- Home
- About Us
- Jones Building Project
- Additional Information
Additional Information about our Building Project
Contents: Presentation to Town Council | Coverage Through Early 2021 | Videos of Library Chats | Why Do We Need to Expand? | State Grants & Timelines | News Coverage | Videos of Earlier Presentations & Forums | Information from Earlier Phases of the Project
Town Council Greenlights Building Project!
After nearly ten years of planning by staff, Trustees and dozens of other volunteers; countless public presentations; numerous iterations in schematic design aided by the Massachusetts Library System and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (including the provisional award of $13.8 million toward its cost); and a protracted and exhaustive analysis of its costs, the Amherst Town Council, on Monday, April 5, 2021, took the historic step of decisively (10-2-1) approving the Library’s renovation/expansion plan by appropriating the Town’s $15.8 million share of the cost. The Council also authorized the Town to enter into an agreement with the Library’s Trustees to supply the remaining $6.6 million of the total cost of the project.
In approving the project, Councilors particularly noted how it will advance the Town’s climate goals with a net zero ready building; make the building accessible to all citizens of the Town; provide safe and workable spaces for all of the Library’s childrens’ programs, including those for teens who have no space of their own; expand computer access for those without computers; provide adequate space for those served by the Library’s ESL program; and revive the Jones as the center of a community that, as proven during the pandemic, craves the kind of civic life that only a library can provide.
By acting now, the Town Council will allow a June 30 distribution of the first $2.7 million from the MBLC grant, allow design development to begin immediately, and construction to begin in mid-2022. Every year’s delay adds approximately $1.6 million in construction escalation costs.
All of us at the Jones look forward to welcoming all Town residents to a library that, once again, meets their needs.
February 22, 2021 — Building Project Presentation to Town Council
NOTE: This video was created by the Jones Library's IT Specialist Hank Allan – Thanks, Hank!
COVERAGE THROUGH EARLY 2021
Town Council Public Fora — Jones Library Expansion & Renovation Project
View recordings of the March 3, 2021 forum and the March 6, 2021 forum.
February 25, 2021 — Town of Amherst Community Chat about the Library Building Project
Library Director Sharon Sharry, Library Trustee Alex Lefebvre, and Capital Campaign Chair Kent Faerber discuss the Jones Library building project with Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Communications Manager Brianna Sunryd.
January 22, 2021 — Fireside Chat with the Jones Library
Library Director Sharon Sharry and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce's John Page discuss our expansion and renovation project and the many roles a library plays in a community, including as an economic driver.
See also:
- Jones Library Project Would Create a Sustainable and Resilient Building by Alex Lefebvre, Trustee and Member of the Sustainability Committee, and Lee Jennings, Chair of the Sustainability Committee (Amherst Bulletin, January 13, 2021)
- Amherst Can't Afford to Reject the Jones Library Renovation/Expansion Project by Lee Edwards, Trustee and Co-Chair of the Development Committee for the Friends of the Jones Library, and Kent W. Faerber, Co-Chair of the Development Committee for the Friends of the Jones Library (December 12, 2020)
- Why It Is Important to Move Forward with the Plan to Renovate and Expand the Jones Library by Trustee President Austin Sarat & Director Sharon Sharry (October 19, 2020)
RECORDED LIBRARY CHATS
January 28, 2021 — The Public Library Construction Grant Program
with special guests Andrea Bunker and Lauren Stara, Library Building Specialists from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC)
January 7, 2021 — The Library's Role in Economic & Social Justice
with special guests Lev Ben-Ezra (Director of the Amherst Survival Center), Judith Roberts (Director of the Literacy Project), and Lynne Weintraub (Jones Library ESL & Citizenship Coordinator)
December 3, 2020 — The Significance of Historic Preservation
with special guests Steve Schreiber (Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture at the UMass Amherst) and Eldra-Dominique Walker (Assistant Professor, M. Design Graduate Program Director at the UMass Amherst)
November 10, 2020 — Library Services during COVID-19
with library staff
October 22, 2020 — Let's talk about historic preservation!
