Local residents looking for information or resources on legal questions will now be able to get more information, for free, at the Churchill County Library.
The State of Nevada has announced the launch of the Legal Kiosk Project at 22 libraries across Nevada with the intent of making information more available to older Nevadans, underserved communities, and all those with questions.
The goal of the Legal Kiosk Project is to address the digital divide which disproportionately affects communities, especially seniors, that lack the means to use technology to access the legal system.
“We have so many people coming in for legal assistance and as librarians, we can't offer legal advice. It's wonderful to have a resource to point people to that brings together so much useful information and the needed forms to assist them with their legal issues,” C.L. Quillen, Churchill County Library director said.
Legal kiosks are designed to be a user-friendly portal for Nevadans to learn about civil legal issues, find court information and forms, access legal aid providers, locate community resources, and attend virtual court hearings. The legal kiosks provide curated information on topics including housing, divorce and custody, protection orders, guardianship, health care and financial powers of attorney, debt collection, Social Security, and veterans’ resources.
“The reality is not everyone can afford a lawyer, so these new legal kiosks help by putting information, court forms, and other resources in the hands of those who need them. This effort is part of delivering access to justice for everyone,” said Nevada Supreme Court Justice Elissa Cadish, co-chair of the Access to Justice Commission.
The legal kiosks are part of an effort to expand access to justice in Nevada including several efforts funded through the Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division.
The legal kiosk at the Churchill County Library is located to the immediate right of the entrance, next to the printer. It is free to use, ADA accessible and information is available in English and Spanish.
The library, located at 553 South Maine Street, is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Photo: The new free legal kiosk at the Churchill County Library.