Barrington Area Library

10/10/2026

📚Yes, we will remain open during the railroad crossing closures this weekend! When the Route 14 crossing just west of the Library is closed, you can still get to the Library by taking Main Street to Route 14 or North Avenue to Berry Rd. 🗺️

‼️Reminder: there is no entrance or exit from the Library’s upper parking lot.‼️You must use the driveway with the traffic signal at 14 and Berry.

10/10/2026

Please read this important information about the railroad crossing closures, expected to begin around noon today, Saturday, Oct 10.

Update: 9 a.m. Oct. 11 | The Village received word from CN that the train experienced a mechanical issue, so there will be no stone delivery or road closures today. The Village will share an updated schedule as soon as it's available.

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Traffic Alert: Intermittent Road Closures on Route 14 and Lake Zurich Road Oct. 10–11 ⚠️

Canadian National Railway (CN) is scheduled to deliver stone by specialized train to the Route 14 underpass project site tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11.

As the train moves slowly through the construction zone to unload the stone, it will intermittently block the CN railroad crossings at Route 14 and Lake Zurich Road, resulting in temporary road closures. The train is expected to arrive around noon each day and remain on-site for approximately four hours, schedule permitting.

• Route 14 Temporary Closure
When the train blocks the Route 14 CN railroad crossing, the roadway will be temporarily closed between Main Street and Route 59 (Hough Street). A signed detour will be in place, and Barrington police officers will be on-site to help direct traffic.

• Lake Zurich Road Temporary Closure
Lake Zurich Road will also be temporarily closed at the CN railroad crossing while the train blocks the tracks.

During this time, businesses on Route 14 north of Main Street and south of the CN tracks, including the library and Citizens Park, can be accessed from the south.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area during these times, if possible, and allow extra travel time.

The Village will share any schedule updates received from CN. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this work.

10/02/2026

Hooray, it’s Scarecrow Season in Barrington, and this year we’re honoring the best bear in all the world, Winnie-the-Pooh! 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of A. A. Milne’s beloved book of classic tales about his son, Christopher Robin, and his favorite toys, like Pooh Bear, Piglet, Owl, Eeyore, and Rabbit. So please stop by and say hello to our silly old bear and wish him a happy birthday! Then make sure you register for our BIG celebration on Friday, November 6, at 6 pm. Join us in our enchanted Hundred Acre Wood for a visit from Winnie, photo ops, games, crafts, HUNNY tastings, tea time, and a festive parade to end the night. Details and registration on our website (link in bio).

09/26/2026

What a perfect day for the Village of Barrington annual Scarecrow Festival! Librarian Chris shared stories with little readers and their caregivers, and our Outreach Team loved saying hello and talking all things BALibrary with everyone at the event. Our Library Scarecrow is coming soon - can you guess this year’s literary guest star? Some hints: turning 100 years young in 2026; looks good in red; tried to start the “no pants” trend but it has not caught on; obsessed with local honey; best friend is a real pig. Watch for his appearance soon! Happy fall, y’all!

09/09/2026

What a great way to make National Library Card Sign-Up Month official here at BALibrary: Village of Barrington President Mike Moran stopped by yesterday to get his library card! Our Executive Director Jason can’t always greet every guest as they arrive, but our friendly Customer Service staff (like Patty!) are here to welcome you, get you registered quickly and efficiently, and answer your questions. You might even get a welcome gift, like a tote bag for your books. From our top government officials to our littlest preschoolers: let’s do this! Let’s get EVERYONE in the Barrington area signed up for a library card in 2026! Our thanks to President Moran for taking time out of his busy schedule to help spread the word.

08/19/2026

SHHHH…We hope the first week of school has been fantastic for all our Barrington area students, but one department in particular was OVERDUE (we’re here all week, folks) for a little rest and relaxation.

While the Youth Services team enjoys a well-deserved nap (yes, it’s that quiet here right now!), we’re going to whisper our encouragement and support to students, parents, educators, and school staff as you head into this new school year. Stay safe, keep learning and growing and trying new things! Thank you for an incredible Summer Reading 2026 - we’re still crunching numbers but it appears to be another record-busting year. See you soon: we’re here for you seven days a week, when you need a place to have fun, relax, socialize, study, and get homework help. Just don’t wake up the Librarians…