Jones Expansion and Renovation Will Cost $43 Million

use it, is part of supporting an infrastructure for democracy.”

The vision for greater accessibility includes improved resources for programs like the English Second Language (ESL) & Citizenship Program, which provides tutoring for English and citizenship courses for adult immigrants in the Amherst area; Sarat said the program would have a designated space in the new layout. Improved spaces for teens and kids are also in the works, and Sarat said that environmental sustainability has taken higher priority concerning the renovation in recent years.

With cost estimates going up due to the Covid recession, subsequent inflation, and increased concern for sustainable building, Sarat said the board is hoping to get more federal funding. The need for the expansion has not changed despite increased costs, he said, noting that his recent proposal for the board’s re-endorsement of the expansion was especially important in light of the new cost estimates.

“We wanted everybody to know that the original vision was still the right vision, even though it’s now years later,” he said.

Sarat hopes that Amherst’s student population, though they are “guests” in town, will find the renovated Jones Library as a resource and integral part of the college’s welfare.

“The well-being of the college depends upon the well being of the town, and the well-being of the town depends upon its civic infrastructure,” he said. “And healthy civic infrastructure supports the well-being of a town.”

Julius Tyson ’25, who has volunteered at the Jones Library in the past, is optimistic about the upgrades.

“I think renovation is necessary,” he said, referencing an event space and kids’ area he described as “run-down.”

According to him, the renovations should be largely focused on kids’ and teens’ spaces. “They’re the majority clientele,” he said.

In harmony with Sarat’s view that a well-kept library, town, and college are all mutually beneficial, Tyson remarked that his work at the library helps him feel more connected with the town.

“I appreciate that because of how insular the college can feel,” he said. “Maybe the renovations will bring more students [to the library].”