At-Home Learning Challenges

Running out of things to do? We’ve put together some at-home challenges for you! Complete the fun and educational activity on each square. Bring in your completed challenge sheet and receive a special prize when we reopen. Have fun, and keep learning!

Click to enlarge for easier printing!
Click to enlarge for easier printing!

Keep Kids Learning: Free Online Resources

Looking to keep your kids engaged and learning? Take advantage of the wealth of free, online, educational resources available to you for free – from home! Explore this list we’ve compiled of our favorite lessons, games, science experiments, storytimes, live demonstrations, virtual tours, and more! We’ll be adding more resources as we discover them, and if you have a favorite free, online resource that you love that isn’t listed here, please share it with us!

BiblioBoard Library: Free e-Content!

A robust collection of classic novels, educational content, interactive eBooks for kids — available to everyone in Illinois! No library card is required, and all materials are available for immediate access.  Note: Click on “RAILS for Schools” or the “BiblioBoard Library of Illinois” to get started.

Girls Who Code — at Home!

During this time, Girls Who Code is making coding activities available for download free of charge. Activities are released weekly — some online, some offline, and of varying levels of difficulty. Each activity will include a feature of a woman in tech who pioneered innovative technology.

Sesame Street: Caring for Each Other

These are challenging times, and your friends at Sesame Street are here to help — videos, playful learning activities, and ways to help families stay physically and mentally healthy. New videos posted each week, like Singalong with Elmo or Snack Time with Cookie Monster!

Bensenville Library At-Home Learning Challenges

Running out of things to do? We’ve put together some at-home challenges for you! Complete the fun and educational activity on each square. Bring in your completed challenge sheet and receive a special prize when we reopen. Have fun, and keep learning!

LeVar Burton Reads: Live!

LeVar Burton, former Reading Rainbow host, will be reading stories live on Twitter!  Join LeVar for LeVar Burton Reads on: Mondays – readings for kids at 11 AM CST | Wednesdays – readings for teens at 5 PM CST | Fridays – readings for adults at 8 PM CST.

Bedtime Stories with Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is excited to present Dolly Parton’s new weekly read-aloud video series called “Goodnight with Dolly.” The Book Lady sits down to read books from the Imagination Library to children and families.

Children’s Activity Calendar | DEMCO

Find themed ideas for kids — activities, crafts, books, celebrations, and more! A variety of calendars are available to help parents keep their little ones busy and learning with early literacy and general activities.

KidLit: Explore the World of Children’s Literature

Enjoy fun read-aloud, crafts, lessons and fun interviews from authors. KidLit is a diverse group of parents, educators, librarians, and creators working together to create fun new ways to reinforce an appreciation of reading that children will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

PBS Kids Daily Newsletter

Is your child’s school closed due to coronavirus concerns? PBS KIDS’ new weekday newsletter offers activities and tips you can use to help kids play and learn at home. ALL AGES

Brookfield Zoo: Bring the Zoo to You!

Join Brookfield Zoo on Facebook every weekday at 11:00 a.m. Central for a “Bring The Zoo To You” Facebook Live featuring one of our animals as well as plenty of educational, informative insight from one of our Animal Care Specialists. ALL AGES

Watch Bensenville Library Storytimes: On Demand!

Take your favorite storytimes with you – wherever you are! Watch as your favorite Bensenville Community Public Library librarians, and other special guests, read a variety of stories to you.

Read Brightly: Reading Through It Together

Brightly has put together educational resources and engaging activities so there’s always something to keep your kids occupied. Whether you’re looking to keep them focused on learning, just need some peace and quiet, or a little of both, we’re here for you.  AGES: 0 to 13+

Wonderopolis

Each day, Wonderopolis poses an intriguing question—the Wonder of the Day®—and explore it in a variety of ways. Wonderopolis was created by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) in 2010, and it has become one of the most popular education sites today. ALL AGES

National Geographic Learn at Home

A curated collection for curious learners in grades K-3. With minimal supplies needed, these activities will keep young learners’ minds engaged in social studies, geography, science, and more. GRADES: Kindergarten to 3rd

Stuck at Home Science: by the California Science Center

Fight boredom and continue your child’s science learning with easy to follow activities. Designed for families to explore, investigate, and learn together without ever needing to leave the house. All activities use easy to find household supplies. ALL AGES

Scholastic: Learn at Home

Even when schools are closed, you can keep the learning going with special cross-curricular journeys. GRADES: PreK to 9th

Tumblebooks

Download, read, and listen for free!

  • TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! Read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device.

  • There are no check-outs, holds, or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly!

  • Free, unrestricted access until August 31, 2020.

K-6 children’s eBook database

K-6 math eBook database

Grades 7-12 eBook database

All ages audiobook database

Audible: Stories | Free Audiobooks!

For as long as schools are closed, kids and families everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids. All stories are free to stream! ALL AGES

LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems!

Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of creating together. ALL AGES

Storyline Online

The SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s award-winning children’s literacy website, Storyline Online, streams videos featuring celebrated actors reading children’s books alongside creatively produced illustrations. AGES: 0 to 8

NASA STEM

Launch rockets, build a Moon Habitat, solve spacey puzzles, and more! These science, technology, engineering, and math activities are fun for kids, adults, and the whole family. GRADES: Kindergarten to 12th

The Spanish Experiment

Online beginner Spanish lesson with audio, and well-known children’s stories translated into Spanish and spoken by a native Spanish speaker. Great for kids… and adults too! Read along in Spanish or English. ALL AGES

Indoor/Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Learning doesn’t just have to be about writing, math, or reading! Use these scavenger hunt ideas to get your kids active – both mentally and physically. ALL AGES

YMCA 360: Online Exercise Classes

Take group exercise classes right in your own home at no charge for a limited time! Explore sports classes and more for people of all ages and all interests. ALL AGES

Hogwarts Digital Escape Room

Created by Peters Township Public Library, use your knowledge of Harry Potter and try to escape as a family or by yourself! AGES: 9+

Write Your Name in Egyptian Hieroglyphs: The Royal Ontario Museum

Learn to write your name like ancient Egyptian royalty! The Royal Ontario Museum breaks down at-home activities into learning goals, background information, and also provides step-by-step instructions. AGES: 8 to 14+

Jumping Jax Gym: Kids Workout

25 minutes of physical activity to get your kids moving while indoors! ALL AGES

San Diego Zoo: Watch & Learn

The Southern California animal park has a website just for kids, featuring animal profiles, fun facts, stories, videos, activities, games and conservation information. Craft activities include instructions for making sock puppets, animal figures, a pinata and more. ALL AGES

Shark Story Hour

Brought to you by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy! Join them weekdays at 10:00 a.m. for live videos or anytime for their saved content. Hear great read alouds and learn facts about your favorite underwater friends – SHARKS! AGES: geared towards K-5 grade, but good for all ages

Story Time From Space

Story Time from Space is a project of the Global Space Education Foundation that sends children’s books to the International Space Station. While in space, astronauts are videotaping themselves reading these books to the children of Earth. ALL AGES

Virtual Farm Tours: American Dairy Association

Tour a farm and learn more about how Farmers grow and raise what you eat.

AGES: 4-9 | AGES: 10-13 | AGES: High School

Circle Time Fun

Circle Time sessions are dynamic and interactive. You have an opportunity to spend time with your child, as the educator leads you through developmentally appropriate hands-on activities. Free Beta Classes available. AGES: 0 to 6

Virtual Field Trips

Virtual field trips are a great way to expose kids to new places all from home. Many museums, zoos, and aquariums have set up virtual tours and webcams of their facilities. It’s easier than ever to visit destinations around the world from the comfort of your couch. ALL AGES

ABC Mouse – Free 30 Day Trial!

Full online learn curriculum available for a free for 30 days. Content available in math, science, reading, and art & colors.  AGES: 2 to 8

Operation Storytime

Have fun listening to your favorite children’s authors read you a storyAGES: 0 to 7

Search on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube using #OperationStorytime

Free Coloring Pages

Find lots of fun and free pages to color for hours for fun. ALL AGES

Nickelodeon Parents

Find printables, recipes, crafts and more from your child’s favorite Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows. AGES: 1 to 12

COVID-19 Updates for Our Library

With the recent move to Phase Four of the Restore Illinois Plan, we are pleased to announce our plans to reopen the Library to the public on Monday, July 6, 2020.

Temporary Library Hours (Effective 7/6/20 — Until Further Notice)

  • Monday – Thursday | 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday | Closed until further notice

Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. have been set aside for seniors and vulnerable populations.

Here is what you can expect to see on your next visit to the Library:

  • Face coverings will be required to enter the Library. Patrons under the age of two will be exempt from wearing a mask. If you do not have a protective face covering, please let our staff know at the Circulation Desk and a mask will be made available for 50 cents.
  • There is an occupancy limit of 50 patrons and patrons will be asked to limit their visit to a maximum of two hours each day.
  • Social distancing floor decals are placed to remind patrons and staff to maintain the six-foot social distancing guidelines.
  • Sneeze guards are in place at service desks.
  • Staff will be moving throughout the building to clean surfaces, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.
  • Public meeting room reservations and study room spaces are still unavailable during this time.
  • All in-person structured in-house programming continues to be paused. Please check out our new Digital Program Guide, which covers the months of July and August, for a variety of online programming opportunities provided free of charge.
  • Furniture has been rearranged and seating made limited to accommodate social distancing.
  • Curbside pickup is still available for patrons and is the recommended way that patrons obtain library materials.
  • There is very limited computer availability (six in Adult Services and four in Youth Services).
  • All items returned to the Library are placed into quarantine for at least 72 hours. All items will remain checked out on patron accounts while they are in quarantine. There will be no late fees charged during this time, but patrons are encouraged to return their materials in a timely manner to help facilitate circulation. Hotspots will still be subject to late fees.
  • Newspapers are not available to browse. Please visit the Library’s website and browse our online resources for similar materials.
  • Toys and other manipulatives will not be available in Youth Services.

