Lawyers in Your Library (LIYL)
Wake County Public Libraries (WCPL)
Innovation Synopsis
Lawyers in Your Library (LIYL) advances equity and inclusion by removing systemic barriers that traditionally limit access to legal support—barriers that disproportionately affect low-income residents, individuals with limited transportation, and community members unfamiliar with the legal system. By embedding free, reliable legal guidance within public libraries located across 800+ square miles of Wake County, LIYL ensures that every resident—regardless of zip code, income, or background—can seek assistance in a trusted, culturally responsive environment.
This initiative democratizes access to justice by shifting services from specialized, often intimidating institutional settings into community-centered locations where residents already feel welcome. The program bridges geographic inequities by serving urban, suburban, and rural areas equally; advances cultural inclusion through staff support and clear communication practices; and creates opportunities for residents.
Challenge/Opportunity
The primary issues this innovative partnership was designed to address were:
- Limited access to affordable legal guidance for residents facing family-law challenges (custody, divorce, adoption).
- Geographic inequities across Wake County's 800+ square miles that make legal services difficult to reach, especially for rural and underserved communities.
- Barriers such as transportation, cost, scheduling, and discomfort with courthouse settings.
- Lack of trusted, community-based environments where residents can safely seek help.
- Need for partnerships that advance Wake County's Inclusive Prosperity goal by connecting residents to essential services that support stability, opportunity, and informed decision-making.
Key Elements of Innovation
LIYL is structured as a countywide partnership in which WCPL provides accessible community spaces and operational coordination, while the Wake County Legal Support Center supplies volunteer attorneys and legal expertise. Library staff layout logistics for service, preparing private meeting areas for consultations, communicating expectations of library staff, scheduling legal sessions, training staff on referral and privacy procedures, and promoting the service across all 21 libraries. The initiative's goals are to increase equitable access to family-law guidance, reduce geographic and financial barriers, and support Wake County's Inclusive Prosperity priority by connecting residents with essential legal resources in trusted public environments.
Achieved Outcomes
433 legal consultations completed, demonstrating strong community demand.
- 18 WCPL locations have already hosted in?person sessions, confirming countywide scalability.
- $54,000 estimated community value generated through free legal guidance.
- 80 attendees across two virtual programs, expanding access beyond physical branches.
- Metrics tracked: number of consultations, branch participation and participant demographics, repeat usage, and satisfaction feedback.
- Additional partners -Legal Hand North Carolina - community-based legal information/referral service designed to bridge the justice gap by empowering residents to resolve civil legal challenges before they escalate. Legal Aide of North Carolina a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal help in civil (non-criminal) cases to low-income individuals.
- Feedback highlights -increased trust, reduced barriers to legal help, and appreciation for offering essential services in familiar, accessible library spaces.
Supporting Materials:
