Community Events
When: Tuesday, March 24 – 7:00pm - 9:00pm
In collaboration with Northwest Suburban Astronomers and Citizens for Conservation
Come look at the night sky with us! Northwest Suburban Astronomers will bring their telescopes; Citizens for Conservation will provide space ...
When: Saturday, April 11 – 1:00pm - 3:00pm
In collaboration with Barrington Area Volunteer Connection
April is National Volunteer Month! Connect with local nonprofits at this combination volunteer fair, donation day, and community network. Join us to learn about ...
Community Calendar - Local non-profit organizations may submit events for listing on our online community calendar.
Community Information Screen - The library dedicates one of its large, in-house video display screens to promoting community events. Local non-profit organizations may submit Powerpoint slides, or submit flyers/posters via email in PDF or other formats, for the library to create slides. We regret that we are not able to take posters, brochures or other printed materials for display in the library. Librarians are available to assist you in scanning posters for our community information screen. Complete details.
Community Pages - Local clubs and organizations may add their information to the library catalog. When library customers search for books and movies on related subjects, information about your nonprofit will also appear in the search results. For details, please contact the Community Engagement Librarian at 847-382-1300 X 3140 or email sadams@balibrary.org.
Group Visits - Prearranged group visits are available for schools, preschools, governmental units, non-profit organizations, and businesses in the Barrington Public Library District. Library staff can provide library tours, technology workshops, research tips, book talks and story time presentations. E-mail Youth Services or Adult Services to arrange a tour.
Librarian Roadshow - Librarians can visit your community group or meeting to present on a wide variety of interesting and useful topics. Complete details.
Services to businesses - In addition to non-profit organizations, the library offers many services to local businesses. See our business page and contact Business Liaison Librarian Annette Bochenek at abochenek@balibrary.org or by phone at 847-382-1300 X 3050.
Services to schools - Visit the Kids' website to learn about book bag loans, school visits, and group tours.
TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary 2017 - The Barrington Area Library held its third TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary event on October 5, 2017. Joy Wagner, Renee Blue, and Douglas McConnell were the featured speakers.
TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary 2016 - The Barrington Area Library held its second TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary event on October 6, 2016. Courtney Quigley, Dr. Brian Harris, Bob Lee, and Joyce Palmquist were the featured speakers.
TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary 2015 - The Barrington Area Library held its first TEDxBarringtonAreaLibrary event on October 1, 2015. Sarah Bealles, David Hirsch, and Michael Miles were the featured speakers. The TEDx Program was designed to help communities spark conversation and connection through "ideas worth spreading." Please view Sarah, David, and Michael's videos and continue the conversation!
Sunday, March 4, 2018, from 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Drop in - registration appreciated but not necessary
Come celebrate your favorite fandoms at our second annual BALibrary Comic Con®!
Open to all ages, this free event offers something for everyone:
▶ A cosplay contest from 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Prizes awarded for best baby/toddler, best child, best adult, and best overall.
Activities Just For Kids:
▶ Superhero Storytime – Attention, superheroes! Bring a cape (and a grownup!) to enjoy a superhero-themed storytime, filled with action, adventure, and music!
▶ Mask-Making – Every good hero needs a disguise – so why not make one at the Library? Hide your secret identity with an easy-to-make mask.
▶ Superhero Cuff-Making – Protect yourself with some nifty superhero cuffs!
▶ Popsicle Stick Superheroes – Draw one of your favorite heroes on a popsicle stick, and carry a superhero with you everywhere you go!
▶ Robot Scavenger Hunt – Our favorite robots in disguise are hiding around the Library! Find them all and you’ll earn a sticker!
▶ Artist's Alley: meet and greet 25+ artists and authors in our Artist's Alley! Buy a comic or a book, make a connection, find a hidden treasure.
▶ LEGO artist Ara Bonsignore returns!
▶ 1:30 - 2:30 PM: Airbrush Makeup Demo
Chicago area airbrush artist Marija Filipovic introduces you to the coolest techniques. Then visit her in the Artist's Alley!
▶ 1:30 - 3:30 PM: Face Painting
Cara Dunning is back and this time, she's brought her face painting supplies! So if you didn't come in costume but want a little pizzazz, stop by and see her in the Youth Services department.
▶ 2:45 – 3:30 PM: Iron Artist Competition
Three artists, a mystery drawing prompt, a ticking clock, and a series of wild and crazy extra activities – watch it all go down live on our stage!
▶ Crafts: make your own Dragon's Egg or Magic Wand!
▶ Photo Ops Galore! Bring your camera or try one of our photo booths. Snap a pic with The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Tangled's Rapunzel, a Dalek straight out of Doctor Who. Try on some crazy special effects in our digital studios. Then grab a photo with one of our amazing costume groups: Age of the Geeks, Windy City Ghostbusters, Dreams To Doors princesses, and a GI Joe group. Your Facebook profile will never be the same!
