Since 1853, the Chicopee Public Library has taken pride in bringing the best services and information to the residents of the City of Chicopee. In addition to the Emily L. Partyka Main Library at 449 Front Street, the library has a branch in Fairview at 402 Britton Street and a Bookmobile that makes weekly stops around the city. For more information about the Library and Library services, please stop by or contact us!
The Library is a smoke free property per the Chicopee Board of Health. For the well being of all patrons please refrain from using tobacco products while on library property. Thank you for your cooperation.
History of the Library
In 1853, Cabot Institute donated its collection of nine hundred books to form a public library. The town voted on March 11, 1853 to support a public library from tax dollars, making the Chicopee Public Library the first library funded by public funds in Western Massachusetts. In 1907, Mrs. Spaulding donated $20,000 towards a new library building and on May 13, 1913, the Chicopee Library opened its first building built solely for the purpose of being a library.
In 2004, the Library expanded again, thanks to the large donation of $500,000 by the Partyka family and fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Library through their “Raise the Roof” campaign. The library’s current location on 449 Front Street includes a 34,000-square-foot, handicap accessible, two-level facility with a local history room, computer lab, teen space, conference and community rooms. It is named in honor of Emily L. Partyka whose family’s generosity to the Chicopee community made the library possible.
In 2015, the Polish National Credit Union made a substantial donation of $75,000 to purchase the bookmobile. Lovingly known as “Booker”, it travels around the city daily to provide outreach services to the community.
Library Mission Statement
The Chicopee Public Library embraces the spirit of the Chicopee community by providing materials and services to contribute to and enhance personal enrichment, enjoyment, and educational endeavors. The Library supports lifelong learning and information literacy by providing computer access, print and online information resources, an active web site, and ongoing review of new technologies. Community centered activities include: extensive adult and children’s programming, reference assistance, computer classes, meeting room facilities, outreach services, and collaborations with City departments, library consortia and community agencies.
Library Trustees
- Carolyn Fitzgerald, Chairperson Term through 2022
- Karen Kamienski Term through 2020
- Normand Girouard Term through 2021