FAQs are Frequently Asked Questions. We'll use this page to answer questions we've heard from patrons regarding our renovation project.
Q: When is the library renovation scheduled for completion?
A: While we do not know the exact date, the library renovation project is currently running on schedule and is due to be completed in May of 2014.
Q: That light fixture in the new stair tower is...not appropriate.
A: We know. It is merely a temporary fixture, there to provide some light until the permanent fixture is installed. Speaking of temporary - the carpeting in the new elevator is also temporary, as the correct carpeting is on backorder.
Q: The new first floor restrooms are very hard to find.
A: Right now, that is indeed true! In coming weeks, all of the book shelves that block your way to those restrooms will be removed. Eventually, those restrooms will be conveniently located in the new Youth Services department.
Q: When will the elevator be back in service?
A: The new elevator should be in service on Monday, October 14. We'll keep you posted.
Q: What's going on in the parking lot these days?
A: The digging work you see in the parking lot is preparation for a long-requested library service: a drive-up return for books and other library materials. Rather than needing to stop in front of the library building and get out of your vehicle, you'll turn into the parking lot and be able to drive right up to the drop box. Safer and more convenient for everyone! Watch for the new return in late summer/early fall.
The new book/material return being delivered to the library.
Q: Will all of the library's services and materials be available during construction?
A: We're working hard to keep as many services and materials available. Our public meeting rooms are not available, because we needed the space as a temporary home for DVDs, new books and more. The Media Lab is temporarily closed, but the equipment is still available in the Adult Services computing area.
It will be necessary to store a few things off-site during the construction, such as: a number of items for children, like theme kits, music CDs, a small selection of board books and out-of-season holiday picture books, as well as the library's piano. All of these items will return when their permanent location in the renovated library is ready for them.
Q: When will the project be completed? Will the library close down during the construction process?
A: If the work goes according to schedule, we hope to invite you to the newly renovated library in the late Spring/early Summer of 2014. We are working carefully with our construction management team to keep the library open during all regular service hours. Some work is being done in the morning, before we open, or after hours, in order to provide the highest level of service possible to you, our patrons.
Q: Will there be public meeting rooms in the renovated library? Will there be display cases?
A: Yes, there will be public meeting rooms in the renovated building. In fact, one part of the revitalization project is improving those rooms, since they are some of our most used services. New furniture and improved acoustic separation will be some of the highlights of the new meeting rooms.
No, we will no longer have display cases in the library. Since the library is being renovated but not enlarged, tough decisions had to be made about space. In order to create a more open, inviting floor plan, wall space for items like display cases had to be eliminated. We will continue to offer other services, like the online community calendar and the electronic community information screen, so that local organizations can promote their events to our community.
Q: Why is Adult Services moving upstairs? Why is Youth Services moving downstairs?
A: Many services for adults, like movies, music, and computers, will remain on the first floor. In fact, popular materials for children and adults will be displayed in one area, so families can enjoy browsing for entertainment together. Our very popular public meeting rooms will remain on the first floor. Our new business and technology work centers are intended primarily for adults/young adults and those will be on the first floor.
The Adult Services print collection (books) will move upstairs so that Youth Services can move downstairs to better accommodate the needs of parents/caregivers with young children. Safety and convenience for families and children is the primary reason Youth Services is moving to the first floor. More good news: the elevator is being replaced to meet current codes, so adults who cannot use the stairs will have a safe ride to the second floor.
Our department heads brought many ideas and suggestions to our architectural team, who then found the best possible place for each department within the building.
Q: Is the library getting rid of its book collections?
A: We understand that the sight of many empty book shelves in a library can be confusing. Here's what we have been doing.
* A thorough weeding of our current book and media collections. "Weeding" is an ongoing process that takes place at every library. Librarians examine materials and "weed out" items that are obsolete, damaged or simply no longer as popular as they once were. If libraries did not weed, they would quickly run out of space on their shelves, because new items are always being added. We felt it was in our best interest to undertake a thorough weeding before construction began, to prevent the work of moving items around that are no longer needed.
* Shifting of our collections. "Shifting" is another library term that means moving items around on the shelves. In our case, we are making great efforts to consolidate items more closely together on our shelves. This effort, combined with weeding, has resulted in many empty shelves on the library's first floor. Those shelves can then be removed, to free up space so construction work can begin.
