Deschutes librarian honored for providing community legal help

Jenny Pedersen, a community librarian with the Deschutes Public Library system, has been awarded the President’s Special Award of Appreciation by the Oregon State Bar in recognition of her significant contributions to providing legal support to local residents. Since 2018, she has led the "Lawyer in the Library" program, which allows individuals to schedule free, 30-minute consultations with volunteer attorneys. This initiative has proven essential for community members seeking legal assistance and represents a vital resource in times of need. Pedersen also spearheaded a pilot program that successfully integrated access to the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network in public libraries, facilitating the community's access to court digital records. The Deschutes Public Library system has been responsible for managing the county’s law library since 2018 and works in partnership with the Deschutes County Access to Justice Committee.

Adapted during the pandemic, the program now operates remotely, ensuring that interpreters are available when necessary to assist clients. The program addresses a wide range of legal issues, with family law, landlord-tenant disputes, and estate planning being the most prevalent areas of inquiry. Pedersen's unwavering commitment underscores the library's role as a crucial resource for legal assistance in the community.