Welcome! We’re happy that you’re considering volunteering to serve our community. 

The Barrington Area Library provides a variety of service opportunities, available to teens and adults, with differing skill levels. We offer one-time volunteer programs, or ongoing volunteer opportunities, such as:

Group of seven women, standing outside in front of rocks and trees, they are standing at a table, ready to welcome people to a library event

  • supporting special events such as BALibrary Fandom Fest, Summer Kickoff, and Snow Ball;
  • assisting with our summer reading program;
  • digitizing our local history collection;
  • sorting and packaging of seeds for the Seed Library;
  • and more, depending on the Library’s needs!

Anyone interested in volunteering must complete a Volunteer Application. Volunteer applicants 18 years of age and older must consent to a criminal background check to be considered for volunteer participation.

While we accept volunteer applications from students who are 14-17 years of age, not all volunteer opportunities are available to those under 18 years of age. All applicants under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian signature of approval on the application.

Once the application and background check (for those 18 years and older) are processed, individuals are eligible to volunteer and contact information is added to our volunteer database. While we try to place as many volunteers as possible, depending on the needs of the Library, we cannot guarantee volunteer opportunities.

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

100 Years of the Hundred Acre Wood Event

Friday, November 6, 6-8 PM

We're celebrating 100 years of the best bear in all the world, Winnie-the-Pooh, and his cherished pals, like Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, and Owl. The Library will transform into the magical Hundred Acre Wood, and we're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to welcome our guests and help them have a delightful experience.

We are seeking volunteers to serve as:

  • Greeters
  • Line Managers
  • Craft and Game Assistants
  • Refreshment Assistants
  • Photo Op Assistants

The very first Winnie-the-Pooh book by A.A. Milne, featuring his son Christopher Robin and his favorite stuffed toys, was published in 1926. To celebrate the 100 year anniversary, we're inviting fans of all ages to enjoy:

  • Photo ops, including an in-person visit from Winnie-the-Pooh!
  • Games and a scavenger hunt "expotition"
  • Crafts and video screenings
  • A hunny tasting to learn more about Pooh's frenemies, the bees!
  • A relaxing tea room with sweet treats
  • A big parade to end the night!

Will you help us bring these beloved tales to life for one very special evening? Please complete our volunteer application and email it to volunteer@balibrary.org. Thank you for your interest! Volunteers should arrive 30 minutes before their shift for a brief overview of their tasks and assignments for the evening. 


Open Application:

If there are no current volunteer opportunities, you can still submit a Volunteer Application (PDF) to be considered for a future opportunity. Your completed application will be considered once volunteer opportunities become available.

Please email your completed application to volunteer@balibrary.org, or you can mail your completed application to:
Julie Ary, HR Manager
Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Hwy.
Barrington, IL 60010

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If you have any questions regarding the volunteer program, please contact Julie Ary, HR Manager, at jary@balibrary.org. Learn more by downloading our Volunteer Handbook. Volunteers play a significant role in enriching the programming and services offered at the Library.

We appreciate your willingness to donate your time and talent to help us serve the community!