Don’t Close the Book on Libraries: Why Space Still Matters

I understand the reluctance to commute. I’ve been working from home since the pandemic first hit—and I love it. Laundry gets done more often, and my cat (sometimes) appreciates the extra cuddle time.

Remote work has become the norm for many of us. Ontario courts continue to conduct remote and hybrid hearings, and legal professionals have access to excellent online research tools through LiRN-funded courthouse libraries and platforms like CanLII.

So I get why people ask whether we still need physical library space?

The answer is a resounding yes.

Library spaces remain vital, not just as repositories of knowledge, but as dynamic environments that foster focus, collaboration, equity, and community.

A Place for Focused Work

Legal research demands concentration, and library spaces offer a refuge from the distractions of home or office. The quiet, structured environment supports deep work, whether parsing case law or drafting complex legal arguments. For many, the library is the only place where uninterrupted focus is truly possible.

A Room of One’s Own

Solo practitioners and lawyers with small firms may struggle to find private, professional spaces to meet with clients or appear remotely at hearings. Libraries can offer a solution. For example, many Ontario courthouse libraries now feature privacy booths, which are bookable spaces designed to support confidential conversations and virtual appearances.

Collaboration and Mentorship

Courthouse libraries are hubs for informal mentorship and professional connection.

Law librarians play a crucial role in guiding users through complex databases, refining research strategies, and introducing new tools. These interactions often happen spontaneously in a way that you just can’t replicate online.

Law associations often use courthouse law library space for CPD, social and mentoring events, bench and bar events, and more. In addition to the benefits to lawyers’ practices, it’s a boon to their mental health.

Equity and Access

Not everyone has access to high-speed internet, paid databases, or a quiet workspace at home. Library spaces level the playing field.

A Symbol of Trust and Permanence

In a time when information is ephemeral and AI-generated content is everywhere (including a few lines in this article …), libraries offer something enduring: curated, credible, and contextualized knowledge. The physical presence of a library reinforces its role as a trusted institution in the legal ecosystem.

And Yes, Books

Not all legal research materials are available online. Sometimes, the best (or only) way to access a resource is to walk to a shelf and open a book. Libraries continue to house essential texts that support thorough, reliable legal research.

Library space is not a relic—it’s a resource. As legal practice continues to evolve, the library remains a cornerstone of access to justice, professional development, and scholarly inquiry. Investing in library space is investing in the future of legal knowledge.