Shelly Chick-Gravel

Follow Law Blogs and Stay Informed

Many blogs are available on the internet on many topics, including legal blogs. One blog of particular interest to citizens of Virginia is The Virginia Lawyer's Weekly blog. While the blog was created for attorneys, it does offer information on some of the latest legal cases as well as breaking news for the legal community.

Tracking Legislation

Once you elect your representatives it may seem like a herculean task to follow what they are doing and how they are voting. Two websites will help you quickly catch up on issues important to you. To track your federal representatives try the website Government Track Us. At this site you will find a wealth of information about what is happening in Congress right now. You can also have e-mail alerts sent to your e-mail account. You can narrow your alerts to your specific representatives or specific issues.

Consumer Information

Automobile Recalls
Check out this site for up to date information on automobile recalls.

Product Recalls
For this latest information on product recalls, safety information and to report an unsafe product, visit this site.

Basic Legal Research

The purpose of this tutorial is to guide a person beginning legal research on Virginia law. After completing this course you will have a basic understanding of the legal research process.

To begin, you must define your legal question. Consider whether state, federal or local law governs your legal issue. Once you have defined your legal problem, you may want to begin by using a legal research guide to better understand the process and the resources available for you.

Bankruptcy Resources

Get more information about bankruptcy from these helpful Web sites.

Filing Bankruptcy Without An Attorney
This site provides information on the bankruptcy procedure for individuals filing without an attorney.

Bankruptcy Forms
Official Bankruptcy Forms can be found here.

Christmas Around the World

If it's December, it's time for that familiar topic for reports: Christmas Customs Around the World. Fortunately, the library has a number of resources to help you.

If you like picture books with African Americans...

Faraway Home by Jane Kurtz
Desta's father, who needs to return briefly to his Ethiopian homeland, describes what it was like for him to grow up there.

The patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy
Using scraps cut from the family's old clothing, Tanya helps her grandmother and mother make a beautiful quilt that tells the story of her family's life.

Jamaica's Find by Juanita Havill
A little girl finds a stuffed dog in the park and decides to take it home.