hello! bensenville a lifelong learning community | may/june 2021
BENSENVILLE COMMUNITY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Forever!
THE LIBRARY IS GOING FINE FREE — EXCITING NEWS: we will soon be fine free! Starting July 1, the
Bensenville Community Public Library will no longer charge fines for overdue items to any patrons who check out those items at our library. Below are a few frequently asked questions about going fine free. To read our full Fine Free Policy, visit benlib.org/fine-free. What if I currently have overdue fines on my account?
On July 1, we will be removing all existing fines for overdue BCPL materials and we will no longer be charging fines for materials checked out from BCPL in the future. What happens if I lose or damage an item I checked out?
You will be charged a fee to replace the item. What if I use my Bensenville Library card to check out an item from another library?
If you check out an item from a library that does charge fines, you’re still responsible for paying any fines to that lending library. Are all items fine free?
A few types of items are subject to fines, including hotspots and specialty items. Will I have to wait longer for popular items to be returned?
Libraries that have gone fine free have not seen any difference in when items are returned. Most items are returned within a week of their due date. How will overdue items be treated now?
Each item will still have a due date and you are still responsible for honoring that due date. Returning items on time helps your neighbors borrow items sooner. However, if an item(s) is 14 days overdue, your account will be blocked. Once that item(s) is 42 days overdue it is considered lost and you will be charged for the item plus a recovery fee for each lost item. Returning the item(s) will clear those charges. How will the Library recoup the revenue lost by going fine free?
Fines account for only a very small percentage (approximately .1%!) of our operating budget, and this number has decreased over time. When we implemented our popular auto-renewal policy, we saw a dramatic reduction in overdue fines.
SUMMER READING: READING COLORS YOUR WORLD | June 4 - July 31 Join Bensenville Library’s summer reading program, Reading Colors Your World! Summer reading has something for everyone, from babies to adults! Read and partake in library activities all summer long and win prizes! Register in the library or through our online program site, benlib.beanstack.org!
Summer Reading Kick-Off: Petting Zoo! FRIDAY, JUNE 4 | 10AM – 12PM
Kick-off summer reading with us and A Zoo to You petting zoo! Preregister for summer reading or register on kick-off day and receive a small prize!
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Bensenville Community Foundation
The Bensenville Community Foundation (BCF) was founded in 1993. It is supported by the Bensenville Intergovernmental Group, which brings together the public agencies serving all Bensenville residents. Over the years the BCF has been fortunate to help several individuals and groups. The Bensenville Community Foundation supports programs already at work in our community and partners to create new projects to fill the gaps. Built by and for the people of Bensenville, the BCF supports efforts to develop and implement goals for lifelong learning opportunities, and supports positive initiatives with innovative approaches to addressing the changing needs of Bensenville. The purpose of BCF is to strengthen our community through engaged grant making and strategic partnerships with other organizations. The BCF Board is comprised of representatives from all of the area taxing bodies including the Bensenville Community Public Library, Bensenville Park District, Village of Bensenville, Bensenville Fire Protection District, Bensenville School District 2, and Fenton High School District 100. For more information on the Bensenville Community Foundation, visit bensenvillefoundation.org. IN THIS ISSUE Bensenville Community p 1-3 Public Library Village of Bensenville p 4-6 Fenton Community High School p 7-9 Bensenville Park District p 10-11 Elementary School District 2 p 12-14 Community Events p 15-16 The statements and opinions expressed in this newsletter do not reflect the views, opinions, thoughts or beliefs of each member organization. The member organizations are not responsible for opinions or statements made individually or by other organizations. For information, contact sparkison@benlib.org. Deadline for July/Aug is June 28, 2021.
