Open House At The Jones Library On May 1

Source: Jones Library

The Jones Library Outreach Committee invites the public to an open house on May 1, to share ideas about the future of the library.  The event is scheduled from Noon to 2 p.m. at the Jones. Children’s activities will be provided from Noon to 1:00 p.m. 

The Jones provided the following guidelines on the kinds of feedback that they are seeking and on things about the design that can and can’t be changed at this point in the process.

The following are aspects of the new Jones Library that have been set by Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and town requirements, and therefore are included in the current design and cannot be changed:

• The square footage of the existing library and the new additions.
• The height of each floor.
• The general scope of demolition and addition.
• The general design and massing of the 1928 portion of the building.
• The budget for the project.

What are some aspects of the project the public can Influence?

• The general design and massing of the exterior of the additions.
• The sustainability goals of the project.
• The general layout of interior spaces.
• The general scope of conservation and renovation.
• The use of particular interior spaces:
  • e.g., “The Meeting Rooms should be able to accommodate in-person, remote, and hybrid
• meetings.”

• The look and feel of interior spaces:
  • e.g., “The Children’s Activities Room should be filled with color and fun artwork.”
• The amenities provided in particular spaces:
  • e.g., “The Teen Room should have a digital makerspace.”
• The program use of the grounds.
  • e.g., “A giant chess/checker board would be fun.”

Some questions for consideration

• What activities did you used to do at the Jones Library? What would you like to do in the new Jones Library?
• How should the Jones Library “feel” when you are visiting?
• What is the most important space to you and what are your hopes for it?
• What would make you want to come to the Jones Library more? Less?
• What types of events do you hope the Jones Library will host in the future?
• Will you spend more time at the Jones Library in “quiet” or “active” spaces?
• What is your favorite thing about Jones Library? Least favorite?
• What amenities have you seen at other libraries that you would like to see in the Jones Library?
• What would be a zany, fun, or off-the-wall idea for the library?