Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours?

• Monday through Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Friday through Sunday: Noon to 6 p.m.  More information.

Can I communicate with the library by e-mail?

You can send us a message through the City of Benicia’s Request Partner web site. Go into ‘Make a Request’ and find ‘Library Services’. One of the forms is ‘Contact the Benicia Public Library’.

What do I need to get a library card?

You need a picture ID and proof of address. More information.

What counts as proof of address?

Anything that has your name printed with your address. If your driver’s license has an old address, it could be a piece of mail, your checkbook, your lease/purchase agreement. 

Can I get a library card online?

If you don’t have a library card, you can sign up for an e-card, which will allow you to place holds for materials and access our databases. See more information about the SNAP e-card service.

How do I order Library books, videocassettes, DVDs or CDs?

The library has many books, magazines, videocassettes and DVDs (both feature films and ones about certain subjects), musical CDs, Audio books in both cassette tape and CD format and CDROMs for the computer. To find what we have look in the Library (SNAP) Catalog found at the top of any of the library’s web pages. Click here for instructions on how to place holds. The Librarians can help patrons use the computer catalog to look up books, place holds, and use the catalog’s databases.

May I use my library card at any other libraries?

Yes. Your card is valid at any Solano County Library, at Solano Community College Library, at any Napa City-County Library, at Napa Valley College Library and at St. Helena Library. You may also return library materials to any of these libraries, regardless of where you checked them out.

How many items may I check out?

You may check out up to 50 items, but there is a limit on the number of Audiovisual materials and magazines you may check out. More information.

Can we renew books from home?

Most items can be renewed by phone or the Internet. By phone call 746-4343 and choose option 1. For Internet renewal click here and follow the directions for accessing your library card, there you will be able to renew your items. If an item is on hold for another patron, it will not be able to be renewed.

How can I place items on hold?

• From your home by computer. Click here
• By telephone 746-4343. 
• By visiting the Library and using the catalog computer. 
• By visiting the Library and asking a librarian to assist you.

How many items can I place on hold?

There is no limit on the number of items placed on hold but you may only check out 50 items at one time.

How can I order items not found in the SNAP catalog?

First you can search SuperSearch to see if any of the member libraries have the item. We are a member library so items found in other member libraries can be sent to the Benicia Library within 5 to 10 days if they are on the shelf.

If an item is not found in the SNAP catalog or on SuperSearch, you can put in a purchase request or ask it to come from a library outside the area (an Interlibrary loan.) Both are done through Request Partner.

How do I use Request Partner?

On the Request Partner page, click on Make a Request. The topic to use is Library Services.

The next page gives you several options on ways to communicate with the Library from signing up to get email notification to requesting items and even to contacting the library about questions and concerns.

A good way to check on your communication from a city department is to create a free account. Once you do that you can easily go in and review your requests.

When will I be notified when something I requested is available for pickup?

When your item(s) is checked in and available for pickup.

How will I be notified about my holds?

You are notified by email if you have given us your email address, or by phone message if you don’t have email, or by mail if you have neither an email or phone number listed.

• Who will see my email address?
  • Only the library staff will have access to your information. Your email address will not be shared with third parties or used for anything other than official library business.
• What if I don’t have email?
  • You will be notified by automated telephone message when your items are ready for pickup or when you have overdue items. Be sure to contact the library if your telephone number has changed recently.
• What happens if I prefer not to list my email or my telephone number with the library?
  • Postal delivery of notices will continue for those without email or a telephone number on file.
• How will telephone notification be handled?
  • An automated message will be delivered to your number informing you that an item is ready for pickup (or is overdue). Specific titles or subjects will not be given.
• In addition to notifying me when my holds are available, what other email or phone alerts will I receive?
  • You will be informed when an item or items you have checked out are overdue.
• Am I required to share my email address with the Library?
  • No, you may decline and you will automatically be notified by telephone.
• Can I email you my email address?
  • Yes. You can send us your email address through the City of Benicia’s Request Partner web site.

What happens if I turn in library materials late?

You will be charged a fine for each day each item is late. Benicia Public Library  policy is children's items $0.10 per day per item and for adult items $0.20 per day per item. Fine rates may vary at Solano County, St. Helena, Napa County, and Napa Valley College Libraries. More information.

Why are your policies different from SNAP policies?

While we are a partner in the SNAP system, the Benicia Library is independent and under the jurisdiction of the Benicia Library Board of Trustees, who are appointed by the mayor of Benicia. The Board of Trustees sets the Library's policies.

How can I log  onto the catalog from home?

When you are on the Internet go to the Library Catalog at the top of any of our web pages or go to www.snap.lib.ca.us.

What kinds of programs does the Library have for children?