The following services and features will be implemented during Phase 5 – Illinois Restored per the Restore Illinois Plan:

  • Restore expanded library hours, including weekends
  • Resume in-house programming
  • Allow groups to book and use library meeting rooms
  • Study rooms are available for individual use
  • All furniture and seating is restored
  • Print newspapers are available to browse
Please note that these plans may change based on the Illinois Department of Public Health and DuPage County Health Department’s recommendations, as well as the wellness of library staff.

Click here to read a letter from Library Director David Sieffert regarding our digital services and our steps to a safe reopening. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The Library is currently open for curbside pickup. Please visit benlib.org/curbside for more information about this service. The Library will reopen to the public on Monday, July 6. Please see our reopening plan above.

All in-person Library programming events are cancelled until further notice. We are proud to offer an increase in digital programming and events for all ages. Our digital programs will be hosted on a variety of free platforms such as Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, and Vimeo. Live interactive programming will be held via Zoom and will require registration via our online calendar or by phone. Browse all of our new offerings at: benlib.org/digital-program-guide.

Yes! Our outdoor, curbside book drop is now open. 

There will be no late fees charged during this time, but patrons are encouraged to return their materials in a timely manner to help facilitate circulation. Hotspots will still be subject to late fees.

Currently, you may only place holds on Bensenville Community Public Library items. Interlibrary loans will resume on Tuesday, July 7 with participating libraries. Please note that some holds may take longer than usual. If you have any further questions about your holds or any of our circulation policies during this time, please contact the Circulation Desk at (630) 766-4642.

Curbside pickup is a safe, contactless way to continue to enjoy library materials at home.

  • Check out books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, board games, a selection of YS book bundles, and WiFi hotspots!
  • Printing, scanning, copying, and faxing services are also available for curbside pickup. Please call the Adult Services Desk at (630) 766-4642 for more information.

Curbside pickup is easy to use! Simply visit our website, benlib.org, and log into your account. Type in your search and request your hold — it’s that simple! You may also call the Library to request materials.

Material requests are pulled by staff throughout the day, checked out on your account, and bagged for pickup. If your item is available, you should receive notice within 24-48 hours.

For more information on our curbside pickup service, visit benlib.org/curbside or call (630) 766-4642.

All items have been quarantined for at least 72 hours prior to being checked out to you. Please do not use liquid disinfects on library materials. Time is the best disinfectant! If you prefer to quarantine your items once you get them home, health officials recommend a quarantine period of at least 72 hours.

Yes. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we still encourage the public not to attend this public forum, but rather submit questions or comments via our website at: benlib.org/submit. All questions and comments will be read during Hearing of Delegations and will be captured in the minutes. To view upcoming board agendas, please visit: benlib.org/board-agenda.

No. At this time, we are not accepting material donations. Please hold materials until an announcement is made that we are accepting donations. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

We have a wealth of digital resources available for free 24/7 with a Library card. Visit benlib.org/download to learn more. 

Need a library card? You can now register for an online-only library card that will grant you access to our eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming services, and more. Click here to sign up now, or read more here. Online cards expire after 90 days if not converted to a full-use card. Call the Circulation Desk at (630) 766-4642 for more information.

Yes! You can now register for an online-only library card! This digital library card will grant you access to our eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming services, and more. Click here to sign up now, or read more here. Online cards expire after 90 days if not converted to a full-use card. Call the Circulation Desk at (630) 766-4642 for more information.

To access all Library service updates regarding COVID-19, please visit benlib.org/covid-19. We also frequently post library updates on social media and through our eNewsletter, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and subscribe to our eNews.

Still have questions? Call us at (630) 766-4642, fill out our Contact Us form, or email us at reference@benlib.org.

We encourage you to do your part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please follow these preventive steps, as recommended by the CDC to stop the spread of illness:

  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Wear a cloth face covering while in public settings.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.

Finally, please use trusted, reliable, authoritative sources as you seek out news and information about COVID-19, such as the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the DuPage County Health Department.

We continue to monitor this situation and plan to share updates as any new information becomes available. We remain in close communication with local taxing bodies to determine the best course of action as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have any questions, please contact Library Director David Sieffert at (630) 766-4642 or at dsieffert@benlib.org

Library Carpeting Project Complete


We are pleased to announce that as of March 11, 2020 the Library’s interior carpeting project is complete!

We appreciate our community’s patience and understanding as everyone involved worked hard to finish the project as quickly as possible.

If you haven’t yet seen the new carpeting, and some of our new furniture and material rearrangements, stop by and take a look!

Stay tuned for some before-and-after photos…
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