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We're so excited to tell you about our new 24/7 outdoor pick-up lockers at the Main Library location!
You know how convenient it is to place holds on BALibrary items in our online catalog. Use your Library account to place hold requests, and when the items become available, we contact you to let you know they are ready for pick-up. For holds at the Main Library, you now have the option to choose indoor pick-up during regular Library hours, or 24/7 outdoor pick-up.
Why choose 24/7 outdoor pick-up? The Library is open seven days a week, but sometimes you might need access to your held items during the early morning or late evening hours when the building is closed. There may be times when walking into the Library building to get your items is difficult, whether due to physical challenges, severe weather, or your family's busy lifestyle.
How does 24/7 outdoor pick-up work?
- Search our online catalog for books, movies, and other items.
- When you find something great, click the "Place Request" button.
- Log in with your BALibrary card #/User Name and Password.
- When you are prompted to select a Pickup Location, choose "Barrington Library Lockers" for 24/7 outdoor pick-up. (Prefer indoor pick-up during Library hours? Just select "Barrington Library," as always.)
- When you receive notification that your items are ready for pick-up, head to the lockers in our parking lot. You'll find them near the drive-up book return. After dark, motion-activated LED lighting will light your way!
- Scan your BALibrary card with the scanner, lift the protective cover from the touchscreen, follow the prompts, grab your items, and enjoy your Library materials!
Barcode Scanner
Locker Touchscreen
Questions about our new outdoor pick-up lockers? Stop by, give us a call, email, text, chat - we're here to help!
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 Outdoor Master Plan survey is now closed. Thank you for your feedback!
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.
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
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.