From books and movies to the MakerLab, your Library card connects you to all the resources the Barrington Area Library has to offer. Sign up for your card at the Customer Service Desk or begin the registration process online. Scroll down to learn about library cards, loan periods, fines, and borrowing materials. Use this link to manage your account online.
Lost your card? Contact Customer Service immediately to put a stop on your card 1-847-382-1300.
How do I get a resident library card?
Library cards are issued to individuals (and their family members) who own or rent property within the Barrington Public Library District. See a Library district map.
To obtain a card, begin the registration process online, or, come to the Library with a photo I.D. (driver’s license, state I.D., or school I.D.) with your in-district address. If your I.D. does not reflect your current in-district address, bring it along with proof of residence (such as a utility bill, property tax bill, bank statement, or lease). See information below about renewing your card.
A child in 8th grade or younger may receive a library card in his or her own name, with the signature of a parent or legal guardian following the above guidelines.
How do I get a library card for my Barrington area business?
Businesses based in the Barrington Public Library District (see map) are eligible for a business library card.
To obtain a business library card, the business owner must bring photo I.D. and proof of business address (such as a business license, certificate of occupancy, property tax or utility bill) to the Customer Service Desk.
May I use my card from another library at the Barrington Area Library?
Illinois residents who live outside of the Barrington Area Library District are welcome to use many of our resources. Bring your home (IL only) library card and photo I.D. in order to create a reciprocal borrower account here at the Barrington Area Library.
How do I renew my Library card?
Residential and Reciprocal cards expire after three years; business cards expire after one year. To renew your card, visit the Customer Service Desk in person, or renew online.
When are my items due, and may I renew them?
Please view this chart for detailed information on loan periods, renewals, and borrowing limits. Items may be renewed if not on hold for another customer. Items are renewed as of the renewal date, not the due date.
How do I borrow e-books and other digital items from the Library?
Our e-book service is OverDrive, including the free Libby app. OverDrive also offers digital audiobooks and magazines.
On the downloads page, you will also find movie and TV streaming services, music downloads/streaming, and additional magazine and newspapers services.
How do I put an item on hold?
Barrington Area Library cardholders may place requests on circulating materials through the online catalog.
When more than one hold request has been received for the same item, they will be filled in the order in which they were received.
Items will be held for 6 days from the time of notification. If not picked up during that time, the items will be returned to circulation. Items may be picked up inside the Library. Customers may also request locker delivery or Borrow By Mail service while placing the hold, or, may request Parking Lot Pick-Up on the day of pick-up.
To preserve customer confidentiality, specific information about requested materials will be disclosed only to the individual who placed the hold request. The requested item must be charged out with the card on which the hold request was placed.
What happens when my items are due? How do I pay my fines?
The Barrington Area Library no longer charges overdue fines. Customers who have provided an email address or mobile number will receive notification 2 days prior to their library materials coming due. If items are not returned on or before the due date, customers will receive reminders 7, 14, and 21 days after the due date. Items may be renewed for up to two loan periods, provided they are not on hold for other customers. Auto-renewal is not available at this time.
An item is declared lost 28 days after it is due, and the discounted library retail price of the item plus a $5.00 processing fee is added to the customer's account. A bill is then mailed to the customer and the customer's account is paused from borrowing any physical library materials. When the customer returns or renews the overdue items, the bill is cancelled and the customer's account is reactivated.
If the customer is not able to return the items, they may pay the bill plus a processing fee in order to reactivate their paused account. If the item is located after the customer has paid the bill, the customer has 90 days from the date the item was declared lost to request a refund. If the customer pays for the lost item with a credit card, in person at the Customer Service desk or online, a refund can be issued to that same credit card. Please visit or call Customer Service for details: 847-382-1300.
May I borrow items from other libraries? (Interlibrary Loan)
Your Barrington Area Library card is valid at libraries across the state of Illinois. In addition, items not owned by the Barrington Area Library may be requested for loan from another library.
This system is integrated with our online catalog, making it easier than ever for you to request items and manage your requests. Go to our online catalog. If our Library does not have what you need, change your search settings from "Search Barrington Area Library" to "Interlibrary Loan (WorldCat)."
Please keep in mind the following:
The service is offered to all Barrington Area Library card holders.
At this time, we will be borrowing from and lending to Illinois libraries only.
Most libraries will not loan new items (six months old or less).
Many libraries do not loan audiovisual materials.
There is a limit of 10 items in process per card (this includes items that are in your possession).
You will automatically receive an email when the item arrives.
Items will be held at your specified delivery location for seven days. Please note that there is a $5 fee for interlibrary loan items not picked up during the hold period.
Due dates are determined by the lending library. Renewals are at the discretion of the lending library.
