The Barrington Area Library will be temporarily closed to public entry as of 9 PM, Friday, March 13, 2020 and until further notice.

Why is the Library closing until further notice?

The Library has been closely monitoring information regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for several weeks. We have taken this unprecedented precaution based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and local health authorities, which cite social distancing and event cancellations as effective means for preventing the spread of disease. We care deeply about the health and safety of the communities we serve, especially seniors, people with underlying conditions, and others who are at greater risk. We want to support the efforts of our school district, local government, and healthcare organizations, by making this well-informed, proactive decision for the public good.

Take care of yourself, take care of your loved ones, and we look forward to serving you when we are able to reopen the Library building to the public.

How can I stay informed about the Library closing?

We will keep you informed via our website (balibrary.org), social media channels (Facebook and Twitter), and e-mail newsletters. Our response to this situation will undoubtedly continue to evolve, so please stay in touch.

How and when do I return my Library materials?

There is no need to worry about returning Library materials during this temporary closure. Until further notice, due dates will be extended and customers will not accrue fines on any items borrowed from the Library.

Will there be any Library services available during the closure?

In addition to items you currently have checked out, Barrington Area Library cardholders will also have 24/7 access to our outstanding digital collections of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and newspapers, streaming movies and TV shows and music, and downloadable music. Students and anyone with research needs may make use of our online research databases and homework help. We hope these resources keep you and your household informed, entertained, and connected during the coming weeks.

We encourage you to keep in touch with us via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where we’ll do our best to answer your questions and share helpful information and resources. You may also use the Contact Us email form on our website – we’ll respond to your messages as quickly as possible.

What about Library items that I have on hold?

If you received notification that your on hold items are now ready for pick up at our remote lockers, you have seven days from the notification date to pick them up. 

If you currently have holds on items in our catalog, those holds will remain in the system and will reactivate when the building has reopened.

We encourage all community members to seek out reliable, factual information about coronavirus disease. The following websites are helpful resources for staying informed.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Share Facts About COVID-19”

Illinois Department of Public Health, “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)”

Lake County, IL, Health Department, “COVID-19”

Cook County Department of Public Health, “Novel coronavirus”

Village of Barrington, “Information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)”

World Health Organization, “Novel Coronavirus 2019” website