On Thursday, June 1, the MA Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) approved additional funds up to $1.69 million for the Jones Library renovation and expansion project. With this increase and additional private fundraising in May, the Jones Library Capital Campaign has now secured commitments of just over $7.5 million. A full 80% of the total project costs are now committed.
"We are grateful to the MBLC for this increase to help close the gap and see our project through. Their support is essential for every library in the Commonwealth." Library Director Sharon Sharry said. Amherst's Jones Library is one of ten library construction projects across the state hit hard by pandemic-related delays and cost escalations. Others include Deerfield and Orange, both in Sen. Comerford's district.
"The Jones Library is an anchor to civic life in downtown Amherst," said Kent W. Faerber, co-chair of the Jones Library Capital Campaign. "As with many efforts to invest in our communities during the pandemic, Sen. Comerford and Rep. Domb deserve credit for working with the MBLC to take this critical step to mitigate the cost escalation. We are grateful for their leadership and for the support of the Healey Administration."
"Thankfully, officials at all levels have seen the value of our beloved library." Referring to over $2.1 million in federal funding secured for the renovation and expansion, Faerber noted, "we've secured funding from sources that weren't even on our radar screen. We have already exceeded our original goal and are over the halfway mark of what we now expect to raise. From lemonade stands to six figure contributions, the Amherst community has committed over $2.3 million in donations for an expanded, welcoming, and climate friendly library."
