by Adam Mack
Here in Topeka, we have many phenomenal legal resources available to the public. We already highlighted Kansas Legal Services, which helps people with limited resources. I’d also like to highlight a resource that’s absolutely free for everyone: the Kansas Supreme Court Law Library. The library is located at 301 SW 10th Avenue, 1st Floor, Topeka Kansas 66612-1507 and they can be reached at (785)296-3257. Library hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday (except holidays).
This library is not only open to the public but also is an official U.S. Federal Depository Library. That means that federal publications (including all the bankruptcy filing forms) and other information there must be made available to everyone and that there are specially-trained librarians on staff to help visitors understand and use those publications. However, it should be noted that the librarians aren’t lawyers and can’t interpret the law or give legal advice.
Anyone can use the reading materials while in the library, but only members of the bench, the bar, and employees of the State of Kansas can actually check anything out. (Generally, the items checked out can be kept for three weeks.) However, there are photocopiers on-site which can be used at the rate of 15 cents per page, and the library will also allow patrons to send faxes of library materials at the rate of 50 cents per page. Computers (including ones with access to WestLaw) are available for the public to use without charge, though there might be some time limits if there are other people waiting to use them.
