The Clallam County Law Library (CCLL) and the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) have partnered to provide the public with access to free legal information through the use of dedicated computer terminals and access to an online collection of legal resources.
A dedicated computer terminal that provides access to the Lexis Plus (Lexis+) legal database is now available at two NOLS locations: the Port Angeles Main Library at 2210 S. Peabody St. and the Forks Branch Library at 171 S. Forks Ave.
The new terminal locations and availability during NOLS operating hours significantly increase opportunities for both East and West End residents to use the database, a NOLS press release stated.
Additionally, remote access to the law library’s eBook collection is available through LexisNexis Digital Library with a free NOLS library card, allowing unlimited use from any location. Visit NOLS.org/Law-Library for login instructions.
These improvements stem from a 2024 initiative by the Clallam County Law Library board to explore a more reliable and inclusive way to provide access to legal resources. While Washington State requires Clallam County to provide law library access to judges, officials and members of the bar, the CCLL is going beyond this requirement to ensure broader, more equitable access for the public.
Previously, law library materials were housed in the Clallam County Courthouse and available for fewer than 10 hours per week. By relocating materials to NOLS facilities and transitioning to an online database model, CCLL is ensuring that legal resources are current, accessible and available to everyone in the community.
“NOLS is happy to dedicate space for these important resources with a goal to increase the legal literacy of Clallam County residents,” NOLS Executive Director Noah Glaude stated in the press release. “We are hopeful that similar partnerships within the community will create better opportunities for learning and information that might otherwise be difficult to use.”
Funded by county court filing fees, the law library will provide NOLS with an annual $5,000 administrative fee to provide computer terminal maintenance and technical support to community members.
For NOLS hours and information, visit NOLS.org, call 360-417-8500, or email discover@nols.org. For Clallam County Law Library administrative support, call 360-417-2233.
