The State Law Library now provides wireless Internet access service (WiFi). WiFi is provided to the public free of charge and is available throughout the library to anyone who has a wireless computer or handheld device. The wireless network requires a password which is available at the library's front desk.

In addition, Levels B and C of the Library have been fully wired for computer use for those who need a "wired" connection. Access to hookups is available above the tables and carrels around the perimeter of each level, near the windows facing California Avenue and the inner courtyard of Building 1.

On August 17, 2009, Bruce Wilson, Reference Librarian, and Sara Thompson, Education and Outreach Services Librarian, gave a presentation to the Deans, Department Chairs, and new faculty at West Virginia State University in Institute. The discussion focused on the resources in the State Law Library and how they may be used in conjunction with various college subjects.

The State Law Library's collections support course work in Criminal Justice, Political Science, Public Administration, and Business as well as Education, History, Literature and the Arts, as all of these subjects can have legal associations. By making students aware of our resources, we anticipate classes visiting the State Law Library as well as individual students coming to us for assistance.

In addition, we are exploring options with the College of Professional Studies for offering continuing education in various fields with a legal "twist." Some examples would be giving middle and high school teachers ideas on how to incorporate legal concepts into various subjects and giving administrators overviews of recent developments in school law.

Banned Books Week is September 26-October 3, 2009. The annual event draws attention to the problem of censorship and celebrates the freedom to read. It reminds us that the freedom to express one's opinion, even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, is a Constitutional right we must strive to protect.

The Law Library will showcase different displays each day of the week depicting various literary works and the reasons they were banned. We will have a Banned Books Week game and competition and prizes will be awarded.

On Saturday, September 12 at 10 a.m., the State Law Library will hold a workshop on Grandparents' Rights in recognition of Grandparents' Day 2009. The workshop will focus on grandparents' legal rights to visitation and interaction with their grandchildren and discuss the pertinent West Virginia laws.

The Library also held workshops during the summer. On Wednesday, July 22, instruction in Basic Legal Research was offered. The session covered how to research common legal topics, methods of searching print materials and electronic databases, and techniques for locating cases and statutes.

The Crime Victims Compensation Fund workshop was held on Wednesday, August 26. The featured speaker was Trish Miles, Community Liaison and Outreach Administrator for the Fund. The Crime Victims Compensation Fund provides compensation to innocent victims of crime who have suffered personal injury and incurred out-of-pocket losses as a result of criminally injurious conduct. The session focused on who may qualify for assistance and the types of compensation the fund provides.