Law libraries were established in the United States before there was even a United States. Even though the first colleges in Colonial America were founded primarily for religious purposes, they also quickly realized that preparing men to practice law was a necessity for the developing nation. To practice law means to understand and know it, and thus the necessity for law libraries.

A myth exists that only lawyers can understand the law, but this is not the case. For over four decades, law libraries have been provided at state and federal prisons, which inmates have used to research their own appeals. But it is daunting for the average citizen who does not have that much spare time on their hands. Fortunately, there is a service provided by Lycoming County that can help.

The Lycoming County Law Library is located in the lower level of the Lycoming County Courthouse at 48 West Third Street, Williamsport. It had previously been located in the James V. Brown Library but was moved in January 2018, now under the direction of the Office of District Court Administrator. An Open House was held on May 4th to unveil the new library formally, and it was quite impressive.

The delay of five months from its relocation was because when it moved, all there was were books. The county had to find some bookcases, tables, desk, chairs and acquire the computers to utilize the online resources. The results are quite impressive. Though it is all contained in one room, it is quite a room. There are bookcases on the wall with the legal works, which even include books containing the ordinances of each of the municipalities in the county. There are two computer terminals with a dedicated connection to a legal research database along with easy-to-use legal research tools that the general public can use. The room also has a rack of forms and information that are the most frequently used by the cases, which are “pro se” (Latin phrase meaning “for oneself” or “on one’s own behalf) which are representing a considerable part of the court docket, especially in Family Court.

All of this was available in the past, but not in one convenient place. Instead of having to go one location to get a document and another to get a question answered and then go still another place to look up some needed information, there is now a one-stop resource center for self-help legal needs.

Actually, it is not quite wholly self-help, as there is well-trained staff personnel at the Law Library that is there to help the patrons. Taylor Paulhamus, a Williamsport HS and recent Lycoming College graduate with aspirations to attend law school herself someday in the future, serves as the clerk in the Law Library. Her skills were on display at the Open House, and it was apparent that she knew her way around the computer and other materials. She is aided by Marian Bitner, who has spent 38 years as a teacher, thus is well equipped to instruct on how to use the various resources. President Judge Nancy Butts remarked, “We have knowledgeable and conscientious staff as well as volunteers to assist with legal research and explain how to navigate the local Court system properly.” Judge Butts added, “The Law Library is open to professionals too, including attorneys, paralegals, community groups, students, and other government offices. Attorneys and their staff are welcome to use the Law Library in between Court proceedings.”

Judge Butts and the Law Library staff personnel emphasized that the Law Library does not provide legal advice and should not be substituted for legal advice. Those that have legal questions should contact a lawyer. That being said, it could save some time and money by first accessing the information on the Law Library on the county’s website, lyco.org, and under “Courts” scroll to the last heading, “Law Library.” There is a list of the online resources that can be downloaded, such as packets relating to child custody. The Law Library hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursdays by appointment and closed on Tuesdays and major holidays.