Founded in 1889, the Law Library is open to members of the Bench and Bar and members of the general public for the purpose of performing legal research. In 2000, the Law Library was named by the Butler County Board of Commissioners to honor John F. Holcomb for his dedicated public service to the county. Mr. Holcomb was the Butler County Prosecutor for 27 years. He was Ohio's longest-serving elected prosecutor when he passed away at the age of 62 in 2000.
Once operated by non-profit library associations, Ohio county law libraries are now administered by county entities called "county law library resources boards" and are generally funded from court fines. Unlike general public libraries in Ohio, county law libraries are not financed from taxpayer revenue unless funding is provided by county boards of commissioners.
Library Services to Members of the Public. Public patrons ought not expect county law library staff members to answer their legal questions; they are prohibited by law from doing so because that would be an unauthorized practice of law. County law library staff members are available to provide directional assistance by showing members of the public which library materials may help patrons answer their legal questions and how those materials may be used, but staff members can go no further. Members of the general public may also be restricted to using certain legal materials in specific formats because of library policies and licensing agreements.
Except for statutory users and local attorneys who have library privileges, the Law Library's collection is for reference purposes only; materials do not circulate but public patrons can make photocopies for a reasonable fee. Additional information may be found under the "Collection & Services" tab in the navigation bar of the Law Library's website.
Information Use Disclaimer. Information made available in the Law Library or through the Internet from the Law Library's website is not warranted by the Butler County Law Library or by the Butler County Law Library Resources Board to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The availability of such information does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. The Butler County Law Library and the Butler County Law Library Resources Board are not responsible for the content of resources provided to patrons.
All users of library resources and services agree to hold the Butler County Law Library and the Butler County Law Library Resources Board harmless from any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of provided information caused thereby or arising therefrom. In no event shall the Butler County Law Library or the Butler County Law Library Resources Board have any liability for lost profits or for indirect, special, punitive, or consequential damages or any liability to any third party, even if the Butler County Law Library or the Butler County Law Library Resources Board is advised of the possibility of such damages.
Law Library StaffingThe Butler County Law Library employs two full-time staff members:
- Kristy Wells, Law Library Administrator for the Butler County Law Library Resources Board
- Kyle Tackett, Law Library clerk
Although we have undergone some significant changes, the staff is committed to continuing our high level of patron service under the Law Library’s new structure. For assistance, please call 513-887-3455.