news

Tree removal related to the Route 14 underpass project began on Monday, March 18, 2024. This work is taking place on property adjacent to the Library campus and parking lot. Library visitors may notice this work continuing for the next several days. Vehicles and machinery will also be staged in that area. Per the Library’s agreement with IDOT, that land is temporarily owned by IDOT as part of an easement for a period of five years.

Information on the underpass project can be found on the Village website at barrington-il.gov/underpass. A project-specific website is currently under development and will allow individuals to sign up for project updates. 

The Barrington Area Library is working with Hitchcock Design Group to develop a five-year Outdoor Master Plan, and we want to hear from you!

The Library takes great pride in its park-like setting, gardens, and close connection to other areas of natural beauty, such as Citizens Park and Cuba Marsh. In recent years, the Library has expanded its outdoor offerings, including popular live music performances for children and families, and a Teaching Garden. Given the enthusiastic response to our outdoor programs and spaces, developing an Outdoor Landscape Master Plan is the next step in envisioning how the Library can best utilize our multi-acre property in years to come.

Receiving feedback from community members is an important part of this process. Hitchcock Design has created a simple online survey, where you can share your thoughts about how you've experienced our outdoor spaces in the past, and how you and your household members might use those spaces in the future. Take the survey.

We invite you to read our latest annual report, covering the fiscal year from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and discover the many ways in which BALibrary is better than ever!

From increased book circulation to off-the-charts program attendance and meeting room usage, we're proud that we continue to play a significant and meaningful role in our customer's lives. You'll meet some super-users in our annual report, along with our essential community partners.

"Of course, none of this would be possible without our wonderful community of supporters! If you're a new cardholder - welcome. We're so glad you're here. If you're a long-time cardholder, thank you for your continued support. Let's keep working together to make great things happen here at the Library."
Executive Director Jason Pinshower

Read the annual report.

Exciting improvements are coming to the Barrington Area Library in 2024. 

Construction work on a number of projects will begin early in the new year. Preparation for construction is already underway.

What will be included in these projects?

Use of our MakerLab continues to grow every year, and the existing space is not sufficient to meet customer demand. During an average month, the Lab sees more than 1,100 visitors, and staff provide 60-75 one-on-one sessions and 5-12 group programs. So we're building a brand new MakerLab, with all the great, state-of-the-art equipment we've always provided, in a comfortable workshop setting that can also be used as a classroom.

After listening to customer feedback, the Youth Services department will be renovated to include: a welcoming Baby Garden for our youngest visitors and their caregivers, new seating and interactive play and learning elements, and handy storage for coats and other personal items.

A second floor administrative area which has not been renovated since the 1990s will be remodeled to create additional offices and collaborative work space for Library staff

How will the renovation process effect BALibrary customers?

Construction is expected to last from January – June 2024. The Library intends to stay open during the entire process, unless unexpected emergencies, such as power outages, arise.

The Zimmerman Room will not be available during this time.

There may be times when construction work will generate noise and other disturbances. We will work closely with our project manager to keep these inconveniences to a minimum. We will keep you posted on the progress of the renovation.

At a reception held on Monday, April 10, and at its regular meeting on Monday, May 8, the Barrington Area Library Board of Trustees offered gratitude to Don Minner, Bill Pizzi, and Denise Tenyer, who are retiring from the Board.

The Board offered special recognition to Minner, who is retiring from the Board after 28 years. During his tenure, Minner served as Vice President for 12 years, and President for 10 years.


Don Minner, pictured with his family.

 

The Board presented a resolution of appreciation to Minner, commending him as a dedicated advocate for the Library, its programs, and services; a selfless volunteer who gave countless hours of his time on behalf of the Library’s customers; and a source of thoughtful counsel for Library leaders and Board of Trustees. Over almost three decades of service, Minner encouraged the Library’s mission of stimulating imagination, developing information fluency, fostering lifelong learning, and creating young readers. Minner served as Board President during a major Library redesign and revitalization project in 2013 and 2014, which transformed and reimagined the building in order to meet the changing needs of the surrounding community for many years to come.

Appreciation was also offered to Pizzi for his 12 years of service, and Tenyer for her eight years of service. All three retiring trustees received personalized gifts from the Library’s MakerLab.

On behalf of the Barrington Area Library community, we offer our admiration and appreciation to Don Minner, Bill Pizzi, and Denise Tenyer, for their example of leadership, commitment, and service to the Library District.