The Barrington Area Library at 505 N. Northwest Hwy. in Barrington serves 44,157 residents in all or part of Algonquin, Barrington, Barrington Hills, Deer Park, Fox River Grove, Hoffman Estates, Kildeer, Lake Barrington, Lake Zurich, North Barrington, Palatine, Port Barrington, South Barrington, Tower Lakes and some unincorporated areas. It covers a 72-square-mile area, making it one of the largest library districts in Illinois in terms of geography.
To serve customers throughout the district, the library utilizes 10 remote drop boxes and four sets of automated pick-up lockers, with delivery and pick-up seven days a week.
In 2014, the library underwent a complete renovation, to make the most efficient use of space for the public. Improvements include a completely redesigned Youth Services department with a focus on active play and learning; a Business and Technology Center, featuring a state-of-the-art MakerLab, digital studio, public computers and free Wi-Fi, study rooms and collaborative technology spaces, a 10-person conference room, and business cubicles; and a variety of improved and refurnished meeting rooms, all of which are available to library cardholders. From public art to live music to historical lectures, there is something for everyone at the library.
In 2015, the library was recognized by the Illinois Library Association for these renovations. For information, visit www.balibrary.org.
Algonquin Area Library District
(847) 658-4343
Barrington Area Library
(847) 382-1300
Ela Public Library
(847) 438-3433
Fox River Valley Public Library District
(847) 428-3661
Palatine Public Library
(847) 358-5881