Library Governance

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, September 11, 2025, at 6:30pm.

• PLAE Bylaws 
• PLAE Governance Handbook
• PLAE Financial Statements
• PLAE Minutes and Meeting Related Documents

The members of the Board of Directors are:

Lori Ingraham – President
Sean Bates
Barb Chalfonte – Vice President
Dave Ingraham
Mike Kelly
Sarah King
Sarah Beth Aspen McAlpine
Alyssa Pratt
Emma Sass – Clerk
Joanne Schmidt
Daniel Schultheis – Treasurer
Steven Stover

The Committees of the Board of Directors are:

Executive Committee (standing committee)
The Executive Committee consists of individuals serving in the four officer positions.
The Executive Committee can act on behalf of the Board between Board Meetings, if an issue arises that requires immediate attention.

Finance Committee (standing committee)
The Finance Committee shall have full control of all funds and investments of the PLAE
with authority to buy, sell, exchange, or take any other action necessary or deemed
advisable thereof. The Executive Committee Members are vested with the authority to
sign papers necessary to affect any sale or exchange which have been voted on by the
Finance Committee. Any amount over $10,000 must be approved by the full Board of
Directors.

Peter Albero
Lori Ingraham
Daniel Schultheis (Chair)
Barb Chalfonte
Chuck McCullagh

Governance Committee (standing committee)
The Governance Committee will present a slate to be voted upon at the annual meeting
of the Board of Directors. Once voted on, the Governance Committee will onboard new
members. The Committee is charged with a review of the by-laws and the PLAE
handbook.

Joanne Schmidt (Chair)
Lori Ingraham
Sarah King
Joan Kurtz
Emma Sass
Steven Stover
Sean Bates

Fundraising & Events:
Joanne Schmidt 
Barb Chalfonte
Tish Grier
Dave Ingraham
Mike Kelly
Sarah King
Peggy Loyd
Sarah Beth Aspen McAlpine (Co-Chair)
Marge Prendergast (Co-Chair)
Todd Snider
Steven Stover
Chuck McCullagh

Building Committee (Ad Hoc committee)
The Building Committee supports the director in the management of the library’s
facilities. Additionally, when there is a renovation or construction project, the building committee is responsible for the oversight of the successful completion of the work.

Dave Ingraham (Chair)
Lori Ingraham
Sarah Beth Aspen McAlpine
Chuck McCullagh
Eric Poulin
Julie Blum
Elizabeth Appelquist

Museum Committee (Ad Hoc committee)
The Museum Committee supports the Emily Williston Museum & Archives in its mission to catalogue, preserve, and interpret materials of historical and cultural significance to Easthampton.

Sean Bates (Chair)
Mike Kelly
Elizabeth Appelquist
Sarah King
Steven Stover
Alyssa Pratt
Lois Pareint
Susan Boss

Technology Committee (Ad Hoc committee)
The Technology Committee will advise the Library Director, provide oversight, guidance,
and recommendations to enhance and optimize technological resources.

Alyssa Pratt