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Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
The following are instructions on how to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the Bridgeview Public Library:
Please make your request for records in writing. The Bridgeview Public Library does not require the completion of a standard form for this purpose. You may submit your written request by mail, fax or e-mail.
Please direct your request to:
FOIA Officer – Chris Sebuck
Bridgeview Public Library
7840 W 79th St
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Fax: (708) 458-3553
E-mail: csebuck@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Please be as specific as possible when describing the records you are seeking. Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of records; it is not designed to require a public body to answer questions. To the extent that you wish to ask questions of a representative of the Bridgeview Public Library, you may call (708) 458-2880.
Please tell us whether you would like copies of the requested records, or whether you wish to examine the records in person during normal operating hours. You have the right to either option.
There is no fee for up to 50 pages of standard black and white paper copies. For pages beyond 50, there is a charge of $0.15 per page. The cost for certifying a record is $1.00.
You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. To do so, include the following statement (or a similar statement) in your written FOIA request: "I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request.” In addition, you must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest—not simply your personal interest—and merits a fee waiver.
Please include your name, preferred telephone number(s), mailing address, and, if you wish, your electronic mail address.
BPL FOIA Guide
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION GUIDE
Bridgeview Public Library
Posted in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/4.
ABOUT THE BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY (PUBLIC BODY)
The Bridgeview Public Library (also known as BPL) serves a community of over 17,000 residents, as well as reciprocal borrowers from the SWAN Library system, along with any and all visitors who pass through the Library’s doors. Our motto is, “Everyone is welcome.”
The Bridgeview Public Library is a village library established under the Illinois Local Library Act, 75 ILCS 5, with a 7-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Mayor and Village Council.
We are required to report to and be answerable to: Illinois State Library, Springfield, Illinois. Its members are: State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, Director of the State Library, and various other staff.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Bridgeview Public Library is to provide educational, informational, cultural and recreational resources and services to people of all ages in the Bridgeview community. The library will provide access to the universe of information and especially information that is of immediate relevance and interest to the community it serves. The library seeks to accomplish its mission through prudent management and development of its resources, and by providing access to materials and services to meet the present and future needs of the community. In this effort, the Bridgeview Public Library cooperates with other libraries, and with other educational and governmental institutions. Special emphasis is placed on current popular materials. The library serves as a learning center and educational center for all residents of the community.
To learn more of BPL’s service philosophy, visit:
https://www.bridgeviewlibrary.org/Pages/Index/227517/mission-statement
BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY’S WEBSITE
https://www.bridgeviewlibrary.org/
GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET
The fiscal year budget for FY2024 is $1,845,174. The most current Budget is available on the Library’s website as well as in person at the Library’s administration office.
BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY OFFICE
The administration office of the Bridgeview Public Library is located on the main level of the Library at the following address: 7840 W 79th Street, Bridgeview, IL 60455. The Library only has one branch.
BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF
When fully staffed, the library employs 4 full time employees and 12 part time employees.
BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUSTEES
BPL is governed by an appointed, unpaid, seven-member Board of Library Trustees. Trustees are appointed by the Mayor of Bridgeview and its councilors. Current Board Members are:
Alice Vilimek
avilimek@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Betty Martinez
bmartinez@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Marwan AL Safadi
malsafadi@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Nick Lamnatos
nlamnatos@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Randy Carben
rcarben@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Alice Porfirio
aporfirio@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Anna Ziaja-Castillo
aziajacastillo@bridgeviewlibrary.org
Open business meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7 PM. Meetings take place in the Lower Level Board Room.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
The Bridgeview Public Library adheres to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et. Seq., which is the principal Illinois statute governing the inspection of public records. The Act requires that public bodies make available for inspection or copying all public records to any person.
BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY FOIA OFFICER
Library Director: Christine Sebuck csebuck@bridgeviewlibrary.org
FILING A FOIA REQUEST
A request for records must be made in writing and can be submitted to the attention of the FOIA officer:
FOIA Officer – Chris Sebuck
Bridgeview Public Library
7840 W 79th St
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Fax: (708) 458-3553
E-mail: csebuck@bridgeviewlibrary.org
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST FEES
Please be as specific as possible when describing the records you are seeking. Remember, the Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow you to inspect or receive copies of records; it is not designed to require a public body to answer questions. To the extent that you wish to ask questions of a representative of the Bridgeview Public Library, you may call (708) 458-2880.
Please tell us whether you would like copies of the requested records, or whether you wish to examine the records in person during normal operating hours. You have the right to either option.
There is no fee for up to 50 pages of standard black and white paper copies. For pages beyond 50, there is a charge of $0.15 per page. The cost for certifying a record is $1.00.
You are permitted to ask for a waiver of copying fees. To do so, include the following statement (or a similar statement) in your written FOIA request: "I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request.” In addition, you must include a specific explanation as to why your request for information is in the public interest—not simply your personal interest—and merits a fee waiver.
Please include your name, preferred telephone number(s), mailing address, and, if you wish, your electronic mail address.
RESPONSES TO REQUESTS FOR RECORDS
Responses to commercial requests can be expected within 21 business days of the receipt of a written request. If an extension is required, a FOIA officer from the library will reach out to the requestor.
Responses for non-commercial requests can be expected within 5 business days of the receipt of a written request. If an extension is required, a FOIA officer from the library will reach out to the requestor.
PROCEDURE FOR APPEALING A DENIAL
If your request for information is denied, or denied in part, you have the right to have your request reviewed by the Public Access Counselor (PAC) at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). You can file your Request for Review with the PAC by writing to:
Leah Bartelt, Public Access Counselor
Office of the Illinois Attorney General
500 South 2nd Street
Springfield, IL 62701
877-299-3642
You also have the right to seek judicial review of your denial by filing a lawsuit in the State circuit court. 5 ILCS 140/11. If you choose to file a Request for Review with the PAC, you must do so within 60 calendar days of the date of this denial letter. 5 ILCS 140/9.5(a). Please note that you must include a copy of your original FOIA request and the denial letter when filing a Request for Review with the PAC.
BRIDGEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY’S RECORD RETENTION SCHEDULE
BPL adheres to the guidance set out by the Local Records Commission through the state of Illinois for retaining records of business. Our requirements are as follows:
|
Records |
Time Frame |
|
Applications to Dispose of Records |
Retain permanently |
|
Accounts Payable Invoices and Vouchers |
Retain for 7 years |
|
Audit Reports |
Retain permanently |
|
Bank Statements, Deposits, Reconciliations |
Retain for 7 years |
|
Budget Reports |
Retain for 7 years |
|
Cancelled checks |
Retain for 7 years |
|
Cash Receipts |
Retain for 2 years |
|
Checks (Duplicates) |
Retain for 2 years |
|
Correspondence |
Retain for 1 year |
|
Employment applications |
Solicited 2 years, unsolicited 1 year |
|
Employee Work Schedules |
Retain for 2 years |
|
FOIA Requests and Denials |
Retain for 2 years |
|
Grant Records |
Retain for 3 years after completion |
|
Insurance Policies |
Retain for 7 years after cancellation |
|
Interlibrary Loan Requests |
Retain for 6 months |
|
Minutes |
Retain permanently |
|
Patron Registration |
Retain 1 year following expiration |
|
Payroll Reports and Records |
Retain 7 years |
|
Personnel Files |
60 years or until employee’s 78th birthday |
|
Petty Cash Records |
Retain for 7 years |
|
Petty Cash Receipts |
Retain for 2 years |
|
State and Federal Withholding Tax Records |
w-4s until superseded or for 5 years after termination, all other records 7 years |