About Our Teaching Garden
Begun in 2021 as a partnership between the Library, the Barrington Breakfast Rotary Club, and the University of Illinois Extension Cook County North Master Gardeners, our Teaching Garden is an outdoor classroom for hands-on, multi-generational learning, as well as a quiet place to relax and read. Located in the southeast corner of the Library’s upper parking lot, the Garden is fully accessible, and offers comfortable seating in a beautiful setting.
Teaching Garden Spring Cleanup
Tuesday, May 12, 9:30-11 AM
Let’s get outside! Work side by side with local Master Gardeners and learn what gardens need to prepare them for planting. Registration suggested.
Teaching Garden Planting Days
Friday, May 15, 10 AM-12 PM
All ages w/caregiver
Bring your little ones, and we’ll teach them how to plant a garden. Work side by side with Master Gardeners. Gloves and tools provided. Registration suggested.
Saturday, May 16, 12-2 PM
Work side by side with Master Gardeners to learn basic gardening skills, and help us plant our garden! Gloves and tools provided. Registration suggested.
Teaching Garden Workshops
Local gardeners provide hands-on instruction in seasonal gardening tasks. From 9:30-10 we’ll take care of basic garden maintenance. From 10-11, we’ll focus on a specific gardening topic. Meets weekly, weather permitting. Registration suggested.
Tuesday, June 2: Rehab Your Space
Tuesday, June 9:
Tuesday, June 16:
Tuesday, June 23: Critter Homes in the Garden
Tuesday, July 14:
Tuesday, July 21:
Tuesday, July 28:
Tuesday, August 11: Putting in a Fall Garden
Tuesday, August 18: Gifts from the Garden
Tuesday, September 1:
Tuesday, September 15:
Tuesday, September 22:
Tuesday, September 29: Harvest Day
Tuesday, October 6: Chop and Drop
2026 Seed Library Closing Soon
We're back with more than 100 varieties of kitchen, native, and flower garden seeds, and we hope you find something you love. Please visit the links below to learn about our Seed Library and the seeds we're offering. Our Seed Library closes for the season on April 20, so be sure to stop by soon. Questions or comments? Please email lkirchhoff@balibrary.org. Happy growing!
Want to suggest that we add a seed for next year? Use our handy form.
Details about this year's Seed Library
Seed Library FAQ
Q. What’s in the Seed Library?
A. We stock a variety of native and common garden seeds. Produce seeds are non-GMO and organic, and we try to offer both very common seeds (like basil and cosmos) as well as seeds you may not commonly see in stores.
Q. What do the seeds cost?
A. Seeds are free!
Q. Do I need to have a library card to use the Seed Library?
A. No. The only time a Barrington Area Library card is required for the Seed Library is on launch day, when our cardholders get priority admission.
Q. I have questions about seeds that you’re offering. Who can I ask?
A. The Illinois Master Gardener Help Desk is an excellent resource if you have questions about your garden or particular plants. If you have questions about our program or particular seeds we’re offering, you can contact librarian Liz Kirchhoff at lkirchhoff@balibrary.org.
Q. Do you take seed donations?
A. Yes! You can drop seeds off at the Customer Service desk at the front of the Library. Please include the name of the seed and a way for us to contact you in case we have questions.
Q. How long is the Seed Library available?
A. This year, our season will close on Monday, April 20 at 5 PM.
Seed Library Resources
Seed Sources:
Helpful Info:
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Pets
Local Gardening News
BALibrary Garden & Environment Webinars