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Archive for the ‘Barrington Area Library’ Category

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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U.S. Route 14 Underpass Update | June 19, 2025

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Barrington Area Library, EJ&E/Canadian National, Road construction, Traffic on June 19, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“This vital infrastructure improvement project will enhance traffic flow and safety in our community. Below are the latest updates:

Construction continues on the U.S. Route 14 Underpass project, with the following work currently underway:

  • Temporary road grading and paving
  • Ongoing excavation for the pump station
  • Grading and preparation for a temporary railroad track

As part of the project, the Canadian National Railway (CN) is building a temporary parallel railroad track to allow trains to continue running while the new railroad bridge is constructed at the current crossing location.

To support this work, CN will deliver stone to the area by a specialized train. This stone will serve as the base for the new railroad ties and track. The delivery train is scheduled to arrive in Barrington next week, after making three stops before reaching the area.

During the stone delivery, which is expected to take several hours, the train will block the Lake Zurich Road crossing. Once the delivery is complete, the crossing will reopen. Once the confirmed train schedule is available, the Village will share updated traffic alerts via email and social media.

Looking ahead, paving work is planned for later this summer at the entry and exit points connecting the existing Route 14 pavement to the temporary roadway. This will require lane closures on Route 14, currently anticipated for mid-July. However, the exact timing depends on the progress of ongoing utility relocation efforts.

The Village will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”

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Touch-A-Truck tomorrow at the Barrington Area Library from 9:30 AM to noon

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Education, Entertainment, Fundraisers on May 12, 2025| Leave a Comment »

“Dump trucks, excavators, and front-loaders – oh my! Touch and explore the Village of Barrington’s fleet of construction vehicles, in celebration of National Public Works Week. This year’s National Public Works Week theme, ‘People, Purpose, Presence,’ highlights three cornerstone ideals that motivate public works professionals to serve in their communities every day.

Join the Public Works food drive and help us fill a truck with food to benefit the Barrington Township and Cuba Township Food Pantries. Bring non-perishable food donations to the event. Donations not required for attendance.

Construction Story Times: 10 AM OR 11 AM
After you’ve seen the trucks, join us for a fun construction-themed, drop-in story time! Sessions at 10 and 11 AM. For all ages with a caregiver.”

Barrington Area Library, 505 N Northwest Hwy, Barrington.

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Riding Club “Free Family Fun Day” Saturday from 2-3:30 PM

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Education, Riding Club of Barrington Hills on May 7, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Tomasz Helenowski

The Barrington Area Library provides Meeting Room space as a community service. The Barrington Area Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event or the presenting individuals or organizations.

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Barrington-area leaders share successes, challenges at chamber forum

Posted in 220, Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce, Barrington Area Library, BCFPD, FUBAR, Organizations, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts on April 18, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Barrington Area Unit School District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman, left, Barrington Area Library Executive Director Jason Pinshower and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Trustee Tom Long, right, were among the speakers at Thursday’s Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce Town Hall Forum. | Steve Zalusky/szalusky@dailyherald.com

By Steve Zalusky | Daily Herald

From a “showcase” pool to a state-of-the-art high school auditorium, Barrington-area officials shared their gains, as well as their challenges, Thursday during the Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce’s Town Hall forum.

Barrington Park District Executive Director Teresa Jennings told the gathering that the new pool at Langendorf Park, among the projects funded by a successful $18.8 million referendum in 2023, is expected to open in mid-June.*

“We are going to be a showcase pool in the state of Illinois,” Jennings said.

Barrington Area Unit District 220 Superintendent Craig Winkelman said some of its recent successes include implementing full-day kindergarten three years ahead of the state deadline and passing a referendum last year that will fund upgrades that include a new auditorium at Barrington High School.

“In the spring of 2028, we will host our first spring musical,” he added.

Officials also detailed challenges ahead.

Read more here.

*Meanwhile, today marks the one year anniversary of a car jumping a curb and striking the north side of the Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Health & Fitness Center (pictured below). The club’s pools still remain closed as a result..

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