The McHenry County Library Lovers Expedition is set to return for its third year, inviting community members to visit and explore 15 public libraries in the McHenry County area from February 1 through March 31, 2026. The Barrington Area Library is among the participating locations.
Participants can register at any of the listed libraries and will receive a guidebook, map, prize brochure, and a collectible brag tag. Each library visited offers a unique brag tag design. No library card is required to join, and the event is open to all ages.
Visitors are encouraged to check each library’s operating hours before planning their visits. Those interested can follow updates on the MCLLE Facebook page. While checking out books or materials may require registering a hometown library card at some locations, each library sets its own circulation policies.
To complete the expedition, participants must visit at least 12 of the 15 libraries. This achievement enters them into a drawing for one of 15 gift baskets valued at $50 each, containing gift cards from local businesses. Gift baskets will be displayed at several participating libraries.
Those who visit all 15 libraries qualify for an additional drawing for a grand prize basket worth $150. Winners will be notified by phone or email after April 8.
A new feature this year is “the Case of the Missing Manuscript.” Details are available in the Library Lovers guidebook for 2026, and correct entries will be entered into a separate drawing for a surprise gift basket.
“This Year’s Participating Libraries: Algonquin Area Public Library District; Barrington Area Library; Cary Area Public Library; Crystal Lake Public Library; Fox Lake District Library; Fox River Grove Memorial Library; Harvard Diggins Library; Huntley Area Public Library; Johnsburg Public Library; Marengo-Union Library District; McHenry Public Library District; Nippersink Public Library District; River East Public Library; Wauconda Area Public Library; Woodstock Public Library.”
