Law Library

ANNOUNCEMENTS/ALERTS

The Law Library will be closed February 17, 2025, for the Presidents' Day holiday.

See the Hours and Closures page for information on attorney key checkout, forms for the public and copies.

Attorneys may check out a key to the Law Library by visiting the front desk of the Criminal District Attorney's office.

Select forms will be printed and available for the public to pick up while we are closed.

The copier is in the hallway and will be accessible for public use.

Introduction

About the Hays County Law Library
The Hays County Law Library functions as a public resource center, serving the legal research and information needs of self-represented litigants, legal professionals, the judiciary, and county and other governmental officials.

The Hays Law Library provides complimentary access to a comprehensive legal research and reference collection in traditional and digital formats. The Law Library is a public resource where individuals can conduct research using computers, access print legal materials, electronically file documents, draft legal forms and meet with clients to prepare necessary documentation or locate research resources.

The Law Library operates through a portion of civil court costs dedicated to the library's operation, per Local Government Code §323.023.

The Hays County Law Library is a member of the American Association of Law Libraries and the Southwestern Association of Law Libraries.

Mission

The mission of the Hays County Law Library is to ensure that patrons have access to relevant, current, accurate, and practical legal information in the most suitable and cost-effective formats.

We are committed to modernizing and enhancing our services and user experience, actively engaging with the communities within our county, and providing educational resources for our patrons.

Vision

The Hays County Law Library effectively links the public to the world of legal research and practice. Public access to legal information is crucial for open and equal access to the justice system.

By fostering partnerships with local organizations and embracing technology, we aim to bridge the gap between legal information and those who need it most.

Fulfilling our Mission

Modernize and Enhance Services and User Experience

Maintain a balanced and financially sustainable collection of print and electronic legal materials that is current and relevant to the community's legal information needs.
Provide knowledgeable and fully skilled library staff that facilitates access to available legal and information resources. Volunteers assist with maintaining the library's operation for extended business hours.
Provide access to modern, well-maintained facilities that enable library users to research, study, work, and collaborate.
Create and promote a safe, collaborative environment that facilitates interactions among attorneys, clients, and other legal professionals while enabling legal professionals and the public to engage in drafting and research activities.

Community Engagement

Understand and engage with the public libraries in Hays County to learn about the needs of each community within our county.
Develop digital and print resource guides to connect the community with legal aid and other informational resources.

Educate

Offer educational opportunities to enhance patrons' comprehension of legal information and research methodologies.
Develop public user guides to assist users in conducting research and utilizing various databases and websites effectively.
Provide continuing legal education courses for legal professionals, covering topics such as ethics and the application of Generative AI in legal research.

Law Library Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Melody Barron

Hays County Law Librarian

Visit the Staff page to learn more about how Law Library staff can help you.

Hours Notice:

Please visit the Hours and Closures page for more information about special hours and closures.

Hours are subject to change without notice. There is only one part-time Law Librarian on staff working with interns and volunteers. Due to staff availability, the library may be closed during posted hours.