The Barrington Public Library recently announced the addition of five study rooms to its first floor.  

When the second floor was renovated in 2017, the Chapin Study Room was created to provide a private study area for use by individuals or small groups. During the past six months alone, this study room has received more than 1,000 bookings, with many disappointed library patrons being turned away. With a complete renovation of the first floor years away, an immediate solution was sought.

Thanks to the Barrington Public Library Foundation, the Friends of the Barrington Public Library, and a private donor, money was raised to be able to create five new glass-enclosed rooms of varying sizes for quiet private study or work space, tutoring, and small group conferences. These rooms will be easily incorporated into any future renovation plans.

Dave Beal had expressed an interest in funding a room in memory of his wife, Carolyn, an avid reader and supporter of the library. 

The Barrington Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Barrington Public Library, two groups consisting entirely of volunteers, work to enhance the library’s programs and facilities beyond what is provided by the annual town budget. The result of this collaboration will benefit students and adults in the library community for many years to come.

The new conference and study rooms must be booked in advance. Such bookings can be accomplished through online reservations at https://www.barringtonlibrary.org/study-room-information.

— By Cindy Kaplan, Vice President of the Barrington Public Library Foundation