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Thank you for your interest in the LA Law Library.  Below please find a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

If you can't find the answer you are looking for below, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

1 - What are the Library's hours

Our Main Downtown Library is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm and on Saturdays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Please click here for the hours and directions to our branch and partnership locations.

2 - How do I get to the Library?

The Library is very centrally located in the downtown area. We are close to the 10, 110, and 5 freeways.

  • On the Redline, we are located at the “Civic Center.”
  • We are along the Dash "A" route. Finally, we are along the following bus lines: 2, 4, 40, 42, 45, 46, 76, 78, 83, 84, 376, 378 and 489.
  • Our street address is 301 W. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

3 - Where can I park if I come down to the Library?

The Library has no designated parking lot. As we are close to many courthouses, there are many commercial parking lots in the surrounding areas. Rates can range from $3.00 to $20.00 per day

4 - Can I borrow books from the Library?

Yes, it is easy to sign up to borrow materials from the Library. There are a few borrower categories; you must complete a library card application which requires picture ID and a one-time deposit.

5 - Do you have trial court information or divorce records?

Unfortunately, we do not have ready access to trial court information. For specific case information, you need to contact the specific courthouse where the case took place or access information through the LA Superior Court website at http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org

6 - What type of legal materials does the library have?

We are the largest truly public law library in the country. While a primary focus is California, we have materials from all 50 states and more than 250 foreign countries. We collect materials such as codes and cases, secondary treatises that help analyze the law, legal encyclopedias, form books, appellate briefs, legislative history information, law reviews, and legal magazines and newspapers.

7 - What are the rules for using a Library computer?

All Public PC Stations are for legal research purposes only and available on a first come, first served basis. Users must sign-in to use a Public PC Station using their own library card*. Access to the Law Library's electronic resources, including the Internet, is available from designated Public PC Stations during regular library hours ending fifteen (15) minutes before closing.

Users may access the Public PC Stations for up to two hours per day.  A user may not sign-in on more than one Public PC Station at a time. If all Public PC Stations are in use, the user must wait for the next available Public PC Station to become free using the self-serve reservation kiosk.

*A new LA Law Library card application must be completed prior to use. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

8 - Can you answer my legal question?

As librarians, we can help you find legal information that will help you answer your question. If we do not have the information, we may be able to direct you to a place to find answers. We are not attorneys so cannot provide legal advice such as helping you fill out forms or interpret the law.

9 - Where can I get a list of classes that the Library offers?

The library regularly holds classes for both the general public and attorneys. To view available classes check out our training page for more information.

10 - Do you have copy machines?

Yes, the Main Library has a cash operated color copier and a B&W copier that operates using a library card. For cost, please visit the Fines and Fees schedule found under Services and Rentals.

11 - Where can I return the books I borrowed?

Library materials may be returned in person during business hours at the Circulation desk or after hours through our book drop located at the driveway entrance on Broadway. Library books are not returnable at branch or partnership locations nor do we accept books from other library systems.

12 - Can I use any of your digital resources from my home or office?

Yes. In our continuing efforts to reach those we serve wherever they are, we are excited to begin offering access to a limited number of resources remotely – whether from your home, office, school, neighborhood library or anywhere else with internet access. Our currently available remote databases can be found here: Remote Resources


 

© LA Law Library 2022