For many years a set of Westlaw legal books were housed at the Bossier Central Library. The collection was eventually moved and is now kept at the Benton branch in the Reference section. In order to serve more patrons in need of legal services, several months ago one computer at the Central branch was designated exclusively to Westlaw Next.
Westlaw Next Patron Access Support is an online research database which “contains case law, state and federal statutes, administrative codes, newspaper and magazine articles, public records, law journals, law reviews, treatises, legal forms and other information resources.” A flip-guide is provided to aid users in their search for information.
Thousands of forms are available for downloading or emailing documents for use in family law, wills, and bankruptcy. Patrons can search according to: legal issue; name; citation; or specific content. Westlaw automatically searches “13 core content categories under the headings of Cases and Briefs. Bar-admitted Reference Attorneys are ready to help you with time-saving guidance.”
As a side note, library staff is not allowed to give legal advice to patrons or refer anyone to an attorney. A limited amount of assistance will be given in order to provide patron access to Westlaw Next.
These services are provided free of charge to BPL card holders. Library cards are also free to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or owns property in Bossier Parish. If you do not have a card, stop by any of the seven locations and apply for one today.
Libraries Transform!
Make a note:
All BPL branches will be closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day.
Aulds Library 742-2337
No programs until June
Benton Library 965-2751
Thur., May 26 at 11a.m. for adults—Coaster Making Class. Pre-registration required.
Bossier Central Library 746-1693
Sat., May 28 from 10a.m. to 1p.m. for adults—Free Legal Services of North Louisiana workshop
East 80 Library 949-2665
Mondays from 2 to 3p.m. for ages 5 to 12—S.T.E.A.M. Days
Haughton Library 949-0196
Mon., June 6 at 10a.m.—Bingo
Plain Dealing Library 326-4233
Fridays from 4 to 5p.m. for ages 0 to 5—Story Hour
Tues., June 7 from 3 to 5p.m. for grades 6 to 12— Anime Club. Pre-registration required.
Tooke Memorial Library 987-3915
Sat., May 28 at 2p.m. for ages 5 to 16—Happy National Hamburger Day
Mon., May 30 at 4p.m. for ages 13 to 18—Craft Day, Paper Clip Jewelry
New Books
Fiction
“Sidney Chambers and the Problem of Evil” by James Runcie
“Sidney Chambers and the Perils of the Night” by James Runcie
“JOIN” by Steve Toutonghi
“Family Jewels” by Stuart Woods
“City of the Lost” by Kelley Armstrong
“Last Mile” by Katie Ashley
“The Versions of Us” by Laura Barnett
“Keep Me Posted” by Lisa Beazley
“A Fine Imitation” by Amber Brock
“Solemn” by Kalisha Buckhanon
Nonfiction
“Before I Forget” by B. Smith & Dan Gasby
“A Mind of Your Own” by Kelly Brogan
“Cure: A Journey Into the Science of Mind Over Body” by Jo Marchant
“Changing Normal” by Marilu Henner
“Into the Magic Shop” by James R. Doty
“Push Back” by Amy Tuteur
“Straight Talk About Psychiatric Medications for Kids” by Timothy Wilens
“The Pediatricians Guide to Feeding Babies & Toddlers” by Anthony Porto
“The Quick Fix” by Stuart O’Keefe
“America’s Best Breakfast” by Lee Brian Schrager
Vickie Hardin is Associate Director of Public Relations for Bossier Parish Library. She can be reached at vhardin@bossierlibrary.org.