We assure you we will have plenty of books available during the renovation, we will continue to purchase new books well into the future, and we look forward to sharing them with you in our newly-remodeled building.
Job Description
Job Title: Customer Service Associate
Department: Operations
Reports to: Customer Service Manager
SUMMARY OF ROLE:
Promote a positive and seamless customer experience throughout the library.
Essential Functions, Responsibilities, and Duties:
- Greet and assist customers at service points, including to check materials in and out. Process customer account transactions. Process library card applications. Facilitate materials searches.
- Promote and instruct customers in the use of library services. Direct customers for additional assistance. Coordinate with other library staff as needed.
- Communicate with customers to provide information and resolve inquiries, onsite or remotely via the call center using a variety of tools including multi-line phone, email, instant message, and text.
- Assist with training of new customer service staff as needed.
- Serve on planning committees, attend Library meetings and outreach activities as requested.
- Perform other responsibilities and duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED.
- Customer service experience for diverse groups of people preferred.
- Collaboration and problem-solving with coworkers and customers.
- Organizational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Proficiency with MS Office. Ability to learn use of databases and software tools.
- Flexibility to adjust work schedule.
Physical Requirements:
- Standard office environment
- May push carts
Onsite/Remote Work Location
Remote work only if needed for optimal organizational operation.
Travel Requirements
May occasionally travel in local community for outreach activities.
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.
Stay informed
Find architectural drawings, a phasing plan, budget and bidding information and much more on the library’s Web site: Renovation home page.
Enjoy convenience, service and the best seat in the house
Drive up to the new materials return box in the parking lot and get back to your busy day. Customer service and self-checkout technology greet you throughout the building. Grab a comfortable chair by a sunny window or our welcoming atrium, or get down to work in the lobby Internet café. From the latest buzzed-about indie release to family-friendly flicks, browse for movies and music on the first floor. Our reading commons will be your new favorite “third place” to relax with something good to read or enjoy an informal library program.
Get to work
Fire up your mobile gear and settle into an “office-away-from-home” work pod, then set up a meeting with colleagues in one of our business center mediascape rooms. Explore your imagination, craft the perfect presentation, or launch your job search in our technology center. Learn, then create something awesome in the media lab and makerspace.
Experience fun and interactive learning
Enter a world of interactive fun and learning designed especially for children. From kid-sized furniture and shelving to a kid-friendly media lab, this colorful, comfortable environment will become a family-favorite community destination. Technology classes, educational experiences, interactive exhibits and entertainment kids will love.
Bring your friends
Speaking of classes, entertainment and great experiences – we’ll be offering all of that for teens, young adults and adults, too. Teens – grab a booth and study with your friends or show off your competitive side in the gaming room. Our refurnished public meeting rooms will be back in service and with improved acoustics, your informational lecture, piano recital, or informal crafting session will come through crystal clear. Smart room meeting space allows you to broadcast and record a webinar while making a truly interactive presentation. Enjoy collaborative space throughout the library, for your family, your classmates, your club or organization.
Preserve a community asset
The library building is not being expanded, but it is being improved and updated to preserve this community asset well into the future. HVAC, plumbing, lighting and fire protection systems and the elevator will be replaced or repaired. Updated systems mean a safer, more comfortable, energy-and-cost efficient space.
Mr. Detlev Pansch
Executive Director
Barrington Public Library District
Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Highway
Barrington, IL 60010
Notice
By authority of the Board of Trustees, responses to this Invitation to Bid will be received until 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, Tuesday, March 26, 2013, by the Board of Trustees of the Barrington Public Library District, for the Barrington Area Library Main Facility Renovation Project. This Invitation to Bid applies to the following bid packages:
BP #02A- Excavation/Site Development, BP #02C- Asphalt Paving, BP #02F- Select Demolition, BP #03- Building/Site Concrete, BP #04- Masonry, BP #05- Structural & Misc. Steel, BP #06A- Carpentry & General Trades, BP #06B- Custom/Manufactured Casework, BP #07- Roofing & Metal Trim, BP #08- Storefront/Glass Railings/Glazing, BP #09A- Framing/Drywall, BP #09B- Acoustical Ceilings, BP #09C- Wall Tile/Flooring, BP #09D- Painting/Wall Finishes, BP #010- Operable Partitions, BP #021- Fire Protection, BP #022- Plumbing, BP #023- HVAC- BP #026- Electrical/Low Voltage Systems, BP #027- Technology
Responses shall be submitted on or before the specified closing time in an opaque sealed envelope marked as noted within the Bidding Documents on the outside and addressed to: Mr. Detlev Pansch, Executive Director, Barrington Public Library District, Barrington, IL. Responses are to be delivered to the Barrington Area Library, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL. Bids will be opened and read aloud on March 26, 2013, 1:00 p.m., at the Barrington Area Library.
