State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Michigan
home
member area
contact us



member services



 print this page


for members
SBM general information

 member directory

 admissions, ethics, and
   regulation

 justice initiatives

 member services

 practice management
   resource center

 public policy resource
   center

 publications and
   advertising

 research and links

 sections


 from the courts
opinion searching
virtual court


 for the public
public resources
media resources


 giving opportunities
a lawyer helps
access to justice
   campaign
Local Library Display

Introduction
    Local libraries offer an excellent opportunity for a high visibility and high impact Law Day project. The project proposed here begins with a simple display in a public or school library display case. If a display case isn't available, creating a wall display works great too.
Libraries and Local Bars Can Work Together
    Local libraries can help a local or special purpose bar association produce a display or
    program in the community related to Law Day. Your public librarians and/or school librarians may be willing and interested in this cooperative venture. In fact, even if you are not planning to sponsor a Law Day event at the library, it is possible that your local librarian may contact your bar association for ideas, resources, or speakers.
Ideas for Implementation
    1. Work with the library to set up a display. Large posters are easy to create. Include reference materials related to Law Day. For example:

    • Law Related Books, audio-tapes and videotapes
    • Law-related web searches and lists of relevant web sites
    • Displays of important legal documents such as the Bill of Rights, Constitution, etc.
    • Pamphlets or flyers listing library resources related to specific topics or themes

    For example:

    • Law in literature
    • Knowing your rights
    • Crime and punishment
    • Legal eagles
    • Law in history
    • How laws are made
    • The law in our community (courthouses, legal clinics, other resources, legal agencies, etc.)

    2. Set up a book discussion group and/or speakers on law related topics

    • Tie it to the 2007 essay contest theme: "Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy."
    • Tie it to the State Bar of Michigan's emphasis on improving Access to Justice — How you can find out about your rights and responsibilities under the law
    • Pick law-related books of current interest
    • Have a community legal education panel or notable speaker at the library

    3. Work with a librarian to create a law-related scavenger hunt at the library — involve books, local ordinances, the Constitution, the web, or other resources that would be knowledgeable. This could be tied to some sort of community contest.

Advertise
    Don't forget to advertise your event. Send a press release to, or talk with, your local media to inform them of the display or activity. Use the Media Kit to announce your events and activities!