Nat Larson  to Replace Bob Pam as Jones Library Trustee

Report on the Joint Meeting of the Town Council and Jones Library Trustees, July 15, 2024

The recording for this hybrid meeting can be found here. 

The Jones Library Trustees and Town Councilors selected Nat Larson, a retired investment banker and attorney who serves as Treasurer of the Friends of the Jones Library to replace Jones Trustees Treasurer Bob Pam who moved from the area in June. All six of the trustees and seven of the thirteen councilors voted for Larson over the second candidate Roman Handlin. Handlin was supported by councilors Pat DeAngelis (District 2), Mandi Jo Hanneke (at large), Hala Lord (District 3), Pam Rooney and Jennifer Taub (District 4), and Ellisha Walker (at large). 

Both candidates supported the planned expansion and renovations of the library, Larson vociferously. As the former treasurer of the trustees, Pam had been the only cautionary voice on the trustees, noting that the project had, in his opinion, become financially unfeasible.

In his statement of interest, Larson said he has worked closely with Library Director Sharon Sharry and other staff, as a member of the Friends and “As a result of this experience, I have become increasingly committed to the efforts to bring the expansion and renovation project to fruition.” In addition to his work with the Friends, he has served on the town’s Community Development Block Grant Committee and as treasurer of the Wildwood Cemetery. In his interview, he stated, “I’m interested in serving as a trustee of the Jones Library to support the health, vitality, and future of the Jones, which I think is the institution that’s the heart of our community. Over the last couple years I’ve become more and more committed to the efforts to bring the expansion and renovation project to fruition.”

Handlen admitted in his opening statement that he doesn’t fit the profile of a library trustee because of his youth (he is 27) and the fact that he does not have a college degree, but appealed to the councilors and trustees with his earnest application. In his statement of interest, he said, “Growing up in Western Massachusetts as the child of a low-income single parent, the Jones Library was an accessible space where I was able to access free children’s programs and discover my love of reading. Now as an adult in my late twenties preparing to start my academic career as a working student, the libraries and their vast resources are both a regular and necessary part of my life in Amherst.” 

During the interview, he cited his eight years of experience working with local governments and nonprofits on issues regarding labor, public service, and the arts. He added, “A library is more than a museum for books. It is an important third space for citizens to connect with each other beyond work and school. My library card allows me a place to work and study and hang out. It has also allowed me to get free passes to cultural centers like Mass MOCA.”

In his closing statement, Handlen stated, “I have read Mr. Larson’s statement. I think he is an ideal candidate. I am honored to be considered, and I also plan to be here again in 2026. Also, I am here to show that people my age are invested in this library system and are invested in this town. It is really important that I am here in front of all of you today to show that, not only am I in this library every day, but there are a lot of other people like me who are here and really care about this library.”

There was little discussion among the trustees and councilors prior to the vote. In their remarks, DeAngelis, Taub, Bob Hegner (District 5) and Trustee Eugene Goffredo praised both candidates. Andy Steinberg (at large) cited the need for someone with experience in finance to replace Pam.