Notice: The BALibrary app will be updated on April 21, 2025. If you have your device configured to automatically keep apps up to date, you will not need to take any action. If you manually update your apps, you can go to your app marketplace, type in Barrington Area Library, and tap update. The legacy version of the app will continue to work.
Need help getting started? Make an appointment with our Digital Services team.
Did you get a new Library card number? Update your information within our apps.
Barrington Area Library app
Using the Library is so much easier with the free BALibrary app!
Use the app to:
• Access a digital version of your BALibrary card
• Manage multiple accounts
• Search the catalog for books, movies, and more
• Browse and register for events
• Contact us with your questions, find us on social media
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Libby is an app developed by OverDrive to enhance your e-book, audiobook, and digital magazine experience. Limit: 10 e-books or audiobooks at one time. Three week checkout period, unless Grab & Go which checkout for 1 week.
Instructions: Getting started with Libby
The legacy OverDrive website is still available, but new customers should use Libby.
hoopla: Instantly stream movies, TV shows, or audiobooks on your computer or mobile device. Borrowed titles can be downloaded only on mobile devices. Limit: 10 items per month, per card. 3 week checkout period for audiobooks and 72 hours for TV and movies. NEW! Bingepasses: Watch unlimited videos from The Great Courses or Curiosity Stream for 7 days, using only one checkout per platform.
Instructions: Computer | Mobile device
Freegal: Download and keep music from a huge selection of pop, rock, classical, jazz, world, and many other genres. New and classic music videos are also available. Limit: Five songs per week. Unused songs do not roll over. Week begins Monday at 12:00AM CST.
Kanopy: Never wait in line for your movies! Stream thousands of documentaries, independent productions, and foreign and short films instantly from your Roku, mobile device or computer. Hundreds of movie suppliers, including the Criterion Collection, PBS, and The Great Courses, are always available. Limit: 15 tickets per month*, per card. Each title will use 1 - 5 tickets. 72 hour checkout period.
*The Great Courses lets you watch unlimited episodes within one series, without using any credits.
Mango Languages: Learn a new language: French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Greek, Brazilian Portuguese; as well as English for Spanish, Portuguese, and Polish speakers and dozens of other choices.
Naxos Music Library: Naxos Music Library is the world´s largest online classical music library. Currently, it offers streaming access to more than 86,420 albums with more than 1,259,200 tracks, including standard and rare repertoire. Registration via a web browser is required to use the app: create a Naxos account today.
Download current copies of Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, as well as hundreds of other US and international newspapers and magazines. Instructions: Library Card Sign In
loan periods for downloads
If the service is not listed below, there are no limitations and items do not need to be returned to the Library. See the full loan table.
| Platform | Limitations | Loan Period | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Libby | 10 items continuously* | 3 weeks** | 3 weeks |
| Hoopla (Audiobooks) | 10 items - monthly | 3 weeks | 3 weeks |
| Hoopla (TV/Movies) | 10 items - monthly | 3 days | 3 days |
| Kanopy | 15 tickets - monthly | 3 days*** | 3 days |
| Freegal | 5 items - weekly | n/a | n/a |
*If you reach your limit at any time, you can check a title in so you can check another title out. To return your titles early visit: https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6033.htm
**Grab & Go titles check out for 7 days
***The Great Courses publisher allows unlimited plays per series for 30 days
Need help getting started with these resources? Make an appointment with our Digital Services Specialist or view our calendar for upcoming programs.