Bensenville Community Public Library

What Bensenville Community Public Library does

Bensenville Community Public Library (BCPL) is a public library district established under Illinois state law, serving the residents of the Bensenville Library District in DuPage County, Illinois. The library operates from a single facility at 200 S. Church Road, Bensenville, IL 60106, and is governed by an elected Board of Trustees with day-to-day operations led by Library Director Chris Sloan and a 17-person staff. Beyond standard public library functions, BCPL differentiates itself through a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility, a Seed Library lending program, the 1844 Korthauer Log House Living History Museum on its grounds, and a comprehensive slate of community events including multilingual (Polish, Spanish/English) storytimes, gaming, and VR programs.

BCPL's product surface is built on the SWAN Libraries consortium integrated library system and an unusually deep set of third-party digital integrations: three overlapping eBook/eAudiobook platforms (Libby/OverDrive, The Palace Project, Comics Plus/LibraryPass), online learning (Universal Class with 600+ courses), language learning (Transparent Language, 110+ languages), 50+ EBSCO research databases, NewsBank newspaper archives, Ancestry Library Edition, Creativebug, and LOTE4Kids multilingual children's content. Ancillary services include notary, voter registration, test proctoring, meeting room rental ($35/event), remote printing, document scanning, and museum passes through Museum Adventure Pass and Explore More Illinois. Marketing and outreach run through Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Vimeo, Threads, a monthly eNews newsletter, and a fiction-acquisitions newsletter.

BCPL is funded primarily through local property-tax revenue as a library district, with negligible earned income from service fees (printing, faxing, meeting rooms, passport processing) and donations. The library went fine-free in 2021 (fines had already represented only ~0.1% of operating budget) and operates under a Strategic Plan 2023-2025. Its customer base is the general public within the district, segmented into children and families, teens, and adults/seniors, with a secondary focus on homeschooling families and DuPage County residents seeking civic and educational services.

Name

Bensenville Community Public Library

Legal name

Bensenville Community Public Library

Website

https://benlib.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1844

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bensenville Community Public Library is an Illinois public library district serving Bensenville and DuPage County residents with physical and digital lending, educational programs, a passport acceptance facility, a seed library, and the historic Korthauer Log House museum, funded primarily by local property taxes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (51921), Libraries and Archives (519210), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Digital Library & Electronic Resources Operations (e-Resources, Repositories, Licensing) (EDAEAGAF), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community library resources
• Digital lending platforms
• Educational programming
• Local history archives

Headquarters

HQ city

Bensenville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Public Library Funding: Primarily funded through public tax revenue as a library district; receives additional support from library fines (though fine-free policy reduces this), service fees, and donations
2. Fee-Based Services: Minimal service fees for faxing ($1 domestic, $5 international per side), photocopies (10 cents per side), printing (25 cents color, 10 cents B&W), meeting room rental ($35 per meeting), and passport processing services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bensenville Community Public Library is a public library district that lends physical and digital materials (books, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, eAudiobooks, comics), provides free access to online research databases and educational platforms, and hosts community programming for all ages. It also offers ancillary civic services such as passport acceptance, notary, voter registration, test proctoring, meeting room rental, and computer/Wi-Fi access. The library maintains specialized community collections including a Seed Library and the Korthauer Log House Living History Museum.

Product overview

Bensenville Community Public Library operates as a public lending institution offering a unified platform of physical and digital services centered around its SWAN Libraries-powered catalog. The core offering consists of physical material lending (books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks) augmented by an extensive digital portfolio that includes three distinct eBook/eAudiobook platforms: Libby/OverDrive, The Palace Project, and Comics Plus. Educational services include Universal Class (self-paced online courses) and Transparent Language (110+ language instruction). The library maintains specialized collections including a Seed Library for gardening, Museum Passes for local attractions, and comprehensive online research databases. Ancillary services encompass notary public, passport acceptance, meeting room rental, test proctoring, voter registration, and public computer/Wi-Fi access. The product ecosystem is designed to serve the Bensenville community across all age groups with both in-person and remote access to information, education, and cultural resources.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Libby: Digital lending platform for ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through OverDrive
• The Palace Project
• Comics Plus

