The purpose of the PLAE is the formation and maintenance of a public library in Easthampton, Massachusetts. The Public Library Association of Easthampton is an independent, nonprofit, educational institution. Its mission is to help meet the informational, research, educational, and recreational needs of the City of Easthampton and surrounding communities through its collections, services, exhibits, and programs. PLAE contracts with the City of Easthampton to provide Library services. Any adult resident of the city of Easthampton with a library card shall be considered a member of the PLAE. The Association owns the land and library building. A Board of Directors is vested with the control and management of the PLAE.
In December of 2023, the PLAE restructured the organization and updated the bylaws to include the introduction of clearer guidelines for board member roles and the establishment of committees focused on key operational areas. The goal is also to increase efficiency, give the ability to make more impactful decisions and foster a culture of transparency and accountability. All meetings are open to the viewing public, and will be posted when scheduled. The next meeting of the Board will take place on Thursday, November 14th, 2024, at 6:30PM.
The members of the Board of Directors are:
Lori Ingraham – President
Sean Casey – Treasurer
Tenaya Read – Secretary
Sean Bates
Barb Chalfonte
Dave Ingraham
Sarah King
Ted Perch
Joanne Schmidt
Nancy Stenberg – Mayoral Appointee
The Committees of the Board of Directors are:
Finance:
Sean Casey (Chair)
Lori Ingraham
Elizabeth Appelquist
Governance:
Joanne Schmidt
Elizabeth Appelquist
Sean Bates
Joan Kurtz
Fundraising:
Joanne Schmidt (Chair)
Marge Prendergast
Elizabeth Appelquist
Building:
Eric Poulin
Dave Ingraham
Elizabeth Appelquist
Museum:
Lois Peirent
Sean Bates (Chair)
Chris Ayala
Susan Boss
Elizabeth Appelquist