The Law Library is open to the public and is intended for use by persons engaged in legal research.

Hours of Operation:

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays (National and Regional) 

Reference Services

Law Library staff is available to help patrons locate and use library resources. 

Law Library staff cannot give legal advice or do anything which might constitute the unauthorized practice of law. No Exceptions.

Law Library staff may assist patrons in finding the materials they need to do their own research. The staff may not interpret legal materials or advise patrons regarding their legal rights. The staff may not select legal forms for patrons or assist in filling out legal forms. The staff may help patrons develop search strategies, locate and use materials available in the library and online and refer patrons to other agencies or organizations for assistance. 

What we CAN do:

• Make referrals to proper agencies
• Direct public to sources of laws and forms
• Make available legal materials and forms pleadings
• Assist with CD-Rom and Internet usage

What we CANNOT do:

• Give legal advice
• Do legal research
• Interpret statutes, cases, regulations or forms
• State specific forms
• Choose language for forms
• Type any documents
• Provide office supplies

Checkout Policy

Most books in the Law Library may be checked out for 3 business days by court personnel and attorney members of the Hidalgo County Bar Association. Checkouts should be returned to the reference desk. A bar card may be required for identification.

Certain materials may not be checked out under any circumstances. These titles are located in the glass shelves at the library entrance. 

Law Library staff may extend the checkout period, if necessary, provided no other library patron is waiting to use the materials. 

Taking or removing a book from the library which does not circulate or without properly checking it out will be considered theft.

Internet Access

The Law Library has several computer workstations with Internet access.  The primary purpose of these computers is to do legal research. Each computer is equipped with Microsoft Word, WordPerfect and Excel to assist in drafting and editing documents. Searching is free; printing is 25 cents per page.

Computer Assisted Research - Westlaw and Lexis

The Law Library has public access subscriptions to Westlaw and Lexis Nexis. Searching is free; printing is 25 cents per page.

TexasLawHelp.org Self-Help Legal Workstation

A legal workstation, donated by Hidalgo County Bar Association, is available to pro-se litigants seeking different types of free legal help and simple court civil forms.

Research/Reference Room

The Law Library has a Research/Reference room available for anyone who may need to do quiet research. 

This is not a conference room.

Typewriter

The Law Library has a designated typewriter for public use located in the research/reference room.  

Fax Service

The Law Library's fax machine may be used to send or receive faxes. 

The fees to send is $1 per page and to receive is 25 cents per page.

Self Service Copies and Print-outs (color and black/white)

Black/White photocopies and computer print-outs are 25 cents per print. 

Color computer printouts are 50 cents per print. 

Cash or check are only accepted.

TV, DVD/VCR

 A TV and a DVD/VCR are available to attorneys for check-out to the individual court rooms. Attorneys in need of this equipment are asked to call in advance to reserve them.

As a courtesy, we ask that you notify the library staff if a trial or hearing has been reset.

There is no charge to reserve the equipment. The user is responsible for the transportation of the equipment to and from the courtroom. They may be held liable for any damage or loss of equipment.

For more information, contact the Law Library at (956) 318-2155.