A pre-bid meeting of the project is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2013 at 1:00 a.m. at the Library. Though the pre-bid is not mandatory, bidders are strongly encouraged to attend. It is mandatory for those contractors bidding the HVAC bid package.
Bid security in the form of a bid bond or certified check made payable to the Board of Library Trustees, Barrington Public Library District equal to 10% of the base bid amount shall be submitted with the bid. Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bonds, and Certificate of Insurance will be required from the successful bidder.
The Board of Trustees of the Barrington Public Library District reserves the right to reject any or all documents submitted or parts thereof, to waive any irregularities or informalities in the prequalification procedures and to approve trade contractors to bid in a manner serving the interest of the Barrington Public Library District.
All bidders must comply with the applicable Illinois Law requiring the payment of prevailing wages by all contractors working on public projects, and bidders must comply with the Illinois Statutory requirements regarding labor and bidding, including Equal Opportunity Laws.
Bidding documents which include Construction Manager’s Bid Manual, Architects Project Manual, and Project Plans will be on file and may be obtained by bidding contractors on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 after 2:00 p.m., for electronic distribution through B&L Blueprint (630-594-5210). PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE FOR AVAILABILITY. Copies of prints, specifications, etc. can be obtained through B&L Blueprint. All costs associated with additional copies will be borne by the bidding contractor. Documents may also be viewed via our ftp site at www.shalesmcnuttplanroom.com. The documents can be found in the Public Job section on the left hand side.
Mr. Detlev Pansch
Executive Director
Barrington Public Library District
Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Highway
Barrington, IL 60010
Click the first image to open a slideshow that was presented by the architects of Engberg Anderson to the Library Board of Trustees on February 20, 2013. We'll tell you more about the various phases of the renovation soon, but these slides allow you to see how the architects are reimagining our library building for the 21st century. In a few places, we have also used a "before" photograph so you can compare how the library looks today to the architectural renderings.
After several months of study and consideration, the Barrington Area Library trustees unanimously voted to move forward on plans to renovate the 33-year-old library facility. The vote took place at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, March 12, 2012.
Welcome to our renovation Web site, where you will find documents and photos relating to the library renovation project, as well as project updates and answers to your frequently asked questions. Use the buttons below to choose what information you'd like to see.
What will it look like when finished?
See the architect's renderings of the first and second floors to get a widescreen look at the newly renovated library.
First floor (Youth Services, Atrium, Popular Materials, Technology and Business Centers, Circulation, Staff Offices)
Second floor (Adult Print and Reference, New Teen Area, Reading Commons, Library Administration, Staff Offices)
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The Library's South Branch will permanently close on Friday, July 28, 2017. We enjoyed the opportunity to serve our community at the Branch for more than ten years. Residents of the southern part of our library district may still pick up and return items at South Barrington Club. Learn more about pick-up and return services on our website.
Invite a friendly, knowledgeable librarian to speak about any of the following topics. To make arrangements, please contact Jason Pinshower, Head of Adult Services, jpinshower@balibrary.org or 847-382-1300 x 3000.
Topics
3-D Printing:
We're excited about the possibilities offered by 3-D printing, and want to share them with you.
Genealogy 101:
Start now on a hobby that lasts a lifetime. The Barrington Area Library licenses Ancestry Library Edition, Fold3, and HeritageQuest, plus America's Obituaries and Death Notices.
Magazines for you:
The Economist, Chicago Magazine, Country Living: get these magazines and many more at home or on the road through RBdigital, the library's FREE digital magazine service. We'll show you how.
Read always and everywhere:
Learn how to check out e-books and e-audiobooks from the library.
Reading and book club recommendations:
Liz Kirchhoff, Adult Services librarian and former chair of the Notable Books Council, has read more books than anyone we know. She would love to talk with you about what's new and exciting.
Social media to keep in touch:
Facebook - Connect with your family and friends and with your community.
Twitter - Follow your friends, experts, and favorite celebrities, and get breaking news as it occurs.
