Wisconsin State Law Library

We are proud to introduce the "Everyday Law" Collection, featuring over 50 items from legal self-help publishers such as Nolo, Sphinx, and the Dane County Bar Association. These materials are mostly geared towards the self-represented litigant who needs a basic explanation of their complex legal issues.

Topics include but are not limited to small claims, divorce, parenting plans, self-representation, legal research, neighbor law, and bankruptcy.

The collection is prominently displayed in the main public area of the Legal Resource Center, easily accessible for attorneys who would like to help their clients discover simple yet useful legal resources while in the Dane County Courthouse.

Browse the collection online: Dane County Everyday Law Collection.

The Legal Resource Center is open for visitors Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm in Rm L1007 of the Courthouse.  

The Wisconsin State Law Library isn't the only one celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. May 1, 2011 marks the 15th anniversary of the Milwaukee Legal Resource Center.

To celebrate, during the week of May 9 library staff is hosting some fun activities and prizes around the theme of "paper." There will be a hidden word puzzle and a trivia contest based on the movie "Paper Chase" and the week will culminate with the judging of origami entries. The many children who visit the MLRC can also participate in the fun by guessing the number of marshmallows in a jar. At least three prizes will be awarded each day.

Learn more about the MLRC's history in our most recent newsletter: Happy 15th Birthday, MLRC!

The May issue of the newsletter, WSLL @ Your Service, has been published. 

Highlights include: 

• What's New: State Law Librarian to retire; WSLL 175th birthday party recap; New MLRC staff; May holiday closing; Upcoming classes;
• Happy 15th Birthday, MLRC!
• 1836-2011, Celebrating our History: Early library rules
• This Just In... - New and updated library materials
• Tech Tip in Brief:  Smart phones and privacy
• WSLL Recommends:  Wisconsin Public Records and Open Meetings Handbook
• Odds 'n' Endings:  Airline Passenger Bill of Rights expanded; May notables

Sign up now for our May 24th CLE class, Finding Wisconsin Public Records. This class will cover how to find public records on individuals and businesses. Discover criminal records, state and local court records, business entity records, liens, foreclosures, real estate records, and more. For more information and to register for this class, see our classes page.

We have two upcoming summer classes open now for registration. In June, sign up for the popular Researching Wisconsin Legislative History class. In July, learn about free on-site access to the State Bar of Wisconsin's Books Unbound database during our new Books Unbound @ WSLL class.

Register for these classes today. Register online or print the registration form.