Report on Franklin Law Library 11-27-17

Hi to All,
On Feb 6, 7, 14th, 2017, most of the 30,000 volume Franklin Law Library was delivered to
Northstar Pulp and Paper and shredded for 2¢/lb. Here is my most recent Report on Franklin Law Library 8-8-17. Of sixteen Mass county law libraries, 5 that we know of have had shreddings. Two, New Bedford and Fitchburg have been closed, 25% of Lawrence Law Library is gone, some part of Worcester Law Library, and some part of Hamden Law Library. The Massachusetts Judiciary is specifically exempt from open meeting laws, and public records laws. So even though these books belong to us, there has been no public prior notice, or request for public input  before the books are shredded. It is being done quietly without our knowledge.

On Feb 6, 7, 14th, the vast majority of the 30,000 volume Franklin Law Library was delivered to
Northstar Pulp and Paper and shredded for 2¢/lb. Only 15% of the 200 year old Franklin Law
Library collection remains. Franklin Law Library was founded in 1816, just a year after the first county law library act, Act 177 was signed into law on March 2nd, 1815. It is the 5th oldest county law library in Massachusetts. This decision was taken by the custodians of the books, without any public notice, and without consulting the Citizens of Massachusetts, whose property it is.

We have been asked to write up our concerns for why it is important to stop the shredding of our law libraries. As we are learning more about this, we are finding out that law libraries around the world are being shredded, and downsized. This amounts to a cultural cleansing of the legal history of our country, and many other countries as well.


Best to All,
Lisa

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