Section 830-832.17
• Loitering, sleeping, laying on the Law Library floor or furniture.
• Bathing, shaving, and washing clothes in the library restrooms.
• Soliciting (offering patrons or staff goods or services for sale)

Persons other than Library staff may not pretend or represent themselves to be agents or employees of LA Law Library

Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs, except as lawfully prescribed by a physician, are not permitted in the library.

Persons whose parcels or bodily hygiene or odor is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance or disrupt others’ work shall be required to leave the library.

Acts or threats of physical violence, harassment,  intimidation, threatening or disruptive behavior, bullying,  physical or mental abuse and/or coercion towards patrons or staff will not be tolerated. The Library reserves the right to  take action against any individual engaging in such conduct which can include the following: banning from the premises, reporting such conduct to appropriate law enforcement authorities when warranted, and pursuing civil and/or criminal charges and penalties.

USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

Users shall not conceal or hide library materials. Pocket parts or loose-leaf pages may not be removed from books except for photocopy purposes in the Copy Center.  When copying is complete, the pages used shall be returned promptly to their correct location in the book.  It is the patron’s responsibility to use library materials in compliance with copyright and other applicable laws.

No materials shall be removed from the library unless they have been properly checked out.  Failure to return materials when due may result in payment of fines, replacement costs and administrative costs and/or loss of Law Library privileges.

Users should not reshelve their used library materials. Law Library staff will collect materials from tables, desks and shelves 15 minutes prior to closing and may collect materials left unattended periodically throughout the day.

THEFT, ABUSE AND VANDALISM

The theft, abuse, vandalism, mutilation, marring, marking, defacing, or otherwise damaging of the books, building, equipment, furniture or other objects in the Law Library is prohibited.  
[California Penal Code 490.5 & 594: Education Code 19910 & 19911]

USE OF COMPUTERS AND PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Law Library public computers are reserved for legal research and access to the online catalog. Peripheral devices (printers, CD-ROM drives, cameras, keyboards, scanners, etc) may not be attached without prior authorization.

Public computer use is limited to one 2-hour session.   Users may only access public computers using their own library card.  To request your library card, please ask any staff member to assist you.  Accessing the library computer system, programs or data without authorization is prohibited. 

Personal electronic devices may be used in the library provided such use does not disturb other users or take up excessive space or electrical capacity. Personal electronic devices including but not limited to computers, copiers, scanners and printers may be used only if they do not exceed 1.5 amps or a footprint of 2 square feet, make no noise audible to other patrons and pose no other hazard or obstacle to use of the library by others. For example, laptops and silent hand-held scanners are generally permitted, while full-size personal computers, printers and scanners are generally not permitted. As noted above, if the use of a device can be heard by patrons more than 5 feet away, it is presumed to be disturbing to others.

Tabletop electrical outlets are provided for patron use. Due to a very limited number of electrical outlets each user should not connect to more than one outlet at a time. Wall outlets may not be used by patrons without prior express permission.

UNAUTHORIZED AREAS

Opening emergency exits (except in emergency situations), entering unauthorized or off-limit areas of the library, remaining in the library after closing or during emergency drills or evacuations is prohibited and may result in immediate suspension of library privileges.

Entering or remaining on landscaped areas, areas marked as “Reserved” or “No Trespassing” signs or any portion of the premises when the library is closed (other than for the short-term purpose of returning library materials to the book-drop) is prohibited and may result in immediate removal and/or suspension of library privileges.

FAILURE TO COMPLY

Failure to comply with library rules, library signage or the directives of library staff or security personnel, or to cooperate with the staff or security personnel in their enforcement of these rules may result in the loss or suspension of library privileges, including but not limited to temporary or permanent removal from the library premises.  Individuals who refuse to leave when requested to do so by staff or security personnel will be subject to arrest for trespassing and prosecution under California Penal Code Section 602.1(b).

Any removal or suspension of privileges for more than one day may be appealed upon written request within 10 days of the removal or suspension.

Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library

Supported by the private sector, Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library are dedicated to raising funds for the Los Angeles County Law Library. Friends' activities raise the visibility of the Law Library and provide a needed, additional base of financial support. Proceeds from past events have been used to expand access, upgrade technology and provide services to the self-represented.

The Friends activities include the Annual Beacon of Justice Award Gala Event as their focal point. Each year in early fall, numerous nominations for the Annual Award are received and following the selection of a recipient, the Gala Event evening is planned and the recipient is given the Beacon of Justice Award.

For more information on this event or the Friends of the Los Angeles County Law Library, please visit their website.