Jones Library Reconstruction Nears Completion

After over 10 years of construction, the Jones Library renovation project is nearing completion. According to the library’s website, construction is expected to be finalized in the first quarter of 2027.

Upon completion, the renovation and expansion will restore the original 1928 building, make the library more climate-friendly, expand programming space, and improve accessibility. 

The library celebrated a major milestone on March 6 with a Topping-Off Ceremony. Local residents were invited to sign a steel beam placed in the parking lot across the street from the library. The Jones Library Board of Trustees characterized the event as a chance for the Amherst community to put its mark on history. 

William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Science and Jones Library Board of Trustees member Austin Sarat encouraged “[all residents] to go and sign the beam” in the board’s February meeting. “When this library is renovated, 150 years from now, someone will say, ‘Who are those people that signed the beam?’” he said. 

After two days, the beam was placed on the library’s facade. It was one of the final beams.

Construction of the library has been proceeding at a steady pace. Sarat noted that “the construction goes apace. If you’ve been close to the library, you see that we now have steel rising towards the horizon.” He added that the town sees “everything from trenches that they are digging for electrical service to what they're doing on the roof.”

The renovation project has not been without recent issues. Sarat cited how there had been issues with the steel and design process, but that they were not abnormal for a construction project. At most, they would push the process back a few weeks. 

Funding the remainder of the project remains a priority for the Jones Library. The Capital Campaign, a commitment made by the Jones Library trustees to raise $14.8 million for the project, has secured just over half of its designated portion. With $7 million still needing to be funded, the library has pushed for increased fundraising events. 

In addition to asking for six-figure donations at the Topping-Off Ceremony, Trustee Liaison to the Friends of Jones Library Lee Edwards explained there will be many events in support of the capital campaign. “There are a lot of people doing house parties,” he said. “We’re planning a big event [in the fall].” 

In addition to the Capital Campaign push, the Jones Library previously asked for increased funds from Amherst’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) fund, the result of a state law that allows towns to create designated funds for local projects. The Jones Library previously asked for and received $1 million from the CPA fund in the 2021 Fiscal Year; in the 2026 Fiscal Year, it asked for an additional $470,000. 

Some townspeople and town councilors voiced concerns about the additional CPA funding. Town council member Katie Zobel explained in a March town council meeting that there was some concern that by asking for a second CPA request, the Jones Library was “double-dipping” funds. Zobel also highlighted that some subjects requested in the CPA application were already included in the construction contract for the project. 

Overall, CPA funding received support from town residents. “There was enormous outpouring [of] support for that particular project,” Zobel said. “[There were] well over a hundred comments, written comments, as well as those live, and in person.” 

The Town Council approved the additional $470,000 in CPA funds in a 5-1 ruling. Funds from the CPA can be used after July 1.