Written by Amanda-Ward Pereira, Algoma District Law Association Librarian
The Algoma District Law Association is located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Algoma District Law Association has been in Sault Ste. Marie for over 100 years and is an integral part of the legal community. We have a wonderful board that meets monthly and advocates for the lawyers in the Algoma District.
The Algoma District Law Library is located beside the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse in a historic building built in the late 1800’s. The layout of the library has stayed the same for about 20 years. There was an area with shelving that housed old law reports that were no longer used by our members. It was decided that we should remove the books and shelving to open up the space. We were inspired by the Peel Law Association’s quiet space initiative. The space is private and has wonderful light coming in through the two large windows that overlook the courthouse lawn but still feels a bit hidden since it is behind the stacks. The Algoma District Law Association does have a barristers’ room on the lower level of the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse, but it is nice to also have a more private and quiet space when one needs one and it is another way the library can support our members.
Our members have already being using the space! I was delighted to see lawyers using the space even when the chairs for the space hadn’t come in yet! Having this space has also opened up the library and gives us a larger space for hosting social gatherings. We are looking forward to hosting our Holiday Social in the new more open layout.
We would like to add some magazines and newspapers to the area and perhaps two more chairs.