The Walter T. McCarthy Law Library
The Walter T. McCarthy Law Library is a public law library that provides a valuable legal resource for the entire Arlington community, including self-represented litigants, Arlington County residents, businesses and others who are involved with the judicial system and legal matters. The library also offers free access to local, state, and federal materials through commercial legal databases and the services of a professional law librarian.
Updates from the Walter T. McCarthy Law Library - December 2025
The Walter T. McCarthy Law Library has been busy over the past several months, with significant progress made toward improving access, updating resources, and expanding services for patrons.
In October 2025, the Library welcomed its new law librarian, Sabrina Zator. Sabrina holds both a Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to joining the Clerk of Courts office, she worked as a legal research analyst and attorney for law firms in Washington, D.C. Since her arrival, Sabrina has played a key role in bringing the Library’s materials and subscriptions up to date and strengthening research services.
One major milestone is the launch of a fully functioning public library catalog, which is continually being updated. The catalog is already making an impact—patrons have begun submitting requests for book scans and inquiries about library resources after discovering materials through the catalog.
The Library has also started refurbishing archival materials housed in the storage room. These materials are being preserved so they may be safely displayed and made available for patron viewing under the supervision of the law librarian, increasing access to the Library’s historical collections.
In support of access to justice initiatives, the Walter T. McCarthy Law Library is working with the Virginia Association of Law Librarians Access to Justice Committee to develop informational resources for self-represented litigants. In addition, the Library has begun publishing its own research guides, written by Sabrina Zator, to help self-represented litigants navigate courtroom procedures, rules, and different areas of law.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Library’s goals include:
- Completing and fully updating the library catalog
- Publishing a comprehensive set of research guides covering key areas of law and procedure
- Ensuring all websites, digital platforms, and online collections meet enhanced ADA Title II compliance standards by the April 2026 deadline
- Actively fostering inclusivity and promoting open access to legal information for all patrons
The Walter T. McCarthy Law Library is excited about the progress made so far and looks forward to continuing to expand services, improve accessibility, and support the legal research needs of the community.
Where: 1425 North Courthouse Rd., Suite 1700 Arlington, Va 22201
Hours: 9am-3pm, Mon-Fri
Contact: 703-228-7005 or Lawlibrary@arlingtonva.us
Access the Law Library Catalogue here:
https://opac.libraryworld.com/library/ARLINGTON-PUBLIC-LAW-LIBRARY
Please note this catalogue is a work in progress
The Library has existed for more than 55 years as a legal research library with a particular emphasis on Virginia materials. It was named for Arlington Circuit Court Judge Walter T. McCarthy in 1970 “…for his outstanding service to the Bar Association and the public.”
The Law Library hours for patron access are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., To contact the law librarian, please email lawlibrary@arlingtonva.us. The librarian will respond to legal information requests in as timely a manner as possible.
Reminder: The librarian may not provide legal opinions/advice, assist with filling out forms, or interpret the relevance of the legal materials to the patron’s issue. Questions regarding the interpretation of law or legal materials should be directed to a licensed attorney.
Library operations are funded by a combination of authorized state court fees, County funds, contributions from the local bar association and fundraising activities. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Mission
To provide access to legal and law-related information for research and the practice of law, with quality customer service for the benefit of the Arlington community, which includes the general public, the judiciary, members of the legal profession, government employees and the business community.
Collection
- Virginia-specific book collection of primary and secondary legal materials, including form books and other references that provide examples of legal documents.
- Federal case law and statutory materials.
- Materials in the Library are for reference only and do not circulate.
Electronic Resources
- Free access to LexisNexis and Westlaw Patron Access.
- Internet and Microsoft Word at two public workstations.
- Printing is available and costs 20 cents per page. Payment is by cash or check.
Staff
- Law Library staff may not provide legal opinions, interpret the law or legal materials.
- Staff may only assist patrons with access to and use of resources in the collections.
- Questions regarding interpretation of the law or legal materials should be directed to an attorney licensed in Virginia.
- Email the Law Library
Courthouse Security – No Cell Phones
Everyone entering the Courthouse building is required to pass through a metal detector. Cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are not allowed in the building, unless you are a Virginia licensed, practicing attorney with a valid bar card and photo i.d. Laptop computers without camera capability are permitted. Small lockers are available for a fee across the courtyard in the Detention Facility lobby at 1435 N. Courthouse Rd.
