It is important that information shared about the Jones Library renovation and expansion is factual. Opponents are welcome to express their opinion that Amherst does not need to renovate and expand our library. However, misinformation about the project needs to be refuted.

■ Proposed “value engineering” changes do not eliminate all historic elements from the library. The vast majority of the original woodwork in the 1927 building will still be retained. Some will be removed when walls are taken out for accessibility and program needs. Other wonderful historic spaces will be open to the public for the first time in 30 years. This has been the plan all along.

■ The state’s decision to deny the library’s request for historic tax credit funding was based on accessibility and program space requirements by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to make our library fully functional for the modern era.

■ Building plans still eliminate the use of fossil fuels and remain net-zero ready. Removing the skylight from the addition provides even more space than originally planned to add solar panels later.

I encourage interested readers to explore the facts as presented by Finegold Alexander Architects to the Amherst Planning Board on July 31. FAA’s presentation summarizing the proposed changes along with architectural details is available on the Library website at joneslibrary.org/buildingproject.

Nancy Campbell

Vice president Friends of the Jones Libraries, Amherst