The Barrington Area Library offers an interactive program series for adults called Night School.

When I was 11 years old, my parents finally broke down and bought me the guitar I’d pestered them about for ages. It was a really simple, inexpensive acoustic guitar, but mastering those first few chords made me feel like a rock star. I played as often as I could, even got calluses on my fingers like a real musician, performed in front of audiences, and kept trying to improve.

Then came real life. Now, many decades later, I own the nicest guitar I’ve ever had, and it rarely sees the light of day. Even the case is dusty! When we grow into sensible, mature adults with a million responsibilities, we often stop making time to learn all those little things that make life more pleasurable, inviting, creative and delicious.

This is why your Barrington Area Library has created a new series of free programs called Night School.

The Barrington Area Library offers an interactive program series for adults called Night School.
The Barrington Area Library offers an interactive program series for adults called Night School.

Beginning this September, we’ll meet each month at different Barrington area businesses. In September, we’ll learn how to make fresh mozzarella and delicious appetizers at Frantonio’s. In October, we’ll visit a Barrington home with expert Mike Kurowski and learn about curb appeal and staging when you’re selling a home. In November, the ladies at Acacia Organics will demonstrate how to create your perfect holiday look with Jane Iredale cosmetics. In December, the friendly pros at Barrington Flower Shop will demonstrate how to create beautiful wreaths and other holiday decorations. All free, all right here in Barrington. Class size will be limited so you’ll really have intimate access to all this insider knowledge. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to check out some local businesses you may have never explored. Register for these programs on the library’s events calendar. Please note there is a waiting list for the Frantonio’s program.

If you need more incentive to shop local, the library has an offer you can’t refuse – actually, several offers! We’re working on our annual National Library Card Sign-Up Month event for September. We partner with local businesses who provide discounts and deals to you just for showing your Barrington Area Library card. Last year’s offers included everything from fashion and beauty products to groovy used vinyl records to natural pet foods. This year’s brochure is still in the works, but stop by the library any time in September and pick up a brochure, or visit our Web site.

Along with Night School, the library has two upcoming programs of special interest to those who love good food and drink.

Home brewing master Scott Pointon talks the finer points of craft beer at The Garlands. Photo courtesy of Scott Pointon.
Home brewing master Scott Pointon talks the finer points of craft beer at The Garlands. Photo courtesy of Scott Pointon.

On Tuesday, September 10, 7 PM, we welcome award-winning home brewer Scott Pointon to The Garlands Center for the Performing Arts. If you enjoy craft beer and have wondered about the home brewing process, Scott will discuss equipment, ingredients and valuable resources for the wanna-be brewmaster. Register online.

On Tuesday, November 12, 7 PM, we’ll be back at The Garlands with two familiar faces on the Barrington scene, Chefs Richard and Deborah Rivera of Ambrosia Patisserie. Richard and Deborah will demonstrate the art of gourmet baking, and you’ll come away with great ideas for holiday entertaining and gift-giving. Register online.

I hope you’re inspired to try at least one of the library’s classes for adults this fall. Now if we could just get someone over here to help me with my guitar playing…

About the Author

Karen McBride is the Public Information Manager for the Barrington Area Library.

She’s also a professional singer, lending her talents to St. Anne Catholic Community in Barrington and her rock band of more than 20 years, Synod.

If she’s reading, it’s a glossy magazine or a rock star biography, but she’s just as likely to be walking in Cuba Marsh, watching her beloved Bulls and Cubs, or wasting time on Facebook.

To follow Karen’s library updates on Facebook, visit their page at Facebook.com/BALibrary and to keep up with the very latest on the renovation and other exciting library news, visit their website at BALibrary.org.

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