Ouachita Parish Public Library is pleased to announce its participation in the tenth annual “Lawyers in Libraries” statewide program in partnership with the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), the State Library of Louisiana, and the Louisiana Library Association. This year, library patrons across the state have the opportunity to meet with attorney for brief “Ask-a-Lawyer” consultations in person at participating libraries.
Main Branch Library, located at 1800 Stubbs Avenue, Monroe, LA, 71201, will host five lawyers during the week of October 21-26. Those interested in the event branch must register in advance by calling Main Branch’s Reference Desk at 318-317-1490. Each registrant will be able to sign-up for a 15-minute session with a volunteer attorney. The available times are:
· Monday, October 21, 9 am to 11 am
· Tuesday, October 22, 9 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 7 pm
· Friday, October 25, 9 am to 11 am
· Saturday, October 26, 9 am to 3 pm
This attorney-library partnership is a critical one in a state where nearly 20% of the population lives below the federal poverty line, with many more just barely making ends meet. Many people need legal assistance but cannot afford an attorney or don’t know where to start. The Lawyers in Libraries program allows participants to get basic information on their legal issue and be connected to further free and low-cost legal resources. Attorneys can answer questions on a wide range of civil legal topics such as: Bankruptcy, Collection Matters, Custody, Divorce, Evictions, FEMA/Disaster Benefits, Food Stamps, Foreclosures, Housing, Medicaid, Social Security, SSI/SSDI, Successions, Taxes and Wills, and more. (The program does not address criminal matters.)
“Finding inexpensive, accurate legal advice can be daunting. I’m grateful that Lawyers in Libraries makes it possible for those needing legal advice to find it and trust it,” says Nancy Green, Acting Director of Ouachita Parish Public Library. Public libraries are natural starting points for people in search of information and services. Library staff can provide direction to available resources, but not legal advice. Thanks to the combined efforts of the LSBA, LSBA members, the State Library of Louisiana, LLA, Law Library of Louisiana, legal aid partners, local bar associations, and other community partners, the success of Lawyers in Libraries has only grown over the years. Since its launch, attorneys have assisted over 10,000 Louisianans and reached patrons in every parish in the state.
For more details or help finding an event in your area, contact your local library or visit www.LouisianaLawyersinLibraries.org