Building and Campaign Update - May 2026

The renovation and expansion of the historic Jones Library building in the center of downtown is advancing steadily. On the garden level, the underground work has been completed and the next steps will be creating the vapor barrier and concrete floor. All roof decks on the new build portion have been completed, as well as all concrete on the third and second floors. Exterior framing around the new portion is nearly complete.

Preparation for HVAC systems has begun, and the roof will have a sound slab that prevents the sounds from the HVAC system from entering into the building. The projected re-opening time for the library is spring 2027, provided the remainder of the project continues as smoothly as it has thus far!

Kent Faerber and Lisa DeGrace of the Jones Library Capital Campaign address a group of visitors inside the front entryway of the building in April 2026.

Historic woodwork and staircases are preserved during construction. (April 2026)

Generous supporters have brought us closer to our fundraising goal for the project, with donations at all levels. As of May 1, 2026, the Capital Campaign has raised $9,076,025 of its total $15,822,518 goal.

Community members are invited to:

  • View the library’s Construction Diaries videos on Youtube, featuring library staff chatting about their departments and specialties inside the under-construction building
  • Keep up with building project news at the Jones Library Capital Campaign blog
  • Check out the floor plans of the future library building, including the renovated and preserved historic spaces, and the new-build portion of the library
  • Support the Capital Campaign by making a gift or getting involved!

While the Jones is under construction, its temporary space at 101 University Drive is still bustling, along with Amherst’s beautiful branch libraries: the South Amherst Munson Memorial Library and the North Amherst Library. Come visit us!

Architectural renderings of the new-build portion of the Children’s Department and Teen Lounge/Study Area. The renovated and preserved historic portions of the Children’s Department lie just behind the new space.
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