The Amherst Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to funding $15.8 million to a restoration project for the Jones Library located downtown on Monday. That includes $1 million in Community Preservation Act funding.
After a decade of paused construction, ers of the project are happy the expansion and renovation will be underway. The capital campaign will also soon approach the public for donations to meet the remaining $7 million.
"This is the best path forward and financially responsible,” said Sharon Sharry, the library director. “It's exciting. The fact that fundraising is playing such a large role is pretty cool because it gives more ownership to the people who use the library."
The total project cost remains at $46.1 million, according to the town of Amherst. Ginny Hamilton, the campaign manager for the project, said 87% of the funding is there and is happy the town is investing in this public resource.
"We're in the midst of all that's wrong in our world right now. Our town is investing in a public library, which is a democratic space for everyone. And, I'm glad to be part of that joy that we're bringing,” Hamilton said.
Kent Faeber, co-chair of the capital campaign, said they couldn’t approach donors for the project because it was uncertain until now.
“Prospects would include some grant opportunities as well as some individual donors,” Faeber said. “It's very clear that the people of the town of Amherst want this project, and we have heard from a number of people that they would like to make commitments, some even increasing the commitments they've already made.”
Library officials are asking residents to check the website for updates on services and programming throughout the summer, since changes are occurring rapidly.