Skype - Chat/videochat with family or business colleagues in far-flung locales.
New Classics: The New Generation of Quality Literature for Children
Which current children's books will stand the test of time? Explore our best guesses and predictions of which books children will still be reading generations from now. Contact Aly Prchal, head of Youth Services, aprchal@balibrary.org or 847-382-1300 x 6000.
Visit our page about volunteering at BALibrary or scroll down to see our current job openings.
Job Openings at BALibrary
Part-Time Page
ABOUT US: The Barrington Area Library is a busy, friendly place that supports lifelong, active learning, and an appreciation for creativity and innovation. Customers of all ages and interests visit our Library, expecting to find excellent and informed service, and spaces designed for private work and group collaboration.
JOB SUMMARY:
- Perform tasks such as check-in, inspection, alphabetizing, shelving, and straightening of materials to ensure ready access of the collection on library shelves.
- Maintain the appearance of public areas of library by collecting and re-shelving materials (at various heights) while using a push cart.
- Inspect labels to ensure that the collection is correctly shelved by the Dewey Decimal System.
- Provide directional service to customers as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Must be at least 16 years of age and able to pass shelving test.
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks on time.
- Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with MS Office and basic data entry skills on electronic device.
- Dependable, detail-oriented, and reliable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Standard office environment;
- Push heavy carts daily;
LOCATION: 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL
SCHEDULING: This is a part-time, hourly position. Scheduling is 16 hours per week (4-hour shifts) on the following days and times:
- Fridays 1 – 5 PM
- Saturdays 10 AM– 2 PM
- Sundays 1 – 5 PM
- Mondays 5 – 9 PM
PAY & BENEFITS: The starting pay range is $15.50 - $16.00 per hour. This position is eligible for paid vacation, paid sick time, and bereavement pay.
APPLY NOW! Complete, save, and send the PDF application to resume@balibrary.org.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This position will remain open until filled or until June 27, 2025, whichever comes first. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.
The Barrington Area Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Published on 5-28-25
Part-Time Custodian
ABOUT US: The Barrington Area Library is a busy, friendly place that supports lifelong, active learning, and an appreciation for creativity and innovation. Customers of all ages and interests visit our Library, expecting to find excellent and informed service, and spaces designed for private work and group collaboration. Our Custodians play a vital role in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment that allows all visitors to enjoy and make the most of their Library experience.
JOB SUMMARY:
- Perform a wide range of custodial duties to maintain a clean, organized, and inviting environment, including cleaning, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and removing trash throughout the Library.
- Assist in the setup, breakdown, and movement of furniture and equipment for meetings, programs, and special events.
- Continuously monitor the Library during assigned shifts to ensure a safe, clean environment and maintain adequate supply levels.
- Address and resolve urgent cleaning tasks and service requests.
- Assist with outdoor maintenance, such as supporting grounds cleanup, snow removal at entrances and walkways, and salting efforts, to ensure safe and appropriate access to the facility.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Previous custodial experience is a plus.
- Strong customer service skills, with the ability to interact effectively with staff and the public.
- Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Able to lift and move furniture and supplies, with occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of up to 150 pounds.
- Able to perform custodial and maintenance tasks with dexterity, including the use of custodial equipment and both manual and power tools.
- Able to occasionally lift equipment or containers weighing up to 75 pounds.
- Able to climb ladders and stairs as required.
- Able to shovel snow and use snow removal equipment and supplies.
- Able to work in environments with exposure to nontoxic fumes, airborne particles, outdoor allergens, and cleaning solutions.
LOCATION: 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL
SCHEDULING: This is a part-time, hourly position. Scheduling is 20-24 hours per week (generally 5 hour shifts) with a variable schedule of daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. Flexibility in scheduling is needed to support our team and customers, but we can consider requests for scheduling adjustments.
PAY & BENEFITS: The pay range for this position is $19.00 to $20.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Offers will be based on skills, experience, and internal equity. Additional benefits include:
- Paid vacation, personal, sick, holiday, and bereavement leave;
- Participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), a comprehensive retirement pension system that also includes disability and life insurance coverage;
- Six week paid parental leave;
- Tuition reimbursement program.
APPLY NOW! Complete, save, and send the PDF application and resume to resume@balibrary.org.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: This position will remain open until filled or until May 11, 2025, whichever comes first. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.
The Barrington Area Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Published 4/11/2025.