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Archive for the ‘Barrington Area Library’ Category

Here Comes The Fun! Winter Break at BALibrary

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Education on December 30, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Snow Ball 2026!
Friday, Jan 2, 6 to 8 PM
All ages w/caregiver
You’re invited to Snow Ball – a cozy evening of music and activities for the whole family! Wear your comfiest sweater or PJs, or your festive holiday flair, and enjoy a flurry of fun, including nostalgic retro music from the Saddle Shoe Sisters, an airbrush face painter, story time, crafts, snacks, and an exciting finale! See all the details on our Events Calendar – drop ins are welcome, or register for a reminder.

WINTER READING
NOW – FEB 28, 2026
For kids, teens, and adults

What is Winter Reading? It’s a fun program for all ages that rewards you for doing what you already love: reading! Read and complete other fun winter activities to earn badges, prizes, and a coupon for a free bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes! 

Sign up and get started today

Family Winter Read: Willow’s Woods: Sam Squirrel by Suzanne Selfors
Cozy up with this year’s Family Winter Read, an illustrated chapter book with a winter adventure! Learn more and place a hold. Read it and earn the Family Winter Read badge.

More here.

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Illinois TOPS NATION for public sector union political spending

Posted in 220, 300, Barrington Area Library, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, BOHICA, Cook, County, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fools and their money, Illinois Federation of Teachers, League of Women Voters, Look For The Union Label, Overhead, Pension Funding, Politics, Preckwinkle's Rules of Order, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Road construction, School Districts, Springfield, Taxes, The Center Square, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on December 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Scott Stantis / For the Chicago Tribune

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributor

Commonwealth Foundation Labor and Policy Senior Director David Osborne says Chicago’s growing reputation as the place where public sector unions flex plenty of political muscle is more than well deserved.

Osborne points to a new Commonwealth Foundation report highlighting how public sector unions across Illinois spent nearly $30 million on state races over the 2023-24 election cycle, or far more than what union officials in any other state dedicated to such causes.

At $5.5 million, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tops the State Government Union Pac Money List of those most benefiting from government employment unions support. In addition to Johnson, at least six other state lawmakers land on the list’s Top 20, lead by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, at No. 2 and Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, at No. 4.

“In the state of Illinois, political spending is bigger than in any other state,” Osborne told The Center Square. “Unions seem very focused on who gets elected to be the mayor of Chicago and governor of the state. What you’ve got really is a downward spiral in Illinois where the kinds of unions that have gotten so powerful have really done it at the expense of taxpayers and then they’re pouring more money into getting the right kind of people elected for them.”

With researchers adding that almost 96% of all donations for Illinois-level candidates went to Democrats, Osborne said it’s past time someone address the imbalance.

“Public sector unions, they’re not often talked about as the cause of problems,” he said. “We often look to high taxes, bigger government, economic policies, but really what’s driving states and cities to enact policies that are harmful to individuals, that raise taxes, that grow the size of government beyond its purpose are public sector unions.

Read more here.

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Route 14 Reopens on New Temporary Four-Lane Roadway

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Traffic on October 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“The Village of Barrington is excited to announce that Route 14 has officially reopened on its new temporary four-lane roadway, along with the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Both roadways opened today, Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m.

During the full temporary closure, which began in September, crews completed several key components to prepare for this major milestone, including:

  • Four new lanes of pavement
  • Temporary railroad tracks
  • A full railroad crossing, including two pedestrian gates
  • Temporary sidewalk

The Village currently anticipates substantial completion of the Route 14 underpass project in 2027 and will continue to share updates as major milestones are reached.

In the meantime, the public is encouraged to support Barrington’s local businesses and restaurants throughout the ongoing construction period.

To stay informed and receive project updates, please visit the dedicated project website us14underpass.com or watch for email notifications.”

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | Oct. 17, 2025

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, IDOT, Politics, Taxes, TRAC on October 17, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Temporary Route 14 Closure Update: Progress Continues

Construction has been in full force to complete the temporary four-lane Route 14 roadway and the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes over the past two weeks:

  • Completion of grading, stone placement and temporary Canadian National Railway (CN) train track construction
  • Shifting of train traffic onto the temporary CN tracks
  • Utility main relocations
  • Continued excavation, grading, compaction and construction of the temporary roadways and sidewalk

What’s still to come?

  • Remaining grading and compaction work
  • Asphalt installation for the temporary rail crossing
  • Completion of both temporary road surfaces and lane line markings

The expected opening is still currently anticipated by the end of October.

Thank you for your continued patience and support of all Barrington businesses during this time.

Below are some aerial shots of the transformation. Things continue to look great from above!”

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Goat Rodeo, IDOT, Mad Cows, Road construction, Traffic on October 2, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Temporary Route 14 Closure Update: Progress is Happening!

It has been a busy couple of weeks on the ground as we work toward opening up the temporary four-lane Route 14 roadway and the temporary two-lane Lake Zurich Road. Here’s what’s been happening behind the scenes:

  • Pavement removal on Lake Zurich Road and Route 14
  • Earthwork and grading for the temporary roads
  • Delivery and grading of ballast stone for the temporary Canadian National Railway (CN) train tracks

What’s still to come?

  • Completion of the temporary train tracks and installation of new railway gate equipment
  • A shift in train traffic
  • Utility relocations
  • Completion of both temporary road surfaces and lane line markings

As a result of ongoing utility relocation and the more manual track-building process being utilized by CN, the expected opening is now anticipated by the end of October, weather permitting. All parties are working hard to get everything ready and are exploring ways to open things even earlier, if possible.

