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.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to facility restrictions, sublimation will be unavailable until we return to our main MakerLab space.
Procedures
• MakerLab is open to Barrington Area Library cardholders.
• No food or beverages in the MakerLab.
Equipment
The Library has a number of cutting edge tools to offer the community. To learn more, click on the links below:
Job Title: Custodian
Department: Operations
Reports to: Building Services Manager
SUMMARY OF ROLE: Perform services that ensure that library buildings, systems, property, and grounds are maintained in safe operating condition, and for optimal appearance and use by customers and staff.
Essential Functions, Responsibilities, and Duties:
- Perform custodial tasks through the building and grounds.
- Set up, take down, and clean furniture and rooms for meetings and events.
- Respond promptly and resolve urgent cleaning tasks and service requests.
- Deliver materials and packages throughout the library.
- Safely operate building machinery, equipment, and tools.
- Assist and/or perform open and closing procedures of the building.
- Perform snow removal. Perform grounds cleaning in all weather conditions.
- Complete custodial and maintenance tasks and projects as assigned.
- Provide assistance in inspections and emergency procedures as assigned.
- Serve on planning committees and attend meetings as requested.
- Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Some custodial work experience preferred.
- Customer service skills that are effective with all levels of staff and with the public.
- Familiarity with MS Office.
Physical Requirements:
- Lift and move furniture and supplies. Occasionally push, pull, or lift up to 150 pounds.
- Demonstrate dexterity for janitorial and maintenance tasks, including using custodial equipment and manual and power tools.
- Occasionally lift equipment or containers up to 75 lbs.
- Climb ladders and stairs.
- Shovel snow and use snow removal equipment and supplies.
- Tolerate exposure to nontoxic fumes, airborne particles, outdoor allergens, and cleaning solutions.
Onsite/Remote Work Location: Onsite
Travel Requirements: None
Note:
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.
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.
Interested? Complete and send the PDF application to resume@balibrary.org to be considered. To complete the PDF application, download it to your computer, save it with a new file name, then fill it in, saving your work as you go.
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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.
Job Title: Assistant Librarian
Department: Youth Services
SUMMARY OF ROLE: Provide reference and reader’s advisory and assist with programming for the library’s youngest customers and their caregivers.
Essential Functions, Responsibilities, and Duties:
- Serve customers at in-person and virtual service points through reference, reader’s advisory, and basic technology assistance to children from birth-eighth grade and their caregivers.
- Support the day-to-day operations of the department through various clerical tasks.
- Assist with maintaining the circulating children’s and teen’s collections.
- Support Youth Services programming staff in preparing and presenting programs for children and their caregivers, including story times, craft programs, technology classes, and other assigned activities.
- Actively promote library services, materials, and programs to customers.
- Demonstrate good stewardship of physical and virtual spaces by preparing and merchandising department displays, continually maintaining interactive areas, and producing and updating content for the library’s web presence, as assigned.
- Serve on committees and attend library meetings as requested.
- Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
- At least 1 year of experience working with children in a service setting preferred.
- Collaboration and problem-solving with coworkers and customers.
- Written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency with MS Office and familiarity with other current technology.
- Flexibility to be able to work rotating and various work shifts including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Physical Requirements:
- Standard office environment.
- Support for some programs ideally performed at eye-level with young customers.
- Some programming duties performed outdoors in suitable weather conditions.
Onsite/Remote/Hybrid Work Location:
Onsite, with occasional meeting that may be assigned for remote attendance.
Travel Requirements:
Vary with individual assignment or seasonal requirements.
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.
Interested? Download, complete, and save the PDF application, then email it along with a cover letter and resume to resume@balibrary.org for consideration.
Job Description
Job Title: Building Services Manager
Department: Operations
JOB PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Head of Operations, support the overall mission of the library by ensuring the library building is in operating order, the needs of the library are met and enforce library policy and procedures as they relate to the building. Meet the goals and objectives as defined by the department.
Essential Functions:
1. Monitor and maintain the building, systems, property and grounds daily.
2. Supervise in-house team members and the activities of all outside contractors working in or on the facilities. Inspect assignments for completion.
3. Coordinates with and supervises all outside contractors for the facilities. Inspect completed work.
4. Respond to and\or identify urgent building problems, cleaning tasks, equipment failures and grounds issues. Take immediate corrective and appropriate action during and after operational hours.
5. Respond to off-site equipment issues and resolve appropriately.
6. Manage off-hours emergencies by responding as needed.
7. Perform building and system inspections. Anticipate and recommend maintenance services, procedures, products, and equipment needs for preventative measures.
8. Perform general custodial tasks regularly to maintain the cleanliness, appearance and smooth operation of the building and grounds.
9. Manage and perform meeting room set up requests.
10. Deliver materials and packages to appropriate staff and departments.
11. Train staff on appropriate building procedures as needed.
12. Keep in compliance with and abreast of all OSHA, state and federal regulations for the Library.
13. Participate in interview and selection activities for team members.
14. Evaluate performance of staff and provide constructive feedback.
15. Research and resolve internal personnel issues with the assistance of the Head of Operations, Executive Director and Human Resources.
16. Manage supply inventory ordered by the department. Initiate purchase requests as required.
17. Perform snow removal, grounds cleaning and deliveries in all weather conditions.
18. Participate in Library meetings, trainings and professional development as requested.
19. Ensure all policies of the Barrington Area Library are followed.
20. 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. Demonstrated proficiency of required maintenance and repairs for a public service building.
2. Demonstrated proficiency in standard building systems, equipment and tools. 3. Effective problem solving, supervising and prioritizing aptitude.
Competency - To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Operate building machinery and equipment utilizing proper safety precautions.
2. Execute good judgment and exceptional customer service while following library policies. 3. Supervise and collaborate effectively. 4. Efficiently prioritize both routine and urgent responsibilities. .
Education and/or Other Requirements:
• A High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A Minimum of 5 years of building operations work experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience with direct subordinates.
• A post-secondary education, certifications or specialized training is preferred.
• Experience with computerized HVAC systems is preferred.
• Must have and retain a valid driver’s license and travel locally on an occasional basis.
• Ability to drive library owned vehicle (oversized van) as needed.
• Commitment to a flexible work schedule including off-hours emergency responses.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, smart phone, I Pad or other electronic communication tools.
Physical Requirements:
1. Required to see, stand, walk, sit, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear regularly to successfully perform all duties.
2. Physical dexterity to reach, push, lift and carry heavy containers (up to 75 pounds) during a work shift.
3. Physical dexterity for janitorial and maintenance duties such as set up tables, stack chairs, change light bulbs, utilize manual and power tools, custodial equipment, climb ladders and stairs, carry trash and shovel snow in various weather conditions.
4. Tolerate exposure to fumes, airborne particles, outdoor allergens and cleaning chemicals.
5. Tolerate exposure to differing temperatures internally and externally.
6. Ability to read, write and communicate fluently in English.
7. Dexterity to perform tasks on a computer, lap top, iPad or other electronic device regularly.
8. Visual acuity sufficient to read keypads, labels, e-mails and documents.
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.
Interested? Download and complete the job application (PDF), and email it along with a cover letter and resume to resume@balibrary.org.