On Tuesday, September 30, 2014, Barrington Area Library Executive Director Detlev Pansch and Business Liaison Librarian Barbara Alvarez presented the first of two donation checks to area food pantries. A check for $567.00 was presented to Cuba Township Supervisor David F. Nelson and staff to be used to stock the shelves of their food pantry. This money was donated by generous local businesses during the library's Summer Library Club for adults and young adults. Patrons were asked to read 1,500 books during the summer months, while businesses pledged a portion of one day's proceeds if that reading goal was met. Nine businesses made contributions to the final total of $1,134.00, which will be split between Barrington Township and Cuba Township. Donating businesses included:

Cooper’s Pizza
Subway
Meathead’s
Paul’s Burrito Express
Nature’s Select Pet Products
Savory Salads
Calibrè Coffee
Georgio’s Chicago Pizzeria and Pub
Cook Street Coffee

Top donating businesses were Calibrè Coffee in South Barrington, Paul's Burrito Express, Cooper's Pizza, and Cook Street Coffee, all in Barrington. We thank all who participated, either by making a donation, or by signing up for Summer Library Club and logging in books read. "We were excited about the possibility of doing something new with Summer Library Club, by keeping a focus on reading, but adding in an aspect of social good," stated Executive Director Pansch. "The library staff was really energized by the opportunity to contribute in a positive way to relieving hunger right here in our community." Some additional funds were donated by individual library staff members.

Barrington Area Library Executive Director Detlev Pansch (far left) and Business Liaison Librarian Barbara Alvarez (far right) present a food pantry donation check to Cuba Township Supervisor David F. Nelson (center) and his staff on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.