Ready to book a Meeting Room or Study Room at the Barrington Area Library? Use the quick links below.
Want to see our Meeting and Study Room policies or learn more about the available rooms? Visit our full website.
Looking for meaningful, local volunteer opportunities? Connect with local non-profit organizations who can answer your questions and share their volunteer needs. Use your time, talents, and energy to make a difference right here in our community! Drop in between 2 - 4 PM on Sunday, Oct 1, 2017, and meet representatives from the following organizations:
Barrington Area Conservation Trust
Barrington Area Council on Aging
Barrington Regional Hurricane Effort
B-Strong Together
Build Team
Citizens for Conservation
Embrace Living
A Heart For Animals
Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA)
JourneyCare
League of Women Voters
Let It Be Us
National Alliance on Mental Illness-Barrington Area
Native Seed Gardeners
Project Linus
Rahab's Daughters
Relay for Life of Barrington
Sewa International, Chicago chapter
Sierra Club, NW Cook
SmartFarm of Barrington
Walk On Farm
Wings
On Sunday, April 26, 2015, the garden area on the east side of the Library was officially dedicated as the new Ruth and Robert Work Memorial Garden, by members of The Garden Club of Barrington.
Visitors who enjoy this beautiful garden space may wish to know more about The Garden Club of Barrington, this memorial garden, and the lives of the people who inspired this dedication.
In 1976, The Garden Club of Barrington planted the Library's west gardens, seen through the windows of the large meeting room. Since then GCB members have maintained these gardens. In 2014, the Library's Board of Trustees approved the installation of a plaque at the garden naming it for Ruth and Robert Work. New signage for the "Ruth and Robert Work Memorial Garden" is located outside in the garden and The Garden Club of Barrington will continue to care for the garden.
"We hope that the Barrington Area Library will agree with relocating the garden to the Library. Because of Ruth Work's contribution to the Barrington Area Library, we thought this a fitting plan for the relocation of the memorial plaque. The Work family feels this would be appropriate and with your approval, we will have the plaque made and installed."
Peg Olsen and Sue McGrath
Members of The Garden Club of Barrington May 8, 2014
History
In 1958, The Garden Club of Illinois officially took on the job of landscaping the Illinois tollways. The Illinois State Tollway Commission provided the landscape plan by Wallace Atkinson. The 7 Barrington garden clubs elected to develop and plant the 33 acres located at the Northwest Tollway and the Barrington Road exit. The Council of Barrington Garden Clubs was formed to serve as the governing body to coordinate the major project and deal with the commission.
In February of 1962 the Tollway Commission accepted the Council's request to name the park as a memorial to one of Barrington's power couples to recognize them for their work in conservation matters. In June the area was designated as the "Ruth and Robert Work Park". Robert Work, a nationally recognized architect, had died in 1960, but his then 84-year-old wife, Ruth accepted the honor before passing in 1966.
By 1973, the garden clubs had spent approximately $7,000 on signage, plantings and maintenance of the park in cooperation with the Illinois State Toll Commission that also provided assistance. Eventually, the park became: too costly for the garden clubs to maintain; home to a radio tower for tollway communications; and a one of a kind Illinois roadside memorial that is no longer allowed by tollway officals.
Recently the Illinois State Tollway Authority has unveiled a program to build a full interchange at 1-90 and Barrington Road. As part of the project, they are requesting the removal/relocation of the Ruth and Robert Work Park which is currently located at the northbound exit at 1-90 and Barrington Road. The Barrington Council of Garden Clubs asked The Garden Club of Barrington to take leadership of the project.
RUTH AND ROBERT WORK (Career Highlights 1907-1966)
ROBERT WORK - Architect of National Note
Member of the American Institute of Architects in Chicago, the Chicago Art Institute, the Chicago Natural History Museum, Chicago Academy of Sciences, the Chicago Tavern Club, Barrington Hills Country Club, the Barrington Hills Countryside Association, the original Barrington Methodist Church.
Designed the Barrington Methodist Church, Barrington Hills Country Club and many private homes in the Barrington area.
RUTH WORK - Crusader for Conservation
Founder and honorary member of the Barrington Woman's Club and The Garden Club of Barrington (four years president), an honorary member of the Countryside Garden Class, a charter member of the Little Garden Club, an organizer of the Barrington Area Library, recording secretary for the Chicago Chapter of the Illinois Conservation Council, an honorary president of the Chicago chapter of the Wild Flower Preservation Society, a life member of the Chicago Historical Society, a member of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, a member of the Illinois Audubon Society and the Barrington Methodist Church.
Ruth Work received a medal from the Garden Club of America for her outstanding work in conservation and conservation education. She was also honored with life memberships for her many years of service by the Barrington Natural History Society as well as the Barrington Women's Club (1955).
