As a resident of Amherst, I urge the Town Council to vote in favor of the $10 million increase in the borrowing cap for the Jones Library project, and not delay this authorization.

Raising the borrowing cap will not increase the town’s $15.8 million commitment. Given how far the project has advanced, including the capital campaign, now is not the time to turn back. The renovated and expanded Jones Library will do much to enhance the town for all residents. Further, turning back from the project now does not make fiscal sense, as the cost of necessary repairs to the building should the renovation be halted exceeds by at least $4 million the amount the town has committed for the renovated and expanded Jones Library.

Now is the time to support the work of the Jones trustees and the leaders of the capital campaign so that Amherst can move forward to have an environmentally sound library that restores much of the original 1928 building while expanding in ways that will enable the Jones Library to better serve all residents.

Anne Herrington

Amherst