A program providing access to court services through public libraries has expanded to include more libraries and all branches of Massachusetts’ courts.
The website lists 17 partnering public libraries across six counties — including library branches in Andover, Eastham, Northampton, Canton, Quincy, Randolph and Boston.
“Access to justice requires access,” said Robert DeFabrizio, senior manager of law libraries at the Massachusetts Trial Court Law Library.
The Public Library Initiative is helping underrepresented populations navigate the legal system, making many resources available virtually and addressing barriers such as transportation and stable internet access.
Resources that include helping people log onto virtual calls with a judge and translation services are available to visitors of the public libraries participating in the program.
These resources have long been available at law libraries throughout the state, but those are often located in government buildings and may require security screenings and checkpoints.
Many people have to represent themselves in court, with more than 90% of defendants in housing court — for instance — going unrepresented.
“People are forced to represent themselves and we’re just trying to give them resources to help them exercise their rights and hopefully get an outcome that is equitable for them,” DeFabrizio said.
A Norwood public library was the first to join the initiative when it started in 2022.
Clayton Cheever, library director of Norwood’s Morrill Memorial Library, said that the main goal is to improve people’s experience with the justice system.
He said that there’s a sense of ease that people feel when walking into a library. When trying to navigate something as stressful and complex as the law, he says that sense of familiarity is paramount.
Cheever said the program is a great guiding hand for those with little experience interacting with the legal system.
“They’re just not aware of the resources that are available,” Cheever said. “The biggest challenge is how do we make it so that people know there are resources, you don’t have to do it alone and there are people here to help.”
It’s often a one-time interaction when people seek the services of the trial court library. But in a local library, many patrons have a rapport with the staff.
The public librarians themselves aren’t trained to understand the nuances of whatever issues a patron may have but know how to direct them to the right resources. The Massachusetts Trial Court law librarians will be available for an hour each day to speak directly with the visitors.
DeFabrizio said that the trial court makes sure that the computers have camera and there is access to headphones before adding a library to the partnership.
He said there are plans to partner with more libraries, with the focus currently on Northern Berkshire County. He said that there has been interest from the cities of Worcester and Springfield.
“The sky’s the limit in terms of how many public libraries join on,” DeFabrizio said.
