Jones Library Collections Could Be Housed At A Single Location During Renovations

Town Manager Paul Bockelman has indicated new plans to house the Jones Library collections during the demolition/renovation project that, if approved, is expected to begin in Spring 2024 and conclude some time in 2026. While the town had previously planned to distribute the Jones collections across as many as seven sites around town, the latest plan appears to seek a single property to house all of the collections.  Bockelman wrote in his latest Town Manager Report.

“The Town will be seeking bids to rent or lease about 29,000 square feet of interior space for temporary use while the Jones Library is under construction. The property must be located within three miles of the existing Jones Library and be handicap accessible. The property must possess restrooms that can accommodate large numbers of visitors and possess ample parking. The space must be flexible and able to be remodeled by the Town if necessary at the cost of the Town. The property must be available for move in by January 1, 2024 and remain available to the Town until December 1, 2025.”

Bockelman did not indicate who would be making the final decision on the site for the Jones collections or any updated cost estimates. 

Back in March, Will Fernandez of Colliers Project Leaders unveiled plans for distributing library services across seven Amherst locations during the two years that the planned renovation and expansion will be under construction.

Portions of the Jones operation would be moved to Research Park Drive off Old Belchertown Rd., three spaces in the North Amherst Mill District, the former Boys and Girls Club on Cottage St. near the high school, and the two branch libraries — the Monson Memorial Library in South Amherst and the newly renovated North Amherst Library.

The cost of designing, fitting out and renting the interim spaces was estimated to be $552,350. The project has budgeted $150,000 for moving and $500,000 for operating out of the temporary locations for 24 months. Fernandez noted that total cost for the plan exceeds the budget.

To meet the requirements of a $13.8 million grant awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), all Jones Library materials and programs must be made available during the construction period.