Emily L. Partyka Central Library — Chicopee Public Library
🏢 Chicopee Public Library · CHICOPEE, Massachusetts
Emily L. Partyka Central Library — Chicopee Public Library
The Emily L. Partyka Central Library traces its roots to 1853, when Chicopee's Cabot Institute literary society donated its books to the town — making it the first locally funded public library in western Massachusetts — and today serves the city's 55,000 residents with museum passes, a Library of Things, and free notary services.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Sunday | 12 PM – 4 PM |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 449 FRONT ST., CHICOPEE, MA 01013
Phone: +1-413-594-1800
Website: chicopeepubliclibrary.org
Plus Code: 87J94CX2+95 (CHICOPEE, MA)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Emily L. Partyka Central Library — Chicopee Public Library
Chicopee Public Library was born from community generosity: in April 1853 the Cabot Institute voted to donate its collection to the town, establishing what became the first locally funded public library in western Massachusetts. The central library at 449 Front Street is officially named the Emily L. Partyka Central Library and operates as the main branch of the Chicopee Public Library system, with the Fairview Branch Library at 402 Britton Street serving the city's western neighborhoods. Chicopee's motto — Industriae Variae, 'Varied Industries' — reflects the city's manufacturing heritage, and its strategic location at the intersection of four interstate highways earned it the nickname 'Crossroads of New England.' Today the library lives up to that tradition of practical service: its Library of Things program lends yard games, musical instruments, Chromebooks, and Wi-Fi hotspots, while museum passes cover 15+ partner institutions including MASS MoCA and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Membership in the CWMARS (Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing) network gives cardholders access to collections at more than 150 regional libraries.
⭐ What makes this library special
- First locally funded public library in western Massachusetts — founded 1853 from the Cabot Institute collection
- Museum passes to 15+ institutions including MASS MoCA and the Norman Rockwell Museum
- Library of Things: borrow yard games, musical instruments, hotspots, and Chromebooks
- Free notary public services at the library
- CWMARS network member — access materials from 150+ regional Massachusetts libraries
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Chicopee library card opens digital resources from the library and the statewide CWMARS network:
📚 Services
- Notary public (free, call ahead to confirm availability)
- Museum passes (15+ partner institutions)
- Library of Things (yard games, instruments, hotspots, Chromebooks, webcams, iPads)
- Bookmobile service
- Computer & internet access
- Print, copy, fax & scanning (including mobile printing)
- English Conversation Circle
- Readers' Advisory (personalized reading list service)
🎸 Programs
- English Conversation Circle for language learners
- Book clubs and poetry readings for adults
- Chicopee Historical Society partnership programs
- Children's and teen story times and events
- Bookmobile stops throughout Chicopee neighborhoods
📍 Nearby Libraries in the Pioneer Valley
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in CHICOPEE · Browse all Massachusetts libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What museum passes does Chicopee Public Library offer?
The library has museum passes to more than 15 partner institutions. Notable destinations include MASS MoCA in North Adams, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, and Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. Passes can be reserved by calling the Reference Desk at (413) 594-1800 x3. Check the library website for the full current list of participating institutions.
What can I borrow through the Library of Things?
The Library of Things program lets cardholders check out items beyond books and media. Available items include yard games, musical instruments, Chromebooks, iPads, webcams, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Items can be reserved through the catalog at chicopeepubliclibrary.org. Loan periods and any deposit requirements are listed in each item's catalog record.
Does the library offer free notary services?
Yes — Chicopee Public Library provides free notary public service. Because availability depends on staff scheduling, it is recommended to call ahead at (413) 594-1800 to confirm a notary will be on duty before bringing your documents.
What is CWMARS and how does it benefit Chicopee cardholders?
CWMARS (Central/Western Massachusetts Automated Resource Sharing) is a library network that includes more than 150 public and academic libraries across central and western Massachusetts. A Chicopee library card lets you borrow from — and request items from — any CWMARS member library, dramatically expanding the titles and formats available to you. Access the shared catalog at chicopee.cwmars.org.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
📋 This library offers notary services. See what a library notary can do — what to bring, fees and appointments — and find other libraries with a notary notary services by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
🎓 This library offers free English (ESL) or citizenship classes. See how library English classes work — free, usually no card needed, with ESL levels, conversation groups and citizenship prep — and find other libraries with classes free English classes by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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