with special guests Jane Wald (Executive Director of the Emily Dickinson Museum), Robin Fordham (from the Amherst Historic Commission and Community Preservation Act Committee), Mike Kelly (Director of the Amherst College Special Collections department), and Cyndi Harbeson (Head of the Jones Library’s Special Collections department)
October 8, 2020 — discussing the latest designs
with special guests Finegold Alexander Architects
September 23, 2020 — discussing the latest designs
with special guests Finegold Alexander Architects
September 3, 2020 — with our Sustainability Committee
August 20, 2020 — The Renaissance of Public Libraries
with special guests Toni Golinsky-Foisy (Library Director in West Springfield), Joe Rodio (Library Director in South Hadley), and Jean Shaughnessy (Library Director in Athol)
August 6, 2020 — The Jones Library’s Accessibility Report
with special guest Aelan Tierney of Kuhn Riddle Architects
Renderings
-
Interior View - Adult Reading Room (PDF)
-
Proposed Front View (PDF)
-
Proposed Rear View (PDF)
-
Proposed Interior View - Level 1 Galleria (PDF)
-
Proposed Interior View - Level 1 Childrens Area (PDF)
-
Proposed Interior View - Level 1 Young Adult Area (PDF)
-
Proposed Interior View - Level 2 Galleria (PDF)
-
Proposed Interior View - Level 2 Adult Collection (PDF)
STATE GRANTS & TIMELINES
In January 2014, the Jones Library applied to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) for a Planning & Design Grant — the first step toward a building renovation and expansion project. In June 2014, the MBLC awarded Amherst a $50,000 grant.We hired Finegold Alexander Architects to deliver a completed set of schematic drawings — as well as a cost estimate — for a renovated and expanded library building by October 2016. We submitted an application for an MBLC Construction Grant in January 2017 and created a detailed Project Timeline (PDF) and an outline of Key Milestones for our Building Project (PDF) shortly thereafter.
On July 13, 2017, we learned that 9 libraries were awarded a construction grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners for FY2018, and 24 libraries were placed on the wait list. The Jones Library was 9th on the wait list. (See the MBLC’s Press Release for more information.) This was excellent news for Amherst as it gave us plenty of time to work with the community to determine its design priorities.
In July 2019, we moved up to 2nd on the wait list for a construction grant. We expect the state to award us the grant in the summer of 2021!
NEWS COVERAGE
- Some spar over Jones Library project borrowing by Scott Merzbach (November 26, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst leaders looks to raise cap for Jones Library borrowing by $10M by Scott Merzbach (November 14, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst College makes $1.3M promise to region for Jones Library, hospital emergency department and the Drake venue by Scott Merzbach (November 1, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Historical Commission OKs changes to original Jones Library building by Scott Merzbach (October 24, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- John Lithgow speaks at Johnson Chapel Jones Library fundraiser by Dylan Vrins (October 4, 2023) (AmherstStudent.com)
- Actor John Lithgow to speak at Amherst College on Saturday in fundraiser for Jones Library by Scott Merzbach (September 27, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Historical Commission OKs demolition of Jones Library addition by Scott Merzbach (September 19, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst in hunt for site to house Jones Library during expansion project by Scott Merzbach (September 13, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- A $2M relief for Jones Library project in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (June 16, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- A downtown cornerstone: McGovern visit highlights Jones Library's place in thriving Amherst center by Scott Merzbach (May 4, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library in Amherst receives $2M for renovations by Kate Wilkinson & Emma McCorkindale (May 3, 2023) (WWLP.com)
- Major grants boost Jones Library humanities center, Five Colleges’ museum database by Scott Merzbach (April 21, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library in Amherst outlines temporary digs during construction of addition, renovation by Scott Merzbach (March 19, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones trustees reiterate commitment to Amherst library expansion by Scott Merzbach (March 19, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library panel planning all-gender bathroom by Scott Merzbach (January 11, 2023) (Gazettenet.com)
- Feds come through with $1 million for Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (December 30, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Expanded Jones Library design receives unanimous support in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (December 25, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst council asks state to allocate some of its ARPA money for Jones, other library projects by Scott Merzbach (October 10, 2022) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Council to consider appealing to state for more money for Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (October 3, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Council may ask state for ARPA funds to to increase grant for Jones Library project by Jim Russell (September 29, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst council commits to library project through bid stage by Scott Merzbach (September 20, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Council puts Jones Library funding decision on hold by Jim Russell (September 20, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst council to discuss agreement that would move Jones project to construction bid phase by Scott Merzbach (September 18, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Council could pull plug on Jones Library expansion by Jim Russell (September 13, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Jones trustees back off reliance on endowment for library project by Scott Merzbach (September 13, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst officials concerned over cost spike for Jones Library renovation by Jim Russell (September 8, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst finance panel taking hard look at Jones project funding by Scott Merzbach (September 6, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library ESL center getting state design money as expansion project backers press on by Scott Merzbach (September 5, 2022) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Jones Library capital campaign rakes in money, but soaring costs loom by Scott Merzbach (August 31, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Area libraries seek lifeline from state as project costs escalate by Chris Larabee (August 29, 2022) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Jones trustees vote to use endowment to keep $43M renovation project afloat by Scott Merzbach (August 23, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Rising Jones Library renovation costs alarm Amherst trustee by Jim Russell (August 23, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Guest columnists Kent Faerber and Lee Edwards: In Amherst, here we go again (August 21, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst officials grapple with soaring Jones Library project costs by Scott Merzbach (August 19, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst’s Jones Library new $48.9 million construction cost estimate presents ‘real problem’ by Jim Russell (August 18, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst Jones Library $36.3 million renovation confronts skyrocketing construction costs by Jim Russell (August 12, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Inflation pushes price tag for Amherst’s Jones Library project up by $11.6 million by Scott Merzbach (August 11, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Friends of Jones Library in Amherst raise $500K toward expansion by Jim Russell (June 27, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- $200K state grant boosts Amherst’s Jones Library project capital campaign by Scott Merzbach (May 26, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Historical Commission OKs relocation of Jones Library’s memorial garden in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (May 24, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Building committee votes to keep Jones Library designs green in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (May 15, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Major donors to Jones in line for naming rights by Scott Merzbach (May 2, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Historical review panels next hurdle for Amherst’s Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (April 20, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Parts of Jones Library’s Kinsey Memorial Garden moving to Kestrel HQ by Scott Merzbach (February 28, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Residents of Amherst needed to oversee Jones Library and elementary projects by Ashley Shook & Jillian Andrews (January 25, 2022) (WWLP.com)
- Historic structure report makes recommendations for Jones Library by Scott Merzbach (January 23, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Judge rules Amherst Jones Library votes were proper by Jim Russell (January 19, 2022) (Masslive.com)
- Court ruling clears path for $36.3M Jones Library project in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (January 13, 2022) (Gazettenet.com)
- Voters back Jones Library project in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (November 2, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst voters give green light to borrowing $36.3M for Jones Library renovation and expansion by Jim Russell (November 2, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Judge denies Jones Library project foes’ motion by Scott Merzbach (November 1, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Simple majority of Amherst voters to decide Jones Library referendum, judge says by Jim Russell (November 1, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Guest columnist Robert Pam: Why I support the library expansion (October 28, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Jones Library project foes ask judge to require supermajority for approval by Scott Merzbach (October 28, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Battle over borrowing $36.3M for Jones Library project remains hot by Jim Russell (October 28, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Debate on Jones Library referendum question set by Jim Russell (October 21, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst town councilors make their case for Jones Library project (October 7, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Guest columnist Austin Sarat: Why it is smart to vote yes for the Jones Library building project (September 23, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Jones Library trustees push for yes vote on $36.6M library project by Scott Merzbach (September 21, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library Trustees urge Amherst residents