Dale Peterson: Revised Jones Library plan should proceed

The Jones Library building is cramped, cluttered, and claustrophobic. It is wholly inadequate to accommodate the numerous public services and educational programs that the Jones welcomes. The opponents of the renovation project do not understand or care about the ESL and citizenship training classes. They do not think a public library should be the hub of the community, providing spaces for teenagers and after school and weekend children’s events.

The architects and trustees of the revised Jones project have been responsive to constructive suggestions made in recent public forums. The latest version of the Jones building remains net zero ready while also retaining most of the original 1927 woodwork.

The various steps taken to reduce expenses have not affected the look and feel of the historic structure. In fact, the preservation of original features may make the re-bidding process as costly as before. It is important that town voters and Town Council have approved the construction of an expanded Jones facility.

No one should be satisfied with a repair of the present building. It is bursting at the seams and the structure is inaccessible, even dangerous to navigate. Anything less than an expansion of spatial dimensions will reduce future access to the social groups and diverse clients that make use of Amherst’s most democratic public building. The revised renovation plan should be allowed to proceed to the next phase in which bids are solicited from construction firms.

Dale Peterson

Amherst