Montana Public Libraries host “Lawyers in Libraries” events across the state

(HELENA)--- In honor of Law Day, Montana public libraries across the state are partnering with attorneys to give presentations to their communities about the importance of civil legal justice, as well as where patrons can find reliable legal information. This program is the result of a partnership between the State Law Library, the Montana State Library, Montana public libraries, and the Montana Legal Services Association.

“The State Law Library of Montana understands that the law can be a powerful tool and we work to ensure that all Montanans have access to accurate legal information,” says Christine Mandiloff, State Law Librarian of Montana. “We are pleased to participate in the Lawyers in Libraries program so that more people can learn about their rights and where to find legal information and assistance.”

In support of the Lawyers in Libraries event, the State Law Library is providing reliable and accurate sources of legal information that libraries can share with patrons, as well as reviewing the PowerPoint template offered to lawyers for their presentations to library patrons.

Jennifer Reed, director at the Stillwater County Library in Columbus, MT, agrees. “Libraries are instrumental in educating the citizens we serve, which includes providing information and resources,” Reed says. “Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming for most, so we are thrilled to bring the Lawyers in Libraries program to our area in hopes that we will connect those in need with reliable and accurate legal information.”

Working in conjunction with the libraries, a group of attorneys from the Montana Legal Services Association have generously volunteered their time and expertise to present the information to Montana communities. One of the attorneys, Alix House, says "MLSA believes in the important role libraries play in providing Montanans access to information, and we look forward to partnering with various libraries to help Montanans gain access to justice."

For a full list of participating libraries and their presentation dates, please visit the 2022 Lawyers in Libraries webpage at https://msl.mt.gov/libraries/lifelonglearning/lawyersinlibraries2022 or contact Amelea Kim, Lifelong Learning Librarian at the Montana State Library at akim@mt.gov or 406-444-0224.

About the Montana State Library

The Montana State Library (MSL) helps all organizations, communities, and Montanans thrive through excellent library resources and services. For more information about the Montana State Library, visit http://msl.mt.gov.