Library

Free Legal Aid Clinic at Fayetteville Library Empowers Individuals with Name and Gender Marker Changes During Pro Bono Week

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Fayetteville, Ark. – In a significant community outreach effort, the University of Arkansas School of Law, in collaboration with Legal Aid of Arkansas and volunteer attorneys, hosted a “Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic” at the Fayetteville Public Library on Thursday. This event was a part of Pro Bono Week, an annual event celebrated across the nation, aimed at enhancing justice in communities through volunteer legal services. Legal Aid of Arkansas, a non-profit organization, works to provide free legal assistance in civil cases to low-income residents throughout Arkansas. Pro Bono Week, observed from October 20-26, … Read more

Arkansas LGBTQ+ Library Book Dispute Trial Postponed to December, Amidst Constitutional Challenges

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VAN BUREN, Ark. — A federal lawsuit in Arkansas over a 2022 law that restricts access to certain library books, particularly those concerning LGBTQ+ topics, has seen its trial postponed to December. The law in question, Act 372, which imposes limitations on the availability and dispute of library materials deemed inappropriate for minors, has sparked significant legal and public debate. U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks, who is presiding over the case in the Western District of Arkansas, has rescheduled the bench trial to commence on December 16, with a final pretrial conference set for … Read more

Free Legal Advice Session Scheduled at Metropolis Library: Discover How ‘Lawyer in the Library’ Can Assist You!

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Metropolis, Illinois — Local residents seeking legal guidance will now have a valuable resource at their fingertips every second Tuesday of the month, as the Metropolis Public Library announces the launch of its “Lawyer in the Library” program. This initiative, designed to provide free legal consultations within a trusted community space, promises to enhance access to legal support for those who might not otherwise afford it. The program will see a rotation of legal professionals offering pro bono advice on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to, family law, housing disputes, immigration … Read more

Federal Judge Refuses to Dismiss Lawsuit Accusing Escambia County School District of Violating Free Speech by Removing Library Books

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PENSACOLA, Fla. — A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit alleging that the Escambia County School District violated free speech by removing and restricting library books. U.S. District Judge Kent Wetherell made the ruling in the lawsuit against the Escambia County School Board. The lawsuit, filed by Penguin Random House, PEN America, and several individuals, claims that the school district violated the First Amendment by removing or limiting access to books discussing race, racism, and LGBTQ identities. This was done against the recommendations of the district review committee responsible for … Read more