Bensenville Community Library Interior

In the entry vestibule of the library, there is a wood and glass-encased bulletin board displaying library news as well as general community news.

The library itself is usually quiet and not very crowded.






This is the front circulation desk. Here, I spoke with Joan Baader, the Head of Circulation, who was very helpful and informative.

The front desk displays pamphlets, leaflets, and recommended books in front.

Behind the desk, the back offices are secluded from the public by a wall of woven wood.

Above the offices hangs a woven blanket depicting landmarks within Bensenville.

Here, Mrs. Baader expanded on the finer points of library, including the library's mission statement:

"We believe that learning is lifelong and that all people deserve opportunities to pursue learning. Our purpose is to serve the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all the district's residents, and we endeavor to support a community of readers. To enhance our purpose, we strive to be a dynamic, vital force in the development of the community, to extend services to users and non-users through both traditional and progressive methods, and to maintain a warm, friendly and people oriented atmosphere."

Joan also mentioned that the library had no outstanding problems with vandalism; the worst the librarians usually have to deal with are students who come into the library with attitudes.

Directly across from the circulation desk is a lounge area with a cobblestone fireplace, comfortable couches and chairs, and wooden tables.

In addition to decorative greenery and beautiful stone tile flooring, magazines and periodicals adorn the tables.

The windows here offer a gorgeous view of the garden.

There is also a wooden chess table and chairs located in this section of the library for patron use.

Next to the circulation desk is a small multimedia collection.

This includes two revolving racks of CDs and one revolving case of casette tapes.

These CDs and casettes include everything from educational and language topics to popular and instrumental music.

The books are organized according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System, as denoted by the signs.

Also, the library is sponsoring a program called "52 Books, 52 Weeks." In this program, patrons can sign up to receive a reading log in which they can record the 52 books they will read in one year. However, the main goal of the program is not to force yourself to read a book per week, but simply to make reading a part of your weekly routine.

The books are contained in wooden shelves and organized simply by call number, not by genre.

Only reference books are kept in a separate section.

This ornate grandfather clock is one of the many details that give this library the warm and homey atmosphere it exudes.

The library also has tables and chairs where patrons and students can work on projects and assignments in the quiet library setting.

In the back of the library, a glass and wooden case holds original Bensenville antiques such as historical newspaper articles, objects, and antique press cameras.

There are also framed photographs on the wall from memorable periods in Bensenville's history, including memorable landmarks and family portraits.

The Bensenville Library strives to commemorate the history of its own town.