news

August 02, 2016

Have you met "Elaine," the beautiful art installation in the atrium of the Barrington Area Library? Created by Minneapolis-based, internationally known artist HOTTEA specifically for the Library, the installation is made of almost 2,000 pieces of colored string, hanging from the wooden beams of the atrium. As daylight moves through the windows, the look of "Elaine" constantly changes and mesmerizes. As a very young visitor described it, "It's raining rainbows!" Invigorating, restorative, inspiring - "Elaine" moves us all in different ways.

We're inviting you to a series of creative, reflective events - Sundays With Elaine - at the Barrington Area Library.

Join us on:
Sunday, September 11, 1:30 - 4 PM
Sunday, October 23, 1:30 - 4:30 PM

We'll set the atrium with comfortable seating where you can read quietly, reflect silently, and enjoy the artwork, accompanied by live solo guitar or piano music. We'll also provide some workspace where you may relax with adult coloring pages or your own journal/writing project. Turn off your phone, leave your tablet at home, and experience this extraordinary work of art - and lovely library space - in a new way. There is no need to register, but be aware that seating is limited, to preserve a quiet, meditative environment.

June 15, 2016

The Barrington Area Library has featured live musical performances for many decades at its popular "Second Fridays" events. This summer, visitors to the Library can enjoy live music on Second Fridays, selected Sunday afternoons, and a Wednesday family concert! Read on to learn more about the performers and to register (where required).

Le Travaillant
Friday, July 8, 8 PM"Le Travaillant" is Cajun French for "the working man," and these musicians have a great time living up to that name. The boys play Cajun music, bringing the breezy feeling of the bayou to Barrington – you might want to bring your dancing shoes. Register, as seating is limited.

Jammin' in the Stacks - WDCB Radio partners with BALibrary to bring you free jazz concerts!

Chris Greene Quartet
Sunday, July 17, 2 PM  |  Register

Hans Luchs Trio
Sunday, July 31, 2 PM  |  Register

Family Concert: ScribbleMonster
Wednesday, July 27, 10 AM

Sing, play, dance, and get creative with the performers of ScribbleMonster. No need to register, but bring your BALibrary card for admission. Guests from other library districts admitted as space allows.

May 20, 2016

Children, teens, young adults, and adults: Summer Library Club 2016 ends on Sunday, July 31!

Watch this space for an update on the $1,000 food pantry donation from Barrington Bank & Trust.

Why join the Summer Library Club? Summer learning opportunities lead to higher graduation rates and positive effects on children’s self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. Kids who join Summer Library Club read, play, and stay curious all summer long, at home, at the library, or on the go. That lessens the effect of learning loss, which often occurs during time off from school. 

Pre-Readers (Birth – K)
Collect stickers for library visits and receive a free book. New for this year: Kids and caregivers may receive a bonus prize when they complete fun challenges at home that encourage early literacy skills.

Readers (Entering grades K – 8)
Keep track of your reading this summer to earn a free book and book bucks to spend on library prizes! Complete challenges and earn more book bucks, as well as online badges!

For Young Adults/Adults:
Books Change Lives |

May 23 - July 31

• Community goal: 1,000 books read! Barrington Bank and Trust will donate $1,000 to Barrington Township   Food Pantry and Cuba Township Food Pantry ($500 each.)
• Individual goal: Read and log five books for club completion.

Just for Young Adults (Grades 9 – 12):

• Receive a sticker for signing up.

• Teens that complete the five book goal will be entered to win a gift card. 4 winners in all.

May 17, 2016

Sunday, June 12, 1-3 PM: All are invited to a reception at the Barrington Area Library for Twin Cities-based artist HOTTEA, who describes his work as “interacting with public spaces non-destructively.” HOTTEA, whose full name is Eric Rieger, will be creating and installing an original work of art, commissioned by the Library for its beautiful atrium. Come and see the artwork, meet the artist, and enjoy light refreshments. Rieger's work has been seen on the streets of Chicago and Minneapolis-Saint Paul, on the stages of New York Fashion Week, at musical experiences like the Eaux Claires Festival (and an upcoming appearance at the Sydney Opera House), and on the sands of Ala Moana Beach in Honolulu. He has even appeared on Sesame Street and recently worked at Paisley Park to honor the passing of Prince. His work will be on display at the Barrington Area Library through 2016.

May 02, 2016

On Saturday, May 7, 2016, the Barrington Area Library will roll out a redesigned website.

Why a new website?

Since our last redesign in 2011, the use of mobile technology has greatly increased. More than 50% of visitors are now accessing our site through tablets and mobile devices, and it's important to us to provide the best user experience possible.

Our new site is built with responsive technology that will recognize the type of device and the size of the screen you're using, and will instantly adjust to the correct environment. Look for touchscreen-friendly features, menus that can be minimized, and an overall cleaner, brighter look.

What you won't find - a drastic change from our current site. We've done our best to keep links in familiar places and prioritize the services you use most. We'll also continue using the same online library catalog, where you look up items and access your account information.

We hope our new website improves and enhances your customer service experience at the Barrington Area Library.