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| By Lori O' Brien Correspondent CHICOPEE-Everyone needs friends and members of the "Friends of the Chicopee Public Library" are no exception. Lisa Pasternak of 43 Watson St. and John Michon of 22 Raylo Court are among the "Friends of the Chicopee Public Library," an active group of city residents who believe wholeheartedly in supporting their local library. Both Pasternak and Michon were among many city residents in the 1990's who felt the need for a new library and through the tireless efforts of many citizens, the vision became a reality. "I have self satisfaction knowing how hard everyone worked to make this library a reality," said Michon, during a recent interview with Reminder Publications. "The entire city can be very proud." Pasternak echoed those sentiments. "The library is an amazing place," she said, adding "the parking lot is always full." Michon and Pasternak are among several officers and directors who are committed to the ongoing success of the library. Serving in a leadership role along with Michon as president and Pasternak as first vice president are Paul Duval, second vice president; Betty Wilk, treasurer; Suzan Desmarais, second treasurer; Carolyn Fitzgerald, recording secretary, and Mary Rider, corresponding secretary. Library directors are Virginia Robak, Marlene Midura, Nancy Michon, Francine Jasinski Hayward, Bill Muldoon and Anne Dulchinos. At press time, one director position is vacant. "The Friends' goal is to support the library with its programs and services," said Liz Jones, office manager, Chicopee Public Library, "and persons are always welcome to join." Currently there are 175 "lifetime" members and 224 "annual" members, according to Jones. Annual individual memberships are $10, while lifetime individual memberships are $100. Members receive a membership card and thank-you letter which they can save for tax purposes, and receive two to four newsletters annually. "We also accept donations for books or programming," said Jones, explaining that all donations are evaluated by the staff to determine where they would be most appropriate. Jones is an integral part of what makes the "Friends" group successful, by maintaining all its paperwork, its database and bookkeeping, as well as ordering and selling merchandise to raise money for library projects. The Friends of the Chicopee Public Library incorporated in 1996 with the initial goal of creating a new library in the city, according to Jones. "The old library in Market Square had served us well for nearly 100 years, but was drastically deficient by today's standards," she said. The case for the new library was made to the state, and soon after a grant was received toward construction costs. "The other pieces of the funding were made up of the city's portion, and the Friends pledging to try to raise $2 million toward the construction costs," added Jones. "Now that we're in this terrific building, the Friends work to provide the library staff with financial support for those extras that are lacking in their budget." The Friends are active throughout the year raising funds and its biggest fundraiser is a golf tournament in August at the Chicopee Country Club. In April, the Friends will also sponsor a month long "Fine Arts Friends Art Exhibit" in the Henry J. Bazan Community Room in the lower level of the library. There is no fee to view the exhibition. "This event is not a fundraiser but rather a way to bring a nice cultural event to Chicopee," said Jones, adding "the exhibit serves as an opportunity for local artists to have their work on display for a month." The exhibit will feature more than 50 artists from across the region with judging and prizes being awarded thanks in part to a generous grant from the Chicopee Cultural Council, according to Jones. Also, unique Chicopee merchandise is always being sought by the organization as fundraising ideas. The Friends currently sell brass ornaments of Chicopee landmarks, a Chicopee tapestry afghan, a Chicopee PTA cookbook with Polish pottery, wood collectibles of the new Chicopee Public Library and of the Chicopee Country Club, book bags, candles and a print painting of Chicopee by Paul Midura. Entertainment books for 2006 are also available for sale. For persons considering making a memorial donation in the name of someone who loved the library, a Memory Book is available, as well as the Donor Wall. Another unique way to leave a lasting impression is an inscription on a wooden book displayed beautifully encased in glass in the lower level of the library. "Friends are always needed, whether it is through volunteering one's time or becoming a member through a monetary donation," said Jones. For more information on how to become a member of the Friends of the Chicopee Public Library, or to make a donation, call Jones at (413) 594-1800 or visit www.friendsofchicopeelibrary.org. |