Ruth and Robert Work were saluted by their friends: "Few families have contributed so generously of their talents, experiences and energies toward every worthwhile project that has embraced the Barrington community."
About
Located on the first floor in the Business & Technology Center, the MakerLab gives Barrington Area Library cardholders access to a variety of cutting edge tools including 3D printers, a laser cutter, sublimation printer, and vinyl cutter. The purpose of MakerLab is to provide space for customers of all ages to learn through making, using skills such as math, art, and design thinking, to complete self-driven projects. Staff are available by appointment to help develop a plan to make your work possible, but it should be noted that MakerLab is not a substitute for a full-scale production facility and limitations on appointments, materials and quantity may apply.
Procedures
- MakerLab is open to Barrington Area Library cardholders.
- You may use MakerLab computers and software, button makers, and Silhouette Cameo on a walk-in basis as long as 1) the equipment is not being used by another customer and 2) you feel comfortable working without staff guidance. All other equipment requires an appointment.
- No food or beverages in the MakerLab.
Project Examples
Not sure where to start, or need some inspiration? Check out these previous projects!
Information on machine used and materials sourced can be found in each picture.
Equipment
The Library has a number of cutting edge tools to offer the community. To learn more, click on the links below:
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Summer Library Club for kids has ended. SLC for adults and teens continues through August 15, 2014.
Take me to: Read To Feed Summer Library Club for Young Adults
Take me to: Read To Feed Summer Library Club for Adults
Learn about Read To Feed, our community partnership program that makes it easy for you to Eat, Shop, and Read To Help Those In Need
Print your Read To Feed Donation Vouchers (PDF) - eat, shop, and read to help our local food pantries. Five of our participating local partners have asked that you bring in a voucher in order for them to make a donation to the Barrington and Cuba Township food pantries. You may print the vouchers from the above link, or just ask for a voucher booklet the next time you visit the library.
Information about the Paws To Read Summer Library Club for Kids:
Preschool Club
Student Club
The Barrington Area Library’s Board of Trustees gratefully accepts monetary gifts, bequests, endowments, and gifts of property, from individuals and groups, to supplement Library services to the community.
Monetary gifts without restriction may be accepted and added to the Library District’s Gift Fund, to be used for the purchase of Library materials and equipment, or to fund programs or capital projects.
Monetary gifts to be used as a restricted gift or endowment fund may be accepted by the Library District. Such funds require a minimum donation of $25,000 and will be accepted if the proposed restriction or use is consistent with the mission and objectives of the Library.
For monetary donations, checks may be made payable to the Barrington Area Library and sent to: Executive Director, Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL 60010.
Please include your name and address. If the gift is being made in honor of a person or occasion, please provide the name of the person being honored or the occasion being celebrated, and the name and address where an acknowledgment of your gift may be sent.
Questions about making a donation? Please contact the Library's Office Manager via email at officemanager@balibrary.org
The Library is unable to accept donated books, DVDs, and other media. For a list of other organizations who will gladly accept your donations, download this list.
Barrington Area Library Internet and Computer Use Policy
16.0 INTERNET AND COMPUTERS
The District provides access to the Internet and computing devices.
16.1 Internet Access
The District requires that customers using electronic information networks such as the Internet do so in accordance with 3.0 Customer Code of Conduct.
A filter has been installed on District-owned devices. Cardholders eighteen years of age or older may have expanded Internet access upon request. A parent or guardian who is a District cardholder may request expanded Internet access for their child by appearing in person to make this request each time expanded access is to be provided.
The District will take reasonable steps to secure its networks from unauthorized access. The District does not guarantee privacy of Internet sessions and is not responsible for the security of information or transactions using District equipment or networks.
16.2 Limitations
The District reserves the right to place limitations on time and manner of Internet, computer, and device use in order to allocate access as equitably as possible.
16.3 Computers and Devices
Laptop computers are available for checkout by District cardholders and registered reciprocal borrowers. Laptop computers are offered on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are taken.
Customers may charge out only one laptop computer at a time. Time will be automatically determined by the District’s online circulation system. The replacement cost of the laptop will be charged if it is not returned by closing time on the date borrowed, if it is lost, or if it is damaged beyond repair.
Laptops are for use only within District buildings.
Use of District-owned devices and networks is at the sole risk and discretion of the customer. The District is not responsible for any damage to customers’ devices or equipment while connected to District devices, networks, or other equipment. Internet users are responsible for the websites they access and use the Internet at their own risk.
16.4 Printing
Printing is available for a fee.
Policy set by the Board of Library Trustees of the Barrington Public Library District, March 1, 2020.
March 2014 - for grades 9-12
The Championship is here! We started with 32 of the best young adult book covers of 2013 - now we are down to the last two covers, Paper Valentine and Love In The Time of Global Warming. Get your votes in now for this new and final bracket. You vote on which cover is best! Look for links on Twitter and Facebook, too.