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Chicopee Public Library trustees approve minutes, financial and director reports; authorize silent auction and proceed with bookmobile repairs
Summary
At their May 4 meeting, Chicopee Public Library trustees unanimously approved the April minutes, accepted the financial and director reports, authorized a Friends-sponsored silent auction, and were told a bookmobile refurbishment purchase order is in process; the director reported the library is financially stable after a May budget hearing.
Chicopee Public Library trustees met May 4 at the Emily L. Partyka Central Branch and approved routine governance items while authorizing several service and fundraising steps for the summer.
Barbara Pronovost called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. Trustees Judith Chelte, Karen Kamienski and Pronovost voted 3-0 to accept the April 6 minutes after a motion by Judith Chelte and a second from Barbara Pronovost.
Library Director Laura Bovee reviewed the May 1 financial statement, describing balances in LIG, MEG, donations, revolving and operating accounts, and trustees voted to accept the financial report (motion by Karen Kamienski; second by Judith Chelte; passed 3-0). Bovee also presented April circulation, computer-usage and program statistics; trustees accepted the Director’s Report (motion by Judith Chelte; second by Karen Kamienski; passed 3-0).
On facilities and services, trustees were told a purchase order for refurbishment work on the library’s bookmobile is under way and securing necessary signatures. The minutes note the purchase order “will cover all the potential repairs needed” but do not specify a dollar amount.
Bovee reported on an April 17 budget hearing with Mayor Vieau and said the meeting went well; she characterized the library as financially stable for the coming year. She also said patrons have begun using the backyard space under recently installed shade sails and that she will purchase four chairs for patron use in that area.
The Friends of the Library requested permission to hold a silent auction featuring artwork and craftwork displayed in the library’s Community Room. Trustees approved the request (motion by Barbara Pronovost; second by Karen Kamienski; passed 3-0), with dates and times to be planned following trustee approval.
Chair Barbara Pronovost summarized an April 24 webinar on artificial intelligence attended by trustees or staff, saying participants emphasized creating guidelines rather than fixed policies because the field is rapidly changing. No policy was adopted during the meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 a.m. on a 3-0 vote (motion by Karen Kamienski; second by Judith Chelte). The trustees scheduled their next regular meeting for Monday, June 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Emily L. Partyka Central Branch.
