Barrington Area Library
Getting ready to undergo a complete remodel, the Barrington Area Library is looking forward to completely rethinking the layout of their library and innovating within their existing building shell. Even without going through this full scale plan, it is obvious that library staff continually innovate and try new things throughout their spaces.

Barrington impressed when it came to active learning activities available for the youth of their library.  Spaces were well zoned to provide activities for all different age groups. They were deep in the throes of their popular summer reading program and participants of all ages were busy with activities throughout the library.  Children’s books were primarily housed face out in browsing style shelving. A variety of active play furniture including a whisper tube, puppet theatre and even a mini book return encouraged fun in the process of learning. Tablet and desktop computers featured games and activities appropriate to the younger set.

Tablets and traditional computers draw a crowd.	A wide variety of active early literacy activities enhance learning.

Fitting in with the theme of the Reading is Delicious summer reading program were a simple, yet creative, larger than life potato and ear of corn that greet children in the Children’s Area. The figures have a variety of facial features, shoes and hats that are applied via magnets and can be quickly and easily rearranged. Children are encouraged to search for the pigeon from Mo Wilhelms popular series of children’s books hidden with his hotdog on the children’s floor. A wall that encourages children to write their own response to questions “The Pigeon wants to know...” proves to be very popular as well.

Technology is leading the way in this library as well with content creation being one of the newer possibilities at this facility.  The digital media lab which became a reality in the Fall of 2010 features a variety of software and hardware to create and edit movies, music, photos and more. The labs have continued to evolve since they began adding new software and capabilities as they have been needed. Barrington also relies on online tutorials to help customers and staff with the technical training needed to use the equipment. Signage within the lab encourages users to consider sharing what they have created for the enjoyment of all. 

Digital media productions takes shape in the media lab.	Customers are invited to share their works of art.

One of the most unique and impressive spaces in the library is the 80-seat community room that is now a “smart room”.  State-of-the-art technology allows for the room to be used for hosting, recording, and e-mailing meetings or training sessions, or broadcasting them live to remote participants via video- and audio conferencing. Skype allows for free video conferencing with other Skype users on remote computers. A fully programmed system allows for set up and shut down of all equipment needed for a particular type of presentation with the touch of a button. It is hoped that additional “smart rooms” will be included in the upcoming building renovation.