Using the Library

Mask Requirments (updated 12/13/2022)

Masks are NOT required for users of the library but are strongly encouraged. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Expansion of Hours beginning Monday, July 11, 2022

As of July 11th we will be open Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM and 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Friday 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Current Services

Walk-in Services :

Research and Computer Use:

  • Staff is available to provide research assistance and direction. We do not perform research for individuals or provide legal advice. If you are unsure how we may be able to assist you, please email or call us.
  • If you cannot make it in during our in-person hours, call or email us to see how we may be able to assist you remotely.
  • We have limited computer availability. Usage will be restricted to 1 hour. Usage may be extended if we do not have a waitlist. Please check in with staff before using a computer.

Remote Services: 

  • We answer questions via phone and email as time permits. Please leave us a message or email us for assistance.
  • Phone: 831-420-2205 email: santacruzlawlibrary@gmail.com

Currently, we are not providing space for meetings, or non-legal research purposes.

Reference Assistance

The staff is happy to help patrons locate information pertaining to any legal matter. However, the staff cannot give legal advice or interpret information found in books and other sources.

Informational Packets

We have created informational packets that cover topics we are frequently asked about. These packets contain an overview of each process and the particular procedures relevant to Santa Cruz County. There is a nominal fee charged for all packets. 

Informational Events

Law Library and Self-Help Center staff conduct monthly Zoom workshops on Small Claims and housing issues. Small Claims is held on the 2nd Thursday of each month and Housing workshops are held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.  A list of dates and the Zoom link is available at https://www.santacruz.courts.ca.gov/self-help 

Document Delivery

If you are unable to come to the library, the staff will E-mail library materials to you at a nominal charge. Our document delivery is limited to case citations, subject matter retrival from secondary materials, and limited scope mediated searches (search query provided by requestor). 

Computer Access

Currently, three public computer terminals are available. Our computers are intended for legal research, the completion and creation of legal forms or other legal related matters only.  You may be asked to leave the computer if you are not engaged in legal research. There is a 1 hour time limit that will be enforced when others are waiting. 

Computer Assisted Legal Research

The law library provides access to the Internet, Westlaw, Lexis Advance, Legal Information Reference Center and selected software applications. Use of the library’s public terminals is restricted to legal research only. Staff does NOT provide computer instruction.

Mandatory Continuing

Legal Education Materials (MCLE)

Audio materials covering various current topics are available at a nominal fee for MCLE credit.

Printing/Photocopying

Photocopiers and printers are available. 20¢ per side (B&W) 40¢ per side (Color). Photocopiers can print from a USB drive and scan to a USB drive. It is 10¢ per side to scan.

Word Processing

Word processing software is available on our computers. Staff will provide assistance with properly formatting legal documents; however we cannot type up documents for you. 

Conference Rooms

We do not currently offer any rooms as public meeting spaces.

Library Tours

The staff will provide tours of the library upon request. Advance notice is recommended. Tours for groups of four or more may be scheduled after regular business hours.