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 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: Dividing Perennials
Tuesday, June 16: Thinning, Deadheading, and Pruning
Tuesday, June 23: Critter Homes in the Garden
Tuesday, July 14: Taking Great Garden Pics
Tuesday, July 21: Bug Friends and You
Tuesday, July 28: Garden Pests
Tuesday, August 11: Putting in a Fall Garden
Tuesday, August 18: Gifts from the Garden
Tuesday, September 1: Floral Design
Tuesday, September 15:
Tuesday, September 22: Flower Harvest
Tuesday, September 29: Harvest Day
Tuesday, October 6: Chop and Drop
2026 Seed Library Now Closed
Our Seed Library is now closed for the season. Please visit the links below to learn how to care for your new seeds. 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. Our Seed Library is now closed. Our season generally runs from late January to April.
Seed Library Resources
Seed Sources:
Helpful Info:
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants for Pets
Local Gardening News
BALibrary Garden & Environment Webinars