Source: The Jones Library Capital Campaign

The Jones Library’s long-awaited building renovation is about to begin. Wednesday will be the last day that the Jones Library will be open to the public to allow time to pack and move the collections before construction begins. 

Farewell Celebration

The Friends of the Jones Libraries will be hosting a variety of farewell activities on Saturday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm in the Jones Library Atrium. Activities will include guided and self-guided tours, a scavenger hunt of historic building details, and a selfie station.

“We hope people will come snap a photo of themselves in their favorite nook, stairwell, or section,” shared Library Director Sharon Sharry. “This community loves this library. This week is our chance to say farewell for now.”

Ahead of the temporary closure, patrons are encouraged to check out books and bring boxes or tote bags with them. Return dates will be extended automatically to July 31. “Every book you bring home is one we don’t have to pack,” Sharry said.

The Library will be open regular hours through Wednesday. Regular hours are Friday, Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday 9:00 am–5:15 pm, Sunday 1:00–5:15 pm, and Tuesday 9:00 am–8:15 pm.

Temporary Location

101 University Drive will serve as the Library’s temporary location for the duration of construction, which is expected to take 18 months. Portions of the adult collection will be housed at Munson Memorial Library. The rest of the circulating collections will be intact at the temporary location.

Library officials are asking residents to check its website regularly for updates on services, programs, and location details.

Renovation and Expansion Plans

Renovation and expansion planning has been underway for over a decade. In April 2024, the project received only one bid that was significantly above budget. With value engineering changes and a competitive bidding process last fall, the $46.1 million project is now ready to proceed. As of May 1,, over $40 million, or 87% of total project costs, have been secured from all sources.

When complete, the renovation and expansion will make the Jones Library one of the most climate-friendly buildings in Amherst, restoring most of the original 1928 building, expanding programming space to meet current and emerging needs for all ages and multiple populations, while improving the layout to be fully accessible, functional, and welcoming for everyone.