Products and services

• Library Catalog (SWAN) Online public access catalog (OPAC) managed through the SWAN Libraries consortium, providing search, holds, renewals, and account management for physical and digital library materials including books, DVDs, audiobooks, and seed library items. Available to library cardholders in the Bensenville Library District.
• Libby / OverDrive Digital Lending Digital lending platform for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines accessible via web browser and mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Kindle devices. Titles are integrated into the SWAN catalog for seamless discovery by library cardholders.
• The Palace Project Open-source digital reading application providing access to eBooks and audiobooks from multiple library collections in one place, including the Palace Bookshelf with thousands of free titles patrons can keep indefinitely. Available to library cardholders.
• Comics Plus Digital comics, graphic novels, and manga service offering unlimited simultaneous access with no holds, waits, or fines. Three tiers are available: Full Library (all ages), Teen Library (ages 11-17), and Children's Library (ages 5-10).
• Universal Class Online Courses Self-paced online continuing education platform with instructor support and class forums, covering computer skills, fine arts, professional development, and personal enrichment. Provides 600+ courses, free with library card via barcode login.
• Transparent Language Language learning platform providing instruction in 110+ languages including English as a Second Language, with vocabulary building and practice tools for learners at all levels. Free to library cardholders.
• Seed Library Community seed lending program allowing patrons to borrow up to five seed packets per year, including over 60 vegetable varieties, 20+ flower varieties, and 10+ herb varieties. Borrowers are encouraged to return harvested seeds.
• Museum Passes Program Free or discounted admission program to 28 Chicagoland museums and attractions, offered through two channels: physical Museum Adventure Passes checked out at the library, and instant online reservations via Explore More Illinois.
• Passport Acceptance Services Designated United States Passport Acceptance Facility accepting passport applications by appointment. Library staff review and forward applications to the U.S. State Department for processing.
• Meeting Room Rental Rental of multiple meeting rooms for community group reservations, with a $35 rental fee and 48-hour advance booking requirement. Includes access to library facilities and technology; setup and cleanup handled by the renting organization.
• Online Research Databases Subscription research database collection including 50+ EBSCO databases (Academic Search Elite, Business Source Elite, Health Source, Legal Information Source), NewsBank newspaper archives (Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Chicago Community Collection), Ancestry Library Edition (genealogy, in-library only), Creativebug (art/craft tutorials), HeritageQuest, and LearningExpress test prep resources.
• Computer and Wi-Fi Services Public access computers with Microsoft Office Suite, free Wi-Fi throughout the building, remote printing via Print to the Library, and the ScanEZ Station for document scanning to PDF, JPEG, or Word formats.
• Reference and Ask a Librarian Information assistance delivered in person, by phone, or via email. The Ask a Librarian service responds within 24 hours on business days for brief factual questions from the public.
• Homework Help Resources Online research resources and databases supporting student learning across all grade levels, including tutoring resources, educational games, virtual field trips, and curated links to homework help websites.
• Korthauer Log House Living History Museum Historic 1844 log house preserved and reconstructed on the library property as a Living History Museum. Includes the Illinois Digital Archives Collection documenting Bensenville's founding families and the Korthauer family heritage.

