The Town of Amherst received two general contractor bids for the Jones Library Renovation and Expansion. The low bid from Fontaine Bros, Inc. is $35,769,000. Considering project expenses to date and contingency costs, this bid places the total project cost approximately $1.6 million under the $46.1 million bond cap approved by Amherst Town Council.

“We are pleased the project will continue to move forward”, said Library Director Sharon Sharry. “I’m grateful for the architects, building committee, and whole team working to see this through.”

“Through many delays, our original vision for a safe, accessible, welcoming, and sustainable library remains relevant and necessary”, Sharry said.

Current plans:

* Eliminate the use of fossil fuels, becoming net zero ready, more efficient and sustainable than the current building, even though the carbon sequestering materials (cross laminate timber or CLT) were removed from plans;

* Create expanded, welcoming, accessible and needed space for everyone to accommodate the multitude of programs for children, teens, and adults;

* Preserve the look and feel of the historic building and open spaces currently unavailable to the public, retaining most of the original 1927 woodwork in place;

* Provide additional, climate-controlled secure archives for valuable special collections including a permanent home for the Civil War tablets; and

* Cost the Town less than basic, urgent repairs (HVAC, fire suppression, roof repairs, accessibility), leveraging state, federal, and private funds.

Combined with other fundraising commitments, including over $4.3 million from the community, the JLCC has secured just under $9.8 million as of October 1, 2024.The JLCC contributions are in addition to the $15.8 million committed by the Town of Amherst and the $13.8 million initial grant from the MA Board of Library Commissioners.

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