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Circuit court law library staffing suspended; Illinois Bar Foundation may restore services
Summary
Circuit Court officials said staffing at the county law library was suspended but the Illinois Bar Foundation indicated it may reinstate services beginning Monday, May 12; county staff estimated annual staffing cost around $36,000 plus benefits (~$48,000).
Circuit Court staff told the Justice Committee May 7 that staffing at the McLean County law library has been suspended because the Illinois Bar Foundation — the underlying funding agency — paused its support. The library remains open for electronic filings and self‑directed research but has had no staff to assist visitors.
Circuit Court representatives said they were informed the Illinois Bar Foundation believes it can reinstate funding and staffing beginning Monday, May 12, and that if reinstated the staffing would continue through approximately Aug. 15, 2025. Court staff said the county may need to seek alternative funding if the Bar Foundation does not restore support.
Court staff told the committee the library serves roughly 600 in‑person visitors a month and that a full‑time staffed position costs about $36,000 plus benefits — roughly $48,000 annually. Staff warned that, without library assistance, users must rely on the circuit clerk’s office and electronic resources, increasing repetition and public frustration because clerk staff cannot provide legal advice.
Committee members asked staff to notify the committee of a permanent funding solution if the Bar Foundation’s restoration is not secured; the court said it will communicate updates when available.
