About

The Alameda County Law Library is a public law library. The library provides access to legal information materials to self-represented litigants, legal professionals, and others engaged in legal research or the preparation of legal documents. Professional law librarians are available to help patrons use the library’s print materials and legal databases effectively.

The Alameda County Law Library is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and a local agency established under (California Business and Professions Code § 6300-6363). Over 90% of the library’s income comes from a portion of civil filing fees. Since the 2008 enactment of the Uniform Civil Filing Fee Act and the unification of the courts, that income has fallen over 40%, while the cost of legal materials has increased 60%.

Vision & Mission

The Mission of the Alameda County Law Library is to provide access to authoritative legal information to the public, attorneys and residents.

The library envisions a future in which all people have effective access to justice. To bring about this vision, the library offers the public free access to current, authoritative sources of legal information. Visitors use law library resources to research the law, prepare for court, and draft legal documents. By providing equal access to the tools needed to successfully participate in the legal system, Alameda County Law Library helps facilitate access to justice for all members of the community.

Leadership

 

  • President, Honorable Jason Chin
  • Vice President, Barbara Dickinson
  • Honorable Kimberly Colwell
  • Honorable Stuart Hing
  • Honorable Kevin Wong
  • Conor Kennedy, Esq.
  • Diane Rames

  • Library Director: Emily Bergfeld

Past Board Meeting Agendas

Note: Archived Content

This page contains archived documents that are identified with the words “archive item” at the end of the link name. These documents are not being updated and may not be fully accessible. To request an accessible version or a reasonable accommodation, please email director.lawlib@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4832.

Board Meeting Schedule

Scheduled meeting dates for 2026 are January 27, April 28, June 30 and September 29.

Meeting agendas are posted at the entrance to the Law Library and on the Law Library website 72 hours before a scheduled meeting. Meetings are open to the public except where closed sessions are authorized by law. 

Public Comment: Persons wishing to make public comment at a meeting are requested to make arrangements with the Library Director prior to the meeting by emailing director.lawlib@acgov.org. General public comments are taken at the beginning of the meeting. Members of public may also comment on an Agenda item when it is presented. All persons addressing the Board are limited to three minutes of public comment. 

Accommodations: Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodation for individuals with qualifying disabilities pursuant to or consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act must be made in writing to the Library Director at least 3 days before the meeting.