Physical Location
Location Address
1007 E. Grand Ave.
Capitol Building Second Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone(s)
Primary
Secondary
Fax
Hours
The State Law Library is an iconic and unique space, featuring:
- Victorian style architecture, with intricate details from floor to ceiling.
- Wrought iron spiral staircases on each end of the library that wind from the bottom level to the top tier.
- Approximately 100,000 titles filling the shelves.
Today the space continues to serve as a functioning library, providing access services to a highly specialized legal collection. Research assistance is available.
Services
Reference Desk: The Law Library offers a staffed reference desk with experienced librarians who can answer questions and provide reference services to visitors. Or you can connect remotely by submitting an Ask a Librarian form.
Wi-Fi: The Law Library provides free, high-speed wireless internet for visitors.
Wireless Printing: Visitors can print documents in the Law Library wirelessly. Ask a Librarian at the reference desk for assistance.
Westlaw Access: The State Library maintains a subscription to WestLaw Patron Access, the premier database for legal research, using federal LSTA funding. State employees, legal professionals, and the general public can access valuable legal resources that are inaccessible without a subscription. Visitors can access Westlaw on designated computers in the Law Library.
Want to know more about how you can use the library? Take a look at the Law Library policies.
Special Collections
A.J. Small Room
The A. J. Small Room in the northeast corner of the Law Library houses a special collection dedicated to Arthur James Small, State Law Librarian from 1896 to 1937. It was during Small’s tenure when legal foundational materials such as: English, Roman and American colonial legal materials were added to the Law Library’s collection.
Currently some of the seminal documents that would have aided Iowa’s pioneer lawmakers are stored in the A.J. Small Room. State Library staff offer tours by appointment. Submit an Ask a Librarian form to request an appointment.
Iowa Collection
Located in the Law Library, the Iowa Collection contains nonfiction books about Iowa and Iowans. From vibrant cities to serene small towns and unique scenery, discover the history, heritage, people, pastimes and nature of the Hawkeye state.
Titles can be checked out from the reference desk with a State Library card, or browsed online via the State Library catalog.
Photography & Videography
Photography and videography in the Law Library are allowed during open hours from within the accessible visitor space. Aligned with the overarching Iowa State Capitol policy, large equipment is not permitted to be set up or used in the library.
Media or Publication Images
High-resolution images of the Law Library are available for media and public use. As a courtesy, please credit the State Library of Iowa and notify the Law Librarian if using for media purposes to allow the opportunity to promote on the State Library's social media and other communication channels.
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
This program or resource is made possible in part by the IMLS under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.