to support borrowing $36.3M for expansion and renovation; citizens group opposed says ‘vote no’ by Jim Russell (September 20, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- New committee forms to oppose Jones Library project in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (September 2, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Guest columnist Kent Faerber and Jan Klausner-Wise: Why Amherst needs the Jones Library project ASAP (August 27, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Judge nixes review of signatures in Jones Library case by Scott Merzbach (August 20, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Manager appoints seven to Jones Library Building Committee, subject to Council approval by Jim Russell (August 20, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- With Jones Library petition on Amherst November election ballot, nothing left to litigate, case closed, judge rules by Jim Russell (August 19, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Advocates for Jones Library begin campaign on convincing Amherst residents to support referendum to borrow $36.3M by Jim Russell (August 9, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst council approves townwide vote on Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (August 9, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Jones library petition tug of war in Amherst: legal battle carries on by Jim Russell (August 6, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Allowing vote on Jones Library project won’t stop Amherst petition lawsuit by Scott Merzbach (August 4, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst council approves townwide vote on Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (August 3, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Why Amherst needs the Jones Library project ASAP by Kent W. Faerber and Jan Klausner-Wise (August 2, 2021) (theamherstcurrent.org)
- Amherst Town Council votes to put $36.3M Jones Library project on Nov. 2 ballot by Jim Russell (August 2, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Referendum for Jones Library project on Amherst Town Council agenda by Scott Merzbach (August 1, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Judge sets hearing date for Jones Library referendum fight by Jim Russell (July 23, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Court to examine voter signatures in Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (July 21, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Court asked again to intervene on Jones Library referendum by Jim Russell (July 19, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Judge poised to review Jones Library petition signatures by Scott Merzbach (July 16, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Attorney asks Amherst registrars to side with residents in petition effort by Scott Merzbach (June 1, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst residents file complaint with SJC over Jones Library by Jim Russell (May 25, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst petitioners seek SJC relief in Jones Library case by Scott Merzbach (May 24, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst registrars meeting again over complaint about Jones Library petition by Scott Merzbach (May 11, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst registrars won’t review signatures on library petition by Scott Merzbach (May 10, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library project foes: Petition decision violated Open Meeting Law by Scott Merzbach (May 6, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Registrars to review affidavits Friday in Jones Library case by Scott Merzbach (May 4, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst to forge ahead on Jones Library project in wake of court decision by Scott Merzbach (May 2, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Judge rejects plea to extend Jones Library project petition by Scott Merzbach (May 1, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Judge hears arguments in Jones Library case by Scott Merzbach (April 28, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Judge weighs petitioners request for town-wide vote on $36M Amherst library project by Jim Russell (April 28, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Petitioners ask Amherst Board of Registrars to examine disqualified signatures for Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (April 27, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst town officials say Jones Library petition short on signatures by Scott Merzbach (April 22, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library voter veto petition reaches Amherst town clerk’s office by Scott Merzbach (April 21, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Judge sets hearing on petition challenging Amherst Jones Library renovation by Jim Russell (April 20, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Petitioners ask court to step in on push for Jones Library revote by Scott Merzbach and Greta Jochem (April 18, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Letter: The costs of delaying the library project in Amherst by Austin Sarat (April 16, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst veto petition drive set opposing Town Council's approval of borrowing $36M toward Jones Library project by Jim Russell (April 13, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- ‘Voter veto’ maneuver launched to challenge Jones Library approval by Scott Merzbach (April 9, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Council approves $36.3M Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (April 6, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst approves $36M Jones Library renovation by Jim Russell (April 6, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Public comments favor Jones Library expansion as Amherst Town Council approves project by Scott Merzbach (April 5, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Council to consider borrowing $36M to renovate and expand Jones Library by Jim Russell (April 1, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- With vote Monday, Jones Library project in Town Council’s hands by Scott Merzbach (March 31, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Town administration estimates four Amherst building projects to cost $151.3M by Jim Russell (February 19, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- $90.8M plan presented for 4 potential building projects in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (February 18, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Guest columnist Elisa Campbell: Jones Library does not meet the needs of current residents (January 21, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Guest columnists Alex Lefebvre and Lee Jennings: Jones Library project would create a sustainable and resilient building (January 13, 2021) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Amherst councilors seek financial details on Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (January 7, 2021) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Council eyes public forum with Jones Library Trustees on expansion, renovation proposal by Jim Russell (January 4, 2021) (Masslive.com)
- Letter: Jones Library work is needed by Tamson Ely (December 28, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst council gets go-ahead to use $1M in CPA funds on Jones Library work by Scott Merzbach (December 5, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Opinion: Former Special Collections curator weighs in on Jones Library's history by Daniel Lombardo (November 30, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Opinion: Amherst should be bold and build library for all by Alex Kent (November 27, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Opinion: Urging Amherst Town Council to vote for Jones Library renovation by Nancy Campbell and Marian Walker, Co-Presidents, Friends of the Jones Libraries (November 26, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Latest round of CPA requests total $2.43 million in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (October 29, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Austin Sarat and Sharon Sharry: Amherst deserves a better Jones Library (October 22, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library Trustees hoping for springtime approval by Amherst Town Council on financing building renovation, expansion by Jim Russell (October 21, 2020) (Masslive.com)
- Jones Library renovation costs pegged at $14.4 to $16.8 million by Scott Merzbach (July 14, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Commentary – Jane and David Lithgow: Tour opens eyes about what Jones does for community (February 19, 2020) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Jones Library trustees solicit estimate for essential work only by Scott Merzbach (February 11, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Best green practices explored for Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (January 26, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst funds sought to safeguard Jones Library’s special collections by Scott Merzbach (January 18, 2020) (Gazettenet.com)
- Expansion, renovation costs for Jones Library in Amherst pegged at $35.6M by Jim Russell (December 20, 2019) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst residents stress values in first session on major projects by Scott Merzbach (December 3, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst libraries report highlights accomplishments, building problems by Jim Russell (December 2, 2019) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst readies for public forums on town building projects by Scott Merzbach (November 25, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- Increase in reserves put Amherst in ‘favorable’ position to borrow for building projects by Jim Russell (November 20, 2019) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst to hold listening sessions for building projects by Scott Merzbach (November 12, 2019) (Recorder.com)
- Jones Library trustees seek more info. on costs of renovation without state support by Scott Merzbach (November 7, 2019) (Recorder.com)
- Amherst Council ‘committed to a plan’ for 4 municipal building projects by Jim Russell (October 23, 2019) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst Council commits to major building projects by Scott Merzbach (October 22, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustees seek more info. on costs of renovation without state support by Scott Merzbach (September 19, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustees to keep expansion in public eye by Scott Merzbach (August 19, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- Moving on up: $35.6 million Jones Library project now second on statewide waiting list by Scott Merzbach (August 5, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library to revise building plans, stay with Boston architects by Scott Merzbach (July 19, 2019) (Gazettenet.com)
- New designs for Jones Library project in the works by Scott Merzbach (December 19, 2018) (Gazettenet.com)