Thank you for your continued patience and support of all Barrington businesses during this time.

Below are some aerial shots of the transformation. Things are looking great from above!

BEFORE

DURING

OVERVIEW

(Click on image to enlarge)

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Library posts construction obstacles alert at entrance beginning today

Posted in Barrington Area Library, FUBAR, Road construction, Traffic on August 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The Barrington Area Library posted the following late yesterday:

“PLEASE NOTE: Beginning Wednesday, August 27, extensive construction work will begin to rebuild the Library’s entrance driveway, as part of the Route 14 project. This work requires that the driveway be reduced to accommodate only one lane of traffic at a time. Traffic exiting the Library lot will be stopped at a distance from the traffic light, to allow plenty of room for incoming traffic. The traffic light camera will be adjusted to sense the traffic waiting to exit. Please allow extra time and use an abundance of caution and patience when traveling through this area.

Each half of the driveway must be excavated, stoned, poured, and cured before traffic can be switched onto the new driveway half, when the process will begin again. The construction company estimates that this project will take more than two weeks to complete.

In general, we anticipate that visitors will have access to the Library throughout the Route 14 project. We will continue do our best to keep you informed of these situations. We encourage you to visit the Village of Barrington’s dedicated website for the project, where you may also sign up for email updates.

Pro tip: this is great time to try some of our convenient, innovative services like Borrow By Mail and other remote pick-up and return locations!”

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DAR Genealogy Workshop coming to Barrington Area Library

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Signal Hill NSDAR, Topics Of Interest on August 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Submitted by Ruth Groth

Anyone looking to establish their lineage to a Revolutionary War Patriot in advance of America’s 250th anniversary coming in 2026 is invited to start their research by attending the Daughters of the American Revolution-hosted workshop “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Daughters of the American Revolution” being held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Barrington Area Library. To register, visit balibrary.org.

Registrar Jenny Fisher of Barrington-based Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will provide an overview of the DAR organization and give insights into the application process. She will also provide details on how the public may gain access to DAR’s rich library of digitized records, including a 66,000,000, all-name index of books and other items in its vast collections.

Participants will receive hints on how to identify a patriot ancestor in their lineage, and how to start building a family tree using large genealogy sites such as Ancestry or Family Search. Each participant will also receive detailed handouts and tools necessary to start their research. Local DAR volunteers will provide valuable one-on-one assistance following the presentation.

The Signal Hill Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in Barrington in 1972. NSDAR is a volunteer women’s service organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.

DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service, and more.

Since its founding in 1890 over one million women have joined NSDAR. Membership is open to any woman aged 18 and over who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution. For more information about the Barrington-based chapter, visit signalhilldar.com.

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McLaughlin Hosting “Don’t Overpay!” Property Tax Appeal Event Friday

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Politics, Property Taxes, Resident Spotlights on July 27, 2025| Leave a Comment »

BARRINGTON, IL – State Representative Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington) will host a free “Don’t Overpay!” Property Tax Appeal event on Friday, August 1st, at the Barrington Area Library. This event is designed to help local residents better understand and navigate the property tax appeals process.

“Property taxes and out-of-control government spending continue to hurt families across our region,” said Rep. McLaughlin. “As a former mayor who lowered our village’s tax levy seven times, I understand how critical it is for taxpayers to be informed and proactive in ensuring fair and accurate assessments.”

Event Details:

Friday, August 1st
10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Barrington Area Library
505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL

In addition to a presentation on how to appeal property taxes, Rep. McLaughlin’s legislative staff will be available to answer questions about state issues and provide assistance with constituent services.

RSVP or Learn More:

Call: 224-634-8300
Visit: RepMcLaughlin.com
Email: RepMcLaughlin@gmail.com

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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | July 18, 2025

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Goat Rodeo, Road construction, Traffic on July 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »

This past month, significant progress was made in preparing the temporary Route 14 roadway and railroad tracks. Canadian National (CN) is working to install signal equipment at the temporary railroad crossing, while AT&T continues its utility relocation work. ComEd has also begun relocating utilities along Hough Street (Route 59) and Route 14.
What’s Coming Next:

  • One-Lane Closures (Scheduled to start Aug. 4): Route 14 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Valencia Avenue and Hough Street to connect the temporary roadway. Access to adjacent roads and driveways will remain open. See the traffic map below for more details.

  • Temporary full Route 14 Closure (Anticipated as early as Sept. 15): A temporary full closure of Route 14 is required for approximately four weeks so CN can complete the temporary railroad tracks and shift train traffic. A detour will be signed along Lake Cook Road and Hough Street. The graphic below provides more details on the project scope.

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Barrington Area Library offers the Chicago Tribune online

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Chicago Tribune, Property Taxes on July 13, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“We are pleased to announce that the Chicago Tribune is once again available online, for free, to BALibrary cardholders. 

You have two choices for access:

  • Chicago Tribune – Digital Edition is the best choice for folks looking to have a traditional newspaper reading experience on a tablet, computer, or mobile device. It reads and flips just like a traditional newspaper.
  • ChicagoTribune.com gives readers full access to the Tribune website, which is great for timely articles and/or for content that is web-only.

Enter your BALibrary card number, then choose between two authentication modes:

  • Create a free login with Media News Group and access for 72 hours.
  • Click “No thanks, I want to access the news anonymously” and gain 24 hour anonymous access.

Questions about access? Contact the Digital Services team at digitalservices@balibrary.org.”

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