Letter: Choose the Responsible Path! Repair and Repurpose the Jones
Jones Library, showing part of the 1993 addition that is slated to be demolished. Photo: Art Keene
The following letter was sent to the Amherst Town Council on May 31, 2024
My name is Barbara Puffer Garnier, living in Precinct One and a resident taxpayer. I grew up a fervent Amherst library user and hold all libraries in high esteem. The Jones Library system has long supplied us all with extensive, high-quality, educational and cultural materials and programs.
However now, after years of following the saga involving the redevelopment/expansion of the current Jones, I have concluded that we need to stop this dogged obstinacy regarding what is feasible. There is a great gap between praiseworthy perseverance and pit bull-like denial. Surging ahead with blinders intact is counter-productive, even wasteful.
In this endeavor, a flexible, adaptive approach stands as the inevitable wisdom.
It is my desire to see the Jones Library building fully repaired but with a plan to reconfigure the available spaces – with the benefit of new high-tech means—keeping in line with budget realities. This importantly implies renouncing the request for an extension from the State.
Both Amherst taxpayers and library users expect and deserve that our leadership make a commitment to take the responsible path. It is the requirement if we citizens are to place our trust in their judgment. We need to get back to meeting the Town’s basic and crucial needs. It’s high time for all to get and to stay real !
Barbara Puffer Garnier
Barbara Puffer Garnier is a resident of Amherst’s District 1