The Dougherty County Law Library in Albany has officially reopened after a three-year closure, now situated on the first floor of the Dougherty County Judicial Building. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 15, 2024, marked the return of this vital resource for legal professionals and the community.
The library previously occupied space on the second floor of the Justice Center but was closed when a Superior Court judge’s office moved into that area. Albany Municipal Court Judge Ingrid Driskell, who serves as the interim director of the library, emphasized the accessibility of the facility. “We keep the door open all day,” she said, inviting the public to come in for legal research anytime during operating hours.
Visitors to the library will find a collection of legal texts lining the walls, as well as two computers equipped with LexisNexis for research purposes. While the primary users are attorneys and legal staff, the library also caters to individuals seeking assistance with issues such as record restrictions and expungements.
Driskell explained, “A person had a misdemeanor, or in some cases a felony, years ago and doesn’t want potential employers to see what happened. In many cases, it will be granted,” highlighting that some individuals prefer to navigate these processes independently.
The library serves as a resource for various legal matters, including establishing guardianship for children or adults. For those needing more complex legal assistance, the nearby Self-Help Center provides additional support and can offer referrals to local attorneys. “Most of the attorneys we work with give them a discount rate,” Driskell stated.
The reopening of the Dougherty County Law Library is a significant event for the community, especially after a lengthy hiatus. Operating hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday. Driskell hopes that the public will take advantage of this space, whether for legal research or simply to enjoy a moment of respite.
“Hopefully, people will come by and utilize this space,” she added, reinforcing the library’s commitment to serving the community’s legal and informational needs.