• Baby storytime Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (every other month starting in February)
• Preschool storytime Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
• Toddler storytime Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
• Summer Reading  Program.
• Dial-a-story: to listen to a story over the phone, call 746-4339.
• Study Zone for after school. (When school is in session)
• Friday movies after school. (When school is in session)
• Other programs throughout the year. More information.

Can  you recommend a good book list for children by age?

Frequently the Children’s Librarians create book lists or come and ask them and they will help you find some good books.

Do you have computer classes available?

The Library is offering 6 computer classes every other Saturday morning. The classes are:

• Mouse Tutorial - Practical hands-on mouse practice
• Beginning Computers and Windows Basics - Basic parts of the computer and concepts of the Windows environment. Prerequisite: Mouse Tutorial class or mouse experience.
• Basic Word Processing - Introduction to word processing including basic formatting, cutting, pasting, and inserting pictures or clipart. Prerequisite: Mouse Tutorial class or mouse experience.
• Internet and Web Searching - Basic Internet concepts, terminology, and how to conduct a web search. Prerequisite: Mouse Tutorial class or mouse experience.
• Spreadsheets - Introduction to basic spreadsheet formatting and formulas. Prerequisite: Mouse Tutorial class or mouse experience.
• E-mail - Basic usage of e-mail, attachments, and how to organize your mail. Prerequisite: Mouse Tutorial class or mouse experience AND an email address.

Classes are free but registration is required. Call the Reference Desk at 746-4343 for more information. Check the montly calendar to see the dates of this months classes. The Literacy Program also has a computer lab for their students.

Can someone help me on the computer?

The Librarians can get you started and find a manual to help. We do not provide training or extensive individual help, but we do offer limited computer classes for adults. Check the Library Calendar for dates and time.

Do you have Internet computers available?

We have 17 sit-down Internet computers and 3 standup Internet computers. They are free and can be used up to one hour per day. You will need your library card or an one-time pass to use the Internet. One-time passes are available if you do not have a SNAP library card, see the Reference Desk. With a library card you may book an Internet computer for a future session at the Library.

Can  someone help me get onto the Internet?

The Librarians can get you started and provide you with basic information as well as help you locate useful sites. We do not provide training or extensive individual help, but we do offer limited Internet classes for adults. Check the Library Calendar for dates and time.

What is your Internet policy?

The Library maintains unrestricted access to the Internet.

Individuals have the right and responsibility to determine for themselves what web sites they will choose to access.

It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to guide their children's use of the Internet; please ask the Librarians for more details.

For more on the SNAP's Internet policy visit the our Internet policy page.

Do you have Wireless in the Library?

With your own laptop and our wireless connection:

• There’s no waiting for an available computer
• No time limits. Connect as long as you like
• Fast access
• You can download files
• You can save your files permanently on your own device

Technical Information:

• Your device must conform to the 802.11g standard.
• Setting up a network or wireless profile is your responsibility.
• Library staff cannot act as technical support for your device, wireless card or configuration.

How much does it cost to use the Internet computers? To use the computers to type a report?

Use of an Internet computer is free. You may use it for one hour per day. Printing costs $0.15 per page.

The personal computers for word processing, etc. Printing cost is $0.15 per page. More information.

Are Audio books available to download from the library?

Downloadable audio books are available to library patrons anytime/anywhere - Recorded Books and NetLibrary have teamed up to offer downloadable audio books via the Internet. The library is offering this new service to increase access to home. from home.

• 1100+ titles
• More titles added every month
• Pimsleur Language Learning series consisting of 38 languages
• The Holy Bible
• Downloaded to your computer, MP3 players, Palm Pilots and other players able to access WMA files.
• Not compatible with Apple Macs or Ipods.

You must come to the library to setup a NetLibrary account. After the initial account is established, downloads of book files can be done from any computer (except Macs unless you have Virtual PC with Windows XP on them.)

How do I sign up for literacy classes?

To sign up for literacy or ESL classes call Lynne Price at 746-4341. More information.

How can I become a Library Volunteer?

The Library really appreciates the help of volunteers. Any and all skills are needed. Call 746-4358. More information. 

How many people will the meeting room hold?

The Dona Benicia room can seat up to 100 people. It can be partitioned into two separate spaces that can accommodate 50 people each. The Edna Clyne room holds 46 people with a table that seats 10 and 10 other chairs. More information.

How much does it cost to rent a meeting room?

There is a $50 refundable cleaning room deposit and the fees for the rooms are: 

• $20/hour for the Edna Clyne conference room.
• $20/hour for 1/2 of the Dona Benicia meeting room.
• $30/hour for the entire Dona Benicia meeting room. More information.

Who designed the Library?

Frants Albert designed the library in 1991. It opened in 1993. More Information.

updated 8/31/07