Judge Francis J. Catania Law Library – Delaware County Courthouse

            The Judge Francis J. Catania Law Library was added as the fourth floor of the Delaware County Courthouse in 1933, although there has been a law library in the Courthouse since 1851. In 1992 it was dedicated to the Honorable Francis J. Catania in honor of his 28 years of service to the Court of Common Pleas 32nd Judicial District. It houses over 35,000 volumes of U.S. federal and Pennsylvania legal resources along with Codified Ordinances of 30 municipalities located within Delaware County. Titles owned by the Law Library are included in the Delco Libraries online catalog. The Law Library staff provides legal reference assistance to the Court’s judicial staff, members of the bar, and any member of the public. It is the only public legal research library in Delaware County.

            The Law Library has four public access computers which may be used for law related research only. Free access to Westlaw is available on each public access computer; documents found therein may be printed or emailed according to the vendors’ limitations. In addition, there are shortcuts on the computer screens linking to frequently requested items such as a variety of child custody and divorce forms, and PALawHelp.org, a guide to legal information and free civil legal services in Pennsylvania. These computers are connected to a cash-only copier.

            It is the responsibility of the law library patron to choose the legal forms they need. The staff will assist with the usage of legal treatises and the computers. However, the staff cannot provide answers to legal questions, as that constitutes legal advice and is considered the unauthorized practice of law. Patrons should contact Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania or the Delaware County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service for legal advice.

            Because the Law library is a research only library, circulation of materials is on a very limited basis to the local bar. This ensures that court reporters, legal treatises, form books, and other materials are readily available for anyone’s legal research needs.

            The Law Library’s webpages are in the process of being redesigned. Please check back in a few months for enhanced legal information.