Quantifiable outcome

• Library is fine-free, eliminating access barriers for underserved populations

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration15 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRAILS is a library system providing programs and services for Illinois libraries; BCPL participates in Explore More Illinois program developed and managed by RAILS, funded by Illinois State Library grant, providing free/discounted tickets to museums and attractions
• Universal ClasscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline educational platform providing 600+ self-paced courses with dedicated instructors; integrated as free resource for BCPL cardholders with library card barcode login
• Libby/OverDrivecoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital lending platform for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines; primary digital reading app recommended by BCPL with seamless library card integration
• The Palace ProjectcoreTechnology or IntegrationOpen-source library app providing access to additional eBooks and audiobooks plus free Palace Bookshelf titles to keep permanently
• Comics Plus/LibraryPasscoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital comics, graphic novels, and manga platform offering unlimited simultaneous access with no holds or waits; provides Full Library, Teen Library, and Children's Library options
• Transparent LanguagecoreTechnology or IntegrationLanguage learning platform offering 110+ languages for vocabulary building and skills practice, accessible to BCPL cardholders
• Museum Adventure Pass ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner28 Chicagoland museums participating including Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden, Illinois Holocaust Museum; BCPL cardholders can physically check out passes at library
• Explore More IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree service providing instant online access to passes for museums, science centers, theaters, sporting events; developed by RAILS; available remotely with library card
• EBSCO Information ServicescoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides access to 50+ research databases covering academic, business, health, legal, educational, and general reference content; includes eBook collections
• NewsBankcoreTechnology or IntegrationNewspaper archive access including Chicago Daily News Historical (1875-1978), Chicago Sun-Times, Daily Herald, Beacon News, Kane County Chronicle, Naperville Sun, and Chicago Community Collection
• Ancestry/Library EditioncoreTechnology or IntegrationGenealogy research database with billions of historical documents, photos, and records from 1500s-2000s; available for in-library use only
• CreativebugcoreTechnology or IntegrationArt and craft video classes covering knitting, woodworking, painting, jewelry, home decor; unlimited access with library card
• Illinois Digital ArchivescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide digital archive program; BCPL contributes to and maintains Bensenville Historical Collection including Korthauer materials and oral histories
• Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois State Library program providing audio and braille library service via mail or digital download for patrons unable to read standard print due to visual or physical disability

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wood Dale Public Library: Adjacent DuPage County library district serving Wood Dale, IL. Similar size, suburban service area, and library-district funding structure; referenced in BCPL board member bios as a community touchpoint.
• Skokie Public Library: Established Illinois library district known for robust programming and digital services. Comparable operating model with broader programming depth — useful benchmark for BCPL's service evolution.
• Schaumburg Township District Library: Large suburban Illinois library district in Cook County with similar district funding model, broad programming, and digital service offerings. Closely comparable in operating model though serving a larger population.
• Carol Stream Public Library: DuPage County suburban library district of similar size and scope. Operates with comparable municipal funding model and standard library programming for a suburban Chicago community.
• Naperville Public Library: DuPage County municipal library serving Naperville, IL. Comparable suburban Illinois library with extensive programming, digital collections, and community partnerships — a relevant scale-comparable peer.
• Elmhurst Public Library: DuPage County suburban library with similar district-style operations, community programming focus, and digital lending platforms. Directly comparable in service mix and patron demographics.
• Addison Public Library: Neighboring DuPage County suburban library district serving Addison, IL. Comparable municipal-district funding model, similar program mix, and overlapping patron demographics make it the closest geographic peer.

Broad incumbents

• Chicago Public Library: Major municipal library system serving Chicago with 80+ branches and broad services. Functions as a broad incumbent in the Illinois public library space; BCPL patrons access CPL-area museum partnerships via shared consortiums.

Others

• SWAN Libraries: Integrated library system consortium providing BCPL's catalog, circulation, and account management infrastructure. A core enabling technology partner on which BCPL's daily operations depend.
• Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS): Multi-type library consortium that provides shared services, Explore More Illinois program, and continuing education to Illinois libraries including BCPL. Functions as an enabling ecosystem partner rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bensenvillelib
• YouTubevimeo.com/bensenvillelibrary
• Facebookfacebook.com/BensenvilleLibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/bensenvillelib
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/benlib

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bensenville Community Public Library