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!

Job Description: Material Services Associate

JOB PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Materials Services Manager, support the overall mission of the library by maintaining the collection and providing materials to customers in accordance with the library’s lending policies.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Utilize library technology and software to manage collection and workflows.
2. Facilitate the circulation of library materials by performing check-in and check-out procedures.
3. Search for and retrieve library materials.
4. Coordinate the return of non-BAL items such as accidentally returned items or items from other libraries and schools.
5. Troubleshoot departmental equipment issues and enter service tickets for repairs.
6. Review damaged materials for appropriate handling.
7. Coordinate with library departments on collection maintenance as needed.
8. Provide customer service to the public as needed.
9. Collect, sort, and shelve library materials.
10. Assist with training functions of new staff as needed.
11. Ensure all policies of the Barrington Area Library are followed.
12. Serve on planning committees and outreach activities as requested.
13. Attend library meetings as requested by management.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

1. General understanding of library services or other customer-driven environments.
2. Effective problem solving and sound judgment.
3. Ability to learn technology and equipment used within the library.

Competencies - To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Represent the library in a professional manner.
2. Contribute to positive staff morale.
3. Demonstrate a working knowledge of library technology used within the department.
4. Collaborate and communicate effectively.
5. Carry out assignments, tasks, and projects effectively.
6. Be flexible to work alternate shifts as the department requires.

Education and/or Other Requirements:

• High school diploma with some post-secondary education preferred.
• Passing score on the library’s pre-employment shelving test.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to see, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear.
2. Physical dexterity to reach shelves of various heights, push full carts and lift heavy containers (up to 40 pounds) during a work shift.
3. Ability to read, write and communicate fluently in English.
4. Dexterity to perform data entry on a computer, lap top, iPad or other electronic device.
5. Visual acuity sufficient to read print in 8-point font.

Note:

This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Barrington Area Library or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

The Barrington Area Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Library will review a reasonable request for accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

For consideration, submit a descriptive cover letter, your resume, and the PDF application to resume@balibrary.org.

Job Title: Digital Services Specialist
Department: Administration

Summary of Role:
Facilitate use of the library’s digital services and resources by customers, the community, and staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Act as primary point of contact for user of the library’s digital services and resources.
• Provide technical guidance to customers and staff on a variety of applications, software, and equipment such as 3D printers, CNC machine, laser cutter, and vinyl cutting machine.
• Troubleshoot, resolve issues or report for service for equipment in digital services spaces.
• Address technology questions related to e-books, digital media production, and personal devices within the scope of the library’s services.
• Develop and present original programs featuring MakerLab and Studio equipment. Collaborate with and support other staff in program delivery.
• Evaluate and suggest technology offerings and make recommendations for continual enhancements.
• Provide training on digital services to staff as needed.
• Serve on planning committees and attend meetings and outreach activities as requested.
• Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 1 year of related work experience.
• Familiarity with makerspace technology.
• Familiarity with eContent platforms such as Libby and Hoopla preferred.
• Customer service experience preferred.
• Experience in developing and facilitating age-appropriate instructional programs preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office.

Physical Requirements:

• Standard office environment
• Occasionally lift equipment up to 25 lbs.

Onsite/Remote Work Location:
Onsite

Travel Requirements:
Some local travel required for community events

Note:
This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Barrington Area Library or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

The Barrington Area Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Library will review any reasonable request for accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Nothing in this job description restricts the rights of Barrington Area Library to supplement or otherwise modify the responsibilities and duties of this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities or other needs to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Ready to apply? Complete and save the PDF application and email it to resume@balibrary.org.

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.

Large Meeting Rooms

Study Rooms, Game Rooms, Smaller Meeting Rooms

Job Title: Technical Services Assistant
Department Technical Services
Grade 7
Status Non-Exempt

JOB PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Department Head, support the overall mission of the library by maintaining the collection in accordance with the library’s purchasing and lending policies.

