Jones Library to Close May 14 to Prepare for Renovations. Celebration of Existing Building on May 10
Aerial schematic of the Jones Library. 1928 building is in White. 1993 addition, slated to be demolished is in red. Upper left in white - The Amherst History Museum//Strong House. Photo: amherstma.gov
With the Town Manager’s signing of the construction contract with Fontaine Brothers of Springfield and the issuance of a permit for the demolition of the 1993 three-story brick addition, the Jones Library is preparing to proceed with its expansion project. Wednesday, May 14 will be the last day of operations at the 43 Amity Street location before the staff begins to pack up the collection to move to leased space at 101 University Drive.
The public is invited to visit the library on Saturday, May 10. Volunteers will be available in the atrium of the 1993 addition from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with information about the project plans, a scavenger hunt, and other activities. The library urges patrons to “Stop by the Jones Library atrium on Saturday, May 10 to celebrate the Jones Library building as it is now and how it will be! “
Library Director Sharon Sharry has described the swing space on University Drive as light-filled and totally handicapped accessible. She said that there is ample parking and it is on a bus route. It is expected that the 19,000 sq. ft. space will hold most of the collection from the 48,000 sq. ft. Jones Library, although part of the adult collection may need to be housed elsewhere. The expanded and renovated library will be 61,000 sq. ft. and take 18 to 24 months to complete.
The estimated total cost of the project is $46.1 million, with the town contributing $15.8 million, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners adding a grant of $15.6 million. The remaining funds are to be raised by the Jones Library trustees. Jones Library trustees Treasurer Nat Larson estimates that the capital campaign will need to raise $8 million in addition to the pledges and grants already committed. He stated that the library could cover any shortfall by borrowing against its endowment.
More details on the demolition and construction will be forthcoming. Preparation work is planned to begin in mid to late June.