According to the American Bar Association, it is nearly 100 percent possible each person will need legal counsel at some point in their life time. Whether it be for making a will, for a civil matter, a traffic ticket - it can and does happen.
So what do residents of rural areas do for that counsel?
According to the Oklahoma based law firm, McAfee and Taft, "although about 14 to 20 % of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, only 2% of the nation's attorneys practice in those regions".
Calling it a "severe imbalance" they say the "imballance" has created what they refer to as "legal deserts", where "more than 40% of U.S. counties have fewer than one lawyer per 1,000 residents."
Residents of Grant County, however, now have some help with their legal questions.
"We have a new service called Library Legal Self Help Center," said Grant County Library Director Holly Mathes. "This service was made possible by a grant from the Kansas Judicial Branch."
It was the Kansas Judicial Branch that contacted Mathes.
"The Kansas Judicial committee contacted us," Mathes said. "They said they were trying to help areas in Kansas who really have no means for legal representation - there might not be any lawyers in their vicinity." Mathes said officials of the Kansas Judicial Committee described this area of the state as a "legal dessert".
"And it kind of is," Mathes said. "If you try to find someone to help you with pretty much anything legal."
In preparation of offering the service, Mathes said library staff underwent training.
"We can't offer legal advice - we are librarians, but we can offer a comfortable place for people to sit and do some research," she said. "The site is set up to be really user friendly. I feel it is going to be a great service for the community and for the people who really need it, it should be really helpful."
In information provided by the Kansas Judicial Branch, they reiterated the legal "imbalance" faced by rural areas.
"Over half of rural US counties lack an adequate number of private attorneys," the information states. "In Kansas, particularly in rural areas, many residents face significant barriers to accessing legal help. The impact of this legal access gap is profound: residents have few or no local attorneys and often must travel long distances for legal help or navigate complex legal processes alone; increasing stress and the risk of unresolved civil legal issues."
Library Legal Self-Help Centers do not provide legal advice or representation, according to the Kansas Judicial Branch; however, they help in other ways.
They help by providing access to:
•Reliable legal information to understand rights, responsibilities, and procedures.
•Technology and software to complete forms, checklists, and other documents.
•Referrals to free or low-cost legal assistance and community support services.
•Digital tools to support self-directed tasks.
Kansas Judicial Branch describes libraries as "accessible hubs", that provide welcoming spaces with technology access.
They also employ knowledgeable staff ready to assist with navigating legal resources, and serve as a bridge between the community and the courts.
"By hosting a legal self-help center, libraries can help underserved residents, providing accessible and reliable legal information within their communities," they said.
The Ulysses News
Another service the library has been working on involves The Ulysses News.
"We have started the digital archive of the Ulysses News," Mathes said. "So far, we have 10 years ready - 1885 to 1909. We just received a grant from Grant County Community Foundation to add another 10 years. "
Mathes said the library's Facebook page contains a link about the service.
"Hopefully, we will have some more grant opportunities to be able to keep building on it," she said.
In the past patrons have come in to look through hard bound copies of the local newspaper.
"Our bound copies are really fragile," Mathes said. "We are willing to take a picture of an article from them if that is what someone wants."
Another way for patrons is through microfilm.
"We've had our microfilm for many, many years," she said. "We have a very large collection and over the years our microfilm reader has gotten used and worn out. We haven't been able to find anyone who can fix it. A company used in the past said parts are no longer available."
There is another concern.
"We have never known exactly how long microfilm will last," Mathes said. "If we had a weather related incident or anything - that collection could be damaged very easily. We decided digital was the way to go and that way everyone has access to it."
Mathes said they are utilizing a reputable company that works with libraries across the state.
Other programs:
Also at the library, they are currently accepting sign ups for their summer reading program. The program will start June 8, and will kick off with Dan Dan The Magic Man at 10 a.m. that morning. The program will run through June 26.
Mathes said they have lots of fun activities planned to keep kids reading over the summer. A calendar is available at front desk for patrons to pick up to see what is planned each day.
According to Mathes, they "usually have something going on every week."
The library also has a volunteer program for teens and they do hire a student aide, which provides young people an opportunity to have job experience.
"We have lots of good programs and things to do," Mathes said. "We stay busy all the time and we like it that way."
There are programs at the library for those birth to adult - all ages.
And for newcomers or visitors to Grant County?
"The library is very unique and welcoming," Mathes said.
Currently the library has four full time employees, a part time maintenance person and a student aide.
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