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The Youth Services department is located on the first floor of the Barrington Area Library. We have an amazing interactive play area, a wide variety of programs at the Library, online, and outdoors, along with high quality books, music, movies, and more for the whole family to enjoy. Contact us - we're happy to help!
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Did you know babies can join Summer Reading?
Summer Reading is for everyone - babies included!
How can babies join Summer Reading if they cannot read?
They can be read to! Every time a grownup or child reads to the baby, it counts towards the baby's (and the grownup or child's) Summer Reading goal of 25 books. Once they complete, they get a free book that they get to keep forever and a coupon for a free scoop of custard at the Lake Zurich Culver's.
What are the benefits of babies joining Summer Reading?
Research shows that sharing books, conversations, and songs with young children builds language skills, contributes to healthy development and academic success, and encourages a love of reading.
Do I have to log every title we read?
Not at all. You can just log the number of books that you read, no title needed. Any books that you've read since May 29, 2026, count toward your goal!
Are there Grand Prizes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers?
Yes! Babies are in the Pre-Reader Program which has several Grand Prize drawings that will happen at the end of the program, after August 18.
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, readers, non-readers, young adults, and adults can all participate in Summer Reading. Don't live in Barrington? Don't have a Barrington Area Library card? Not a problem! We want everyone to be a part of the Summer Reading program and be rewarded for all of the reading they are doing this summer, whether they read on their own or are read to by someone special!
Sign up today at balibrary.org/summer.
Youth Services Librarian MaryJo