Redesign and Renovation

Ribbon cutting at Library grand reopening celebration
Library Board members, Executive Director Detlev Pansch, Barrington Village President Karen Darch, and members of the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon to begin the grand reopening

In 2013-2014, the library underwent a complete redesign and renovation, working with the firm of Engberg Anderson. 

The building was not expanded, but redesigned to make the most efficient use of the space for the public. Improvements and additions include: a completely redesigned Youth Services department with a focus on active play and learning; a Business and Technology Center, featuring a MakerLab, digital creation studio, computer lab, study rooms, media:scape collaboration spaces, 10 person Conference Room, and Business Cubicles; improved and refurnished Meeting Rooms and Zimmerman "Smart" Room; a redesigned Customer Service area and Internet Cafe.

Children playing with large blue blocks in the youth services department

The Library held "The Remix," its grand reopening celebration, on Sunday, June 22, 2014, welcoming 1,200 guests for a ribbon cutting, library tours, live music, local food, and much more.

Image of interactive technology display in a media:scape meeting room

The Barrington Area Library was one of six libraries featured in the Illinois Library Association ILA Reporter magazine’s 2015 annual issue on new library buildings. 

Photograph of library second floor balcony area, with round tables, red chairs, customer reading at one smaller table, bookshelves in the background