- Push on for ‘zero-energy’ bylaw, one of 4 petitions for Amherst TM by Scott Merzbach (September 26, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones director: Library project full steam ahead by Scott Merzbach (August 2, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Letter: State supports Jones Library project by Tamson Ely (July 30, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Editorial: Hadley, Amherst face choices on library projects by Daily Hampshire Gazette (July 27, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Hadley library project moves ahead, Amherst must wait by Scott Merzbach (July 13, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- 'Happy to wait our turn,' Jones Library director says after expansion project put on state funding wait list by Diane Lederman (July 13, 2017) (Masslive.com)
- Trustees to seek more input on Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (July 10, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Editorial: Consensus needed on Jones Library project in Amherst by Amherst Bulletin (May 18, 2017) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Amherst TM narrowly gives $36M library project go-ahead by Scott Merzbach (May 10, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library costs likely underestimated by Scott Merzbach (May 5, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Town Meeting to weigh library expansion proposal by Diane Lederman (May 5, 2017) (Masslive.com)
- Jones Library Expansion Debate by Let's Be Reasonable (podcast) (May 5, 2017) (letsbereasonable.libsyn.com)
- Report pegs Jones Library renovation costs at $8M by Scott Merzbach (May 4, 2017) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Amherst Select Board backs Jones expansion, urges TM to advance library project by Scott Merzbach (April 25, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Garden Committee created at Jones Library in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (April 18, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Former board president files Open Meeting Law complaint against Jones Library trustees by Scott Merzbach (March 21, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- New group touts Jones Library expansion, renovation project in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (March 7, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Editorial: Jones Library project needs careful study by Daily Hampshire Gazette (March 2, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustees in Amherst to make expansion pitch at spring TM, unveil report detailing repairs if project rejected by Scott Merzbach (February 15, 2017) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library expansion plan on track, will head to state this month by Scott Merzbach (January 12, 2017) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Group says Jones Library is an endangered resource by Scott Merzbach (August 18, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Plan for Jones Library in Amherst gets mixed reviews by Scott Merzbach (July 28, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustee resigns, cites frustration with 'obstructionists' by Diane Lederman (July 20, 2016) (Masslive.com)
- Jones Library trustee formally resigns by Scott Merzbach (July 18, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustee to quit over project backlash by Scott Merzbach (July 15, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Commentary: Jones Library must evolve with times by Robert Pam (June 30, 2016) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Program needs driving expansion, Jones Library staff say by Scott Merzbach (June 28, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Tuesday meeting for Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (June 24, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Editorial: Rethinking basics of Jones Library project by Daily Hampshire Gazette (June 11, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- What's next for Jones? by Scott Merzbach (June 4, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library might be able to buy portion of Amherst Historical Society land without zone change by Diane Lederman (May 27, 2016) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst Town Meeting backs library garden by Scott Merzbach (May 24, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Letter: Without expansion, Jones is inadequate by Matthew Blumenfeld (May 23, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library project returns to Amherst Town Meeting – this time via controversial garden proposal by Diane Lederman (May 23, 2016) (Masslive.com)
- Jones Library project will continue even with Amherst Town Meeting zoning change opposition by Diane Lederman (May 18, 2016) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst TM nixes rezoning for Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (May 17, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library expansion project drawing opponents; Town Meeting considers zone change by Diane Lederman (May 16, 2016) (Masslive.com)
- Questions voiced about Jones Library project by Scott Merzbach (May 10, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library project update Tuesday by Scott Merzbach (May 6, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- MBLC authorizes library construction grant round (May 5, 2016) (MBLC Newsroom)
- Jones Library director responds to concerns about expansion by Scott Merzbach (May 3, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Group raises concerns about library project by Scott Merzbach (April 20, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library garden article opposed by Scott Merzbach (April 12, 2016) (AmherstBulletin.com)
