Wake County expands “Lawyers in Your Library” program for 2026

January 7, 2026

First program takes place Saturday in Knightdale

Wake County’s successful Lawyers in Your Library program is growing again in 2026, bringing monthly legal clinics to more libraries across the county and expanding services to include housing law support. The initiative aims to ensure residents have free, reliable guidance on critical legal issues—right in their own neighborhoods.

“Access to justice shouldn’t depend on your income or where you live,” said Don Mial, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “We look forward to seeing even more people benefit from this important program in 2026.”

This initiative, a partnership between Wake County Public Libraries and the Wake County Legal Support Center, connects residents with volunteer attorneys for free, 30-minute consultations on issues such as eviction, repairs, landlord/tenant disputes, custody, child support, divorce and more.

It’s a no-cost, no-pressure way to receive credible, compassionate support. Since Lawyers in Your Library started in 2023, volunteer attorneys have offered 241 sessions, providing more than $30,000 worth of free legal advice.

What’s changing in 2026? Lawyers in Your Library will now offer:

Monthly sessions: Events will now take place every month at 12 libraries across the county, rotating across regions each quarter to reach as many residents as possible. This is an increase from 10 libraries in 2025.
Expanded legal support: In addition to family law, residents can now receive in-person guidance on housing law issues.
Virtual access: “Know Your Rights” information sessions will take place online, making legal information accessible from anywhere. The first, which focuses on landlord/tenant laws, takes place Feb. 4.
Additional resources: People who need additional support, including help with issues outside family or housing law, can find helpful resources on the Lawyers in Your Library webpage.

2026 Schedule

Sessions will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m.–noon, with the first taking place Saturday, Jan. 10, at East Regional Library in Knightdale. Walk-ins are welcome, and a limited number of appointments are available at wake.gov/LIL.