Law Library Update: Limited Reopening Starting March 10, 2022

Harris County is now at COVID-19 Threat Level 2 (Orange) – Significant Threat. Accordingly, the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library will reopen its physical location starting Thursday, March 10, 2022, with specific policies and procedures described below.

During times of public health concern, appointments will be required to visit the Law Library and enhanced safety procedures will be in place to help limit COVID-19 transmission at the Law Library. Please note: we do not currently have lawyers at our facility who can provide legal advice to Law Library visitors. Click here if you need to find legal help.

Hours & Appointments

Patrons who would like to visit the Law Library must make an appointment and follow all rules listed here during their visit. If you have questions, please call us at (713) 755-5183. Patrons will be able to make appointments for March 10 and beyond starting Monday, March 7.

• Hours will be limited to Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• While the Harris County COVID-19 Threat Level is at Level 2 (Orange), the Law Library will allow a maximum of 10 patrons at a time for 1-hour appointments. In addition, the Law Library will be closed to the public from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for enhanced cleaning measures.

• If the Harris County COVID-19 Threat Level moves to Level 3 (Yellow), appointments will be available for 20 patrons at a time to schedule 2-hour appointments at designated times.

• If a patron is more than 15 minutes late for an appointment, their appointment will be canceled.

• Patrons must leave the Law Library at the end of their scheduled time.

• Patrons may make no more than two appointments in one day and no more than three appointments total in one week.

Additional Policies & Procedures

• Social distancing and hygiene measures:

  • All patrons must obtain and pass a health screening upon entering the building prior to entering the Law Library.

  • All patrons must remain at least 6 feet from other patrons and follow all social distancing guidelines posted in the library.

  • Patrons must not rearrange furniture or equipment.

  • Wash hands prior to using equipment or materials.

  • Ask for books and print materials at the reference desk and return books to designated areas for quarantining (all print materials will be quarantined for a 24-hour period).

  • Stay home if you are sick.

  • Per the Harris County Judge’s order signed August 17, 2021, all visitors and employees seeking entry to a County-owned, operated, or controlled facility shall wear a face covering unless meeting one of the exceptions outlined in the order. This order includes the Law Library.

  • Wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer as needed, cover sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoid contact with people who are sick, and follow all other health guidelines published by Harris County Public Health.

• The purpose of the visit must be legal research. Other uses of Law Library equipment and resources may result in the patron being asked to leave.

• Food and drinks are not allowed in the Law Library.

Availability of Services

• Some services may not be available right away, including:

  • Notary services;

  • Faxing;

  • Book scanning;

  • Loan services for Harris County Public Library;

  • Extensive computer assistance, including document formatting and non-legal research services.

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