- Concern aired over preserving entire garden at Jones Library by Scott Merzbach (March 31, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Museum zoning change eyed in Amherst by Scott Merzbach (March 25, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst library trustees approve agreement by Scott Merzbach (March 11, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library negotiates with Amherst Historical Society over acquiring land for expansion by Scott Merzbach (February 11, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library and Strong House museum in Amherst near agreement on expansion project by Scott Merzbach (February 5, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library hires Finegold Alexander Architects of Boston to design up to $40 million expansion by Scott Merzbach (January 7, 2016) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustees expect to hire architect in January for expansion by Scott Merzbach (November 10, 2015) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library hires consultant to oversee design of expansion, renovations by Scott Merzbach (October 1, 2015) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library trustees approve document to guide architect in potential expansion project by Scott Merzbach (July 2, 2015) (Gazettenet.com)
- Amherst Civil War tablets could have new home — just might take few more years by Diane Lederman (May 20, 2015) (Masslive.com)
- Jones Library director: Proposed renovation and expansion wouldn't harm garden, historic elements of building by Scott Merzbach (May 18, 2015) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library expansion would retain building's homey feel, not pave over green space by Diane Lederman (May 18, 2015) (Masslive.com)
- Libraries in Amherst and Hadley win $50,000 state grants to plan improvements by Scott Merzbach (June 5, 2014) (Gazettenet.com)
- Jones Library applying for state library grant for feasibility study with goal of doubling in size by Diane Lederman (April 3, 2014) (Masslive.com)
- Amherst's Jones Library director seeks planning grant for renovations by Scott Merzbach (September 24, 2013) (No longer available on Gazettenet.com)
Design Subcommittee Meeting (July 19, 2016)
Building Forum (June 28, 2016)
Building Forum (May 10, 2016)
Video of Presentations to Town Boards & Committees
- Finance Committee Meeting (April 21, 2016)
- Select Board Meeting (April 19, 2016)
- Planning Board Meeting (April 13, 2016)
- Town Meeting Coordinating Committee (April 12, 2016)
- Select Board Meeting (April 11, 2016) (starts at 1:56:40)
- Finance Committee Meeting (March 31, 2016) (from beginning)
- Planning Board Meeting (March 16, 2016) (starts at 3:29)
Planning & Design Reports
- Final Monthly Report 2016-10 - Part 1 (PDF)
- Final Monthly Report 2016-10 - Part 2 (PDF)
- Final Monthly Report 2016-10 - Part 3 (PDF)
- Final Monthly Report 2016-10 - Part 4 (PDF)
- Final Monthly Report 2016-10 - Part 5 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-09 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-08 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-07 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-06 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-05 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-04 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-03 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-02 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2016-01 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-12 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-11 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-10 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-09 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-08 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-07 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-06 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-05 (PDF)
- Monthly Report 2015-04 (PDF)
Draft Designs
Our architects have created initial design drafts. These are by no means final drawings! Click the diagrams below to open up a larger PDF version of these designs. Additional information can be found in the Jones Library Building Program (Revised July 12, 2016) (PDF).Update: These initial designs have been revised. Please see the most recent presentations by Finegold Alexander Architects (under Related Documents), which include updated designs.
Massing Models
To help people visualize the project, our architects have created two "massing models." These are by no means final drawings! These illustrations show the relationship of the building on its surroundings. (Click the diagrams below to open up a larger PDF version of these models.)
- Option one shows no re-zoning, and no sale of land. Thus the Library would expand onto its property only.
- Option two shows successful re-zoning, and a Library expansion closer to the Strong House, making collaborations easier, such as the sharing of artifacts and documents.
- The third drawing shows the elevations. Whether we expand onto only our property, or use a small portion of the Historical Society’s property, we plan to go no higher than three stories.
Letters of Support
-
Many thanks to the following organizations and groups for their support of our project:
• Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce (PDF letter; March 29, 2021)
• Amherst Historical Society (PDF letter)
• Friends of the Library (PDF letter)
• Burnett Gallery Committee (PDF letter; September 14, 2021)
• Literacy Project (PDF letter)
• Amherst's institutional librarians (Amherst College, Hampshire College, and UMass Amherst; PDF letter)
• Amherst's public school librarians (PDF letter)
• our ESL students (PDF letter)
Your Comments
-
Help us brainstorm the future of the Jones Library! What do you like about the Library? What would you change?
Submit your comments & ideas!