Barrington Area Library — Attraction in Barrington

Lisa wrote a review that is inspiring my review.

When I moved to the area 8 years ago. I thought the library was a joke. Old and dark. I moved from Ohio where ALL states can learn how to run a library system. All interconnected. All one card. All one system.

I remember walking into the NEW library and feeling like Lisa. When did the library become a playground!!?!?!?!!?!???! It's already an area where children suffer from affluenza. At least they used to 'sit down' and 'be quiet' in the library. No more. It is an indoor playground complete with tree house, slide, etc.

Now, my friends told me - that the library had to meet the demands of the 'new parents' and that this serves their needs. To be able to run to Starbucks, and meet friends, while their children play in the library for a playdate. Ok - so fine. I get that.

If they are going to have an open floorplan and allow all access to children. Then, I agree with Lisa - they need to implement a quiet zone.

Technology is great but not all cohesive. i.e. when you log on to the system and go to reserve a room - you are asked for your library card number vs your user name and if you're like me - the library card is in the car and generally not next to me when I go to reserve a room. (they did have me download the stacks app which allows you to have your library barcode on your phone.)

Who would've thought all of that space was behind those old walls! It's a gorgeous library. With tons of space. Lots of light. But the library is supposed to be...Shhhhhhhhhhh! and it's definitely not that!

Now, if they could just figure out to let me complete an interlibary loan when I have a .20 fine on the card...it would...

Nestled nicely off the beaten path this simply gorgeous building is constructed to be modern, yet still keeps a very classic, warm and inviting feel. Any smart person can instantly tell, that no expense was spared when constructing what is, one of the finest libraries I have visited. Both inside and out, from only the finest materials including, rustic warm cedar siding which compliments the beautiful tall modern glass windows and doors, simply draw you inside.

Cutting-edge technology, is plentiful from laser scanners that allow you to quickly and easily check out your items, to a full computer lab that includes, desk tops, high-speed U-Verse broadband, printers, to insure you'll get all of your important work completed. If that's not enough, they also loan out personal Macbook Pro's! It's so simple, they make it so, any patron, can easily set-up a reservation, and their helpful staff will make it effortless and a snap to get started; an awesome pain free experience.

Finally, for a quaint, little suburban library; they sure pack a power-house staff of well trained librarian ninja assassins! In fact, they can show you just about anything you need to know, and are always more than happy to help. From social media, to radio, from classes on wikis, to Mozart and fine art, they've got you covered. #TheHitmanApproves!

TIP: DON'T ASK YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO RETURN YOUR BOOKS, THEY'LL BE LATE AND THEN YOU'LL HAVE TO USE YOUR...

This library used to be very quiet and relaxing. But now that they've remodeled its a noisy wreck. I understand that this is the modern age and all. And the library wants to accommodate younger families with kids but this library has gone overboard. Last year or so they ripped out the old staircase and placed the childrens department downstairs as a kind of showcase for what a fun playground type Atmosphere a library can be. Its more of a circus. LCD televisions and interactive displays that are extremely loud. I've requested to have the sound turned down or off and librarian or staff simply reply its set and cannot be altered. It's absurd. the downstairs has zero adults books only childrens items dvds and sound recordings. Because parents with strollers didn't wish to use the elevators before renovations. Boo hoo. I know of many adults who now avoid this library, myself included! Also the upstairs adult selection has become a maze or labyrinth of oddly placed shelving. Also the adult computers are smack in the middle of the kiddy mayhem. Its simply pandemonium trying to focus or have a quiet place to work or think which is hard enough as your brain ages. The library needs to consider a quiet zone within its hallowed walls, Because, as of now,...