The Hays County Law Library is operated as a public service for residents of Hays County. The library is open and available to the general public and attorneys. The library is paid for through a portion of civil courts costs dedicated to the operation of the library, per Local Government Code §323.023. The library is strictly for legal research use.
Law Librarian
The Law Librarian can assist users in finding legal print or online resources. The Law Librarian cannot give legal advice, draft information, translate, or assist in filling out forms. Please do NOT email with requests for forms; Law Library staff cannot email forms. The public must come in to research and find the appropriate form needed for their situation.
Law Librarian
Melody Barron
Address:
Hays Government Center, Suite 2026
712 S. Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Phone:
512.393.7709
Services
The Hays County Law Library is committed to providing patrons with the best access to legal research and reference materials in print and digital forms.
Computer Use
The Law Library offers the following services:
Computers, Scanners, Software, and Databases
The Law Library has four computers available for public use with no usage fee. The computers allow the public access to Westlaw, State Bar of Texas E-Books, e-file, and many other electronic services. All computer usage is strictly for legal research, drafting, or filing needs. The computers also have access to the internet and Microsoft programs.
Internet Access
All computers in the Law Library include complimentary internet access. Complimentary Wi-Fi internet access is also available throughout the Library and Government Center. Internet access is only for working on a case, not general web surfing.
Printer and Copier
A printer and copier are available for public use. There is a per-page charge starting at $0.15 per page or side. The printer and copier is a self-service machine that accepts cash or coins only.
Laptop Stations
The Law Library has tables with electrical outlets to allow patrons to sit and work on cases.
Work Stations
The Law Library has tables for reading, working on cases, or filling out paperwork.
Reference Materials
The Law Library offers extensive reference materials via Westlaw and print books. Visit our Legal Research pages for more information. The Law Library is primarily electronic, with select print resources available for use inside the Library. Please refer to the Legal Research pages for more information.
Fees
There is a public Xerox machine located in the law library that accepts cash or coins only.
• Copy Fee: $0.15/page
• Print Fee: $0.15/page
Law Library Hours & Closures
Public Hours – Self-represented litigants and attorneys *
Hours are subject to change without notice.
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Attorneys Only: Please visit the front desk of the Criminal District Attorney’s office to check out a key to the Law Library when it is closed. Key checkout is only available when the Law Library is closed and the building is open to the public, before 4:30 p.m.
*There is only one part-time Law Librarian; availability may vary and differ from Library hours. Due to limited staffing, hours are subject to change without advance notice – apologies in advance for any inconvenience. The Law Library is a self-service Law Library. Please call the Law Library before visiting to ensure someone is available.
Special Hours & Closures: The Law Library is closed on official Hays County holidays.
- March 29, 2024
County Offices Closed - April 1, 2024: Opening: at 12:30 p.m.
The Law Librarian will be out of the office in the morning. Volunteers will assist with opening and closing the library in the afternoon. Attorneys may check out a key at the front deskn of the Criminal District Attorney’s office when the library is closed. - April 8, 2024
County Offices Closed
Address & Directions
Hays Government Center, Suite 2026
712 S. Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, Texas 78666
All visitors must enter through the front entrance and go through security. Inside the Government Center, the Law Library is located on the second floor behind the staircase and next to the District Attorney’s office.
From IH-35: Take Exit 202/Wonder World Drive/RR 12 on the south side of San Marcos and turn west. Go over the railroad track overpass, and at the bottom, make an immediate right (north) on South Stagecoach Trail.
From Hunter Road/FM 2439: Turn east on Wonder World Drive/RR 12 toward I-35. Turn left (north) on the South Stagecoach Trail at the bottom of the railroad overpass.
Helpful Links
Legal Resources
County Links
Other Helpful Links
