PNCU Donated $15,000 to Support Local Bookmobile

The Bookmobile began its third season on the road this June. The mobile library carries a truck full of books, movies, books on tape and other materials people can check out and offers services including Internet access, and library card registration.

The Bookmobile was created with the help of the Polish National Credit Union. President James Kelly pledged to donate $75,000 over a five-year period so the city could purchase the customized vehicle which is equipped with an automatic lift to make it accessible to the disabled. This is the third $15,000 installment from the credit union.

"I thank Jim Kelly and the Polish National Credit Union, they are quite giving with their money," City Council Vice President Shane D. Brooks said. "They are a true community partner to the city of Chicopee."

The Bookmobile visits a variety of locations on a weekly or bi-weekly basis including the RiverMills Senior Center, the Boys and Girls Club, Lincoln Grove Park and the Valley Opportunity Council. During the summer the schedule is expanded so the Bookmobile can make additional stops at parks and places like Camp Opee and the Farmer's Market to reach children who are out of school. The Bookmobile schedule can be found on the library's website.

"At Polish National Credit Union, our mission is to grow lasting relationships that improve people's lives," Kelly said in writing after the City Council formally accepted the donation. "Part of that mission is partnering with the communities we serve, and we are committed to providing support to great projects like the Chicopee Public Library Bookmobile."

In its two years of operation, more than 22,400 items have been check out by 16,000 patrons. More than 250 children have registered for the summer reading program through the Bookmobile, said Nancy Contois, the library director.

"The bookmobile has been consistently well attended, even in the winter months," Contois said. "The bookmobile has given us a wonderful opportunity to engage new library users, who we hope will not only use the bookmobile, but will  also be interested in participating in programs we offer at the main library."

The usage does increase in the summer, but the number of stops also increase to reach children who are out of school One of the most popular stops is the Valley Opportunity Council's Farmers Market on Chicopee Street, which will begin in July, she said.

Books for both adults and children are the most popular items checked out, followed by movies on DVD, Contois said.

"The bookmobile is a wonderful service to the community that we are able to provide because of the generosity of Polish National," Kos said in writing.