Essential Job Duties:
1. Assist in maintenance of databases containing the library’s holdings of materials.
2. Copy catalog and classify materials received.
3. Edit and revise cataloging records.
4. Assist in preparation of monthly statistical count of materials added.
5. Order certain circulating materials as assigned.
6. Order departmental supplies.
7. Ensure all policies of the Barrington Area Library are followed.
8. Serve on planning committees and outreach activities as requested.
9. Attend library meetings as requested by management.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

1. General understanding of library services or other detail oriented environment.
2. Effective problem solving ability with internal customers and vendors.
3. Aptitude to work independently with significant attention to detail.
4. Ability to collaborate with co-workers for continual quality assurance and process improvements.

Competency - To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Working knowledge of RDA and current cataloging practice.
2. Ability to learn ILS, acquisitions software, OCLC, and external software as needed.
3. Demonstrate a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
4. Ability to follow instructions, work within a team and respond to management direction effectively.
5. Exert appropriate judgment, within the scope of the position, to properly resolve job-related issues and customer concerns.
6. Flexibility and adaptability to adjust work schedules, internal processes and job tasks to ensure continuity of work flow.

Education and/or Other Requirements:

• A Bachelor's degree, LTA degree, or equivalent in experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience within a library setting or detail oriented position is required. A combination of relevant work experience and education may be considered.
• Ability to travel locally as needed.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequently required to see, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, talk and hear.
2. Physical dexterity to reach shelves of various heights, push full carts and lift heavy containers (up to 40 pounds) during a work shift.
3. Ability to read, write and communicate fluently in English.
4. Dexterity to perform data entry on a computer, lap top, iPad or other electronic device.
5. Visual acuity sufficient to read print in 8 point font.

Note:
This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Barrington Area Library or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

The Barrington Area Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Library will review a reasonable request for accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Ready to apply? Complete and send your PDF application along with cover letter and resume to resume@balibrary.org for consideration.

JOB PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Department Head, support the overall mission of the library by maintaining the collection in accordance with the library's purchasing and lending policies.

Essential Job Duties:

1. Order all circulating materials for the Library as assigned.

2. Retrieve and prepare interlibrary loan materials requested for lending to other libraries as assigned.

3. Process various formats of circulating library materials.

4. Process all incoming library circulating materials in online acquisitions system.

5. Process all incoming and outgoing interlibrary loan materials in online interlibrary loan system.

6. Assess damaged materials and repair items as assigned.

7. Perform withdraw activities for the library's collection.

8. Perform check-in processes for periodicals and business materials as needed.

9. Prepare and provide statistics and basic reports for respective job tasks.

10. Coordinate with internal departments for problem solving with orders.

11. Resolve concerns with customers, vendors, lending libraries, and internal staff.

12. Collaborate with co-workers and the department head on suggestions, process improvements and task efficiencies when appropriate.

13. Ensure all policies of the Barrington Area Library are followed.

14. Serve on planning committees and outreach activities as requested.

15. Attend library meetings as requested by management.

16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

1. General understanding of library services or other detail oriented environment.

2. Aptitude to work independently with significant attention to detail.

3. Ability to effectively collaborate and problem solve with staff and external customers or vendors for continual quality assurance and process improvements.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:

1. Receive and process materials within the guidelines of the Library's policy.

2. Demonstrate a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

3. Ability to learn internal ILS and external software as needed.

4. Effectively follow instructions and policies, work collaboratively within a team and respond appropriately to management direction.

5. Exert appropriate judgment, within the scope of the position, to properly resolve job related issues, problems and customer concerns.

6. Flexibility and adaptability to adjust work schedules, internal processes and job tasks to ensure continuity of work flow.

Education and/or Other Requirements:

• Completion of a High school diploma or equivalent.

• Some post-secondary education is preferred.

• A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience within a library setting or detail oriented position is required. A combination of relevant work experience and education may be considered.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequently required to see, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear.

2. Physical dexterity to reach shelves of various heights, push full carts and lift heavy containers (up to 40 pounds) during a work shift.

3. Ability to read, write and communicate fluently in English.

4. Dexterity to perform data entry on a computer, laptop, iPad, or other electronic device.

5. Visual acuity sufficient to read print in 8 point font.

Note: This job description describes a general category of jobs. In order to meet the needs of the Barrington Area Library or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in addition to or in lieu of those described above, and any duties are subject to change at any time.

The Barrington Area Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Library will review any reasonable request for accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Ready to apply? Complete and send your PDF application along with cover letter and resume to resume@balibrary.org for consideration.