Jay Lithgow is a lifetime Amherst resident and graduate of ARHS. Jay is active on issues including disability rights, human rights, and preventing bullying, assault, and harassment. He spoke with Jones Library Capital Campaign Manager Ginny Hamilton about renovation and expansion plans.
Ginny: How much do you use the Jones Library?
Jay: I have lived in Amherst my whole life. I visited the library as a kid and volunteered here as an adult. I come to programs here and help out when I can.
Ginny: What issues do you see with our current Library building?
Jay: Many of my friends in town have disabilities. Some use sign language. Some use wheelchairs. Everyone uses the library, and the library is for everyone.
The elevators are a problem. The doors and stairs are a problem. The bathrooms are a problem. We need to fix all these issues.
Ginny: What concerns you about construction plans?
Jay: When the library is closed during renovations, we will need to support local businesses, especially our local bookstores. We can’t let them suffer because the Library is closed.
Ginny: What are you looking forward to with the renovation and expansion?
Jay: We need enough space in the rooms – accessible space. Adults need space. So do children and teens. The Woodbury room is most popular for meetings. Groups like Amnesty International hold events and meetings at the Library. We need more spaces like this. All the rooms need to be accessible.
In June 2020, Kuhn Riddle Architects (KRA) documented and described the modifications necessary to make the current Jones Library building fully accessible. KRA updated their cost estimates in August 2024. Both reports are available on the Jones Library Building Project webpage. Scroll down to "Design Process & Building Program".
