The Gallery in the Library is back! We are pleased to announce that we are once again accepting applications from local artists.

We have six walls available for displaying artwork. Four small walls are available on the first floor, and two large walls are available on the second floor. The Gallery can only accommodate works that can be hung on a wall. We do not have display cases or stands to support sculptures.

Ready to apply? Fill out the online application form and someone will get back to you soon.


History of the Gallery in the Library

Created in 1979, the Gallery in the Library hosts up to six exhibits per year, each typically spanning two months. In addition to countless displays by artists from Illinois and surrounding states, the Gallery has welcomed world class artists HOTXTEA and Barbara Cooper for major installations as well. The Gallery is now curated by the Art Advisory Committee: Public Information Manager Karen McBride and Community Engagement Librarian Sam Adams-Lanham.

The Gallery in the Library is located throughout the first and second floors of the library and is open to the public seven days a week.
Artists: interested in knowing the measurements of our exhibit walls?

Library Area Width Height Notes
First Floor      
Business & Tech Center (dark grey wall) 25' 6" 9'  
Media Browsing (rust red wall) 4' 1" 9' left of 90" monitor niche
Media Browsing (rust red wall) 9' 9" 9' right of 90" monitor niche
Media Browsing (dark grey wall) 7' 11" 9' Dimensions do not include door on this wall

Base of Stair Tower (dark grey wall)

5' 5" 9' Although wall is wider, Walker System covers only 5' 5". This wall is only available at certain times of the year, when the Seed Library is not in place.
Second Floor      
Reading Commons (dark grey wall) 22' 8" 9' 8" New Book shelves in area are 5' high
Young Adult area (dark grey wall) 19' 6" 9' 6"  


Mission Statement

The Barrington Area Library's arts program expands the library's mission by stimulating imagination and fostering lifelong learning. The Committee's goal is to give local artists the opportunity to present new work in a public setting and encourages all artists in the Barrington area and surrounding communities to submit an application for consideration.