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TEDxBarringtonArea Library - Thursday, Oct 5, 7 PM

You've heard of TED, the non-profit, global phenomenon devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Its goal? To make great ideas accessible and spark conversation. A TEDx event is a local version of TED - talks by our own community members, designed to energize and inspire.

Come and hear:

Renee Blue, Co-Founder, Mindful Waste
  This Barrington-based nonprofit organization is dedicated to eliminating food waste through education,   prevention, and recovery.

Doug McConnell, Open Water Swimmer
  Investment banker and open water, ultra-marathon distance swimmer, raising funds for collaborative   ALS research.

Joy Wagner, Founder, NeuroBalance Center
  Developer of the fitMS® rehabilitation program, dedicated to providing services and support to MS   patients and others with neuromuscular conditions.


Registration is now full - but feel free to sign up for the waiting list at balibrary.org.


Created by Chicago-based, internationally-shown artist Barbara Cooper and our community, through a series of workshops, using recycled materials donated by area residents and organizations.

Inspired by trees and forests, libraries and communities, and our ever-deepening understanding of how all of life is networked together. Learn more about the work on our Gallery in the Library web pages.

Co-commissioned by the Barrington Area Library and the Lake Barrington office of Bartlett Tree Experts.

Opening Reception: Sunday, Sept 24, 1:30 - 4 PM

All are welcome to join us as Network is officially unveiled! No need to register.

1:30 PM:  ribbon cutting and presentation by the artist.
2 - 4 PM:  enjoy a string quartet and refreshments while you experience Network and chat with artist Barbara Cooper.
Take home a free tree seedling, courtesy of Bartlett Tree Experts -- while supplies last.







Join us for a variety of programs inspired by Network

The Root of Tree Care + Tree Walk
Sunday, Oct 8, 2 – 4 PM
Many of a tree's health challenges begin below ground. Mark Younger, certified arborist, Lake Barrington office of Bartlett Tree Experts, explains how to help your trees thrive through root care. After the presentation, we'll head outdoors to see harmlessly exposed tree roots, then take a tree walk in Citizens Park. Dress for the weather and for safe walking. Register.

BACT and BAL Discuss The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
Tuesday, Oct 10, 7 PM

In this groundbreaking work, Wohlleben argues that forests are a social network made of families just like ours – complex, supportive, competitive, and always communicating. In partnership with Barrington Area Conservation Trust – all are welcome! Refreshments. Register. Meeting Room.

Trees: The Neighborhood Builders
Thursday, Nov 9, 7 PM

Whether providing wildlife habitat, being essential to ecosystems, or contributing to the health and happiness of people, forests help build healthy communities. Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D., Treeologist at The Morton Arboretum, discusses the multifaceted roles trees play in enriching the world around us. Register. Meeting Room.

Click here for more Network-inspired programs, and watch for more in the Spring and Summer of 2018!




Check out this cool time lapse video of one of the workshops!

On Sunday, June 12, 2016, artist HOTTEA unveiled "Elaine," a beautiful art installation, in our library atrium. Over the last year, we've been proud and happy to share this work of art with you. We invite you to enjoy and celebrate this unique and special work of art one last time with us on Sunday, August 13, 2017, before it is deinstalled on Monday, August 14, 2017. There will be refreshments, relaxing live guitar music from award-winning musician Jim Green, quiet places to read, relax, create, and admire "Elaine" one last time. Grab those last few photos, too!

No need to register, just drop in and spend some time with us - then get ready for "Network," a new art installation, coming on September 24, 2017.


We invite our community to join with us for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with artist Barbara Cooper on a new, temporary art installation for the Barrington Area Library atrium. Co-commissioned by the Barrington Area Library and the Lake Barrington office of Bartlett Tree Experts, this unique, site-specific work will reflect our ever-deepening understanding of how all of life is networked together.

Barbara Cooper is an award-winning, internationally-shown artist. She is committed to working with community members on the piece, and to using recycled materials whenever possible. The final work will be unveiled at a public reception on Sunday, September 24, 2017, and remain on exhibit for approximately one year.

We need your help to create this extraordinary work of art! Join us for one, two, or all of the following workshop dates:

Sunday, August 20, 2-4 PM

Sunday, August 27, 2-4 PM

Sunday, September 10, 2-4 PM

Please email Public Information Manager Karen McBride at the library: kmcbride@balibrary.org to sign up for the date(s) of your choice, or to inquire about later workshops. Bring a family member, friend, neighbor. Art collectives - bring your whole group! This project is appropriate for children ages 10 and up, so families are welcome. No previous art experience is necessary. Pieces will be created by twisting, braiding, knotting, and other simple techniques. Please dress comfortably and casually.

We are also seeking materials to use for the project. Are you able to donate long lengths of twine, rope, paper, or fabric? For paper and fabric, we are particularly seeking materials in natural colors and finishes. Contact Karen McBride if you are able to help.

Check out this cool time lapse video of one of the workshops!

There's always something fun, new, and exciting to do at the Barrington Area Library, and summertime gives us the opportunity to provide special events for kids and families who are enjoying a vacation from their school schedules. Check out this great line-up, mark your calendars, and gear up for a summer of fun and learning at the library!

No registration required except for Yoga For Kids, Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys!, and Family Science: The Scientific Method.. Bring your BALibrary card for admission - patrons from other library districts will be admitted, space permitting. Appropriate for all ages with a caregiver, except where grade levels are listed. Seating is first come, first served.

Yoga For Kids
Monday, July 17, 2 PM
Grades 1 - 6
Instructors from Barrington’s Nirvana Yoga Studio teach an empowering yoga class for kids at the library. Bring your own mat, or use a mat they provide. Meeting Room. Register using links above.

Fun With The Little Gym of Barrington
Wednesday, July 19
1 - 1:30 PM, for ages 10 months to 2 years
2 - 2:30 PM, for ages 3 - 12 years

The Little Gym of Barrington will be at the Barrington Area Library with activities, games, and prizes for kids! Program Room. Register using links above.

Family Theater: Jumping Over the Moon Puppet Show
Wednesday, August 9, 11 AM

Don’t miss this engaging, musical puppet show that the whole family will love! Meeting Room.

Family Science: The Scientific Method
Saturday, August 19, 2 PM

Learn to use the scientific method with interactive and fun experiments, then apply the results to real world situations. Featuring the dynamic duo: Science Dad and Science Son. Program Room. Register using the link above.