AMHERST — A new slate roof for the historic portion of the Jones Library is nearing completion as wood-framed replica windows continue to be installed, part of the ongoing $46.1 million expansion and renovation project.
The library is now in the home stretch of work expected to be completed by next spring at the original 1928 building at 43 Amity St., and these are among recent milestones by general contractor Fontaine Brothers Inc. of Springfield
The work at the site includes construction of a new addition, replacing a previous addition from the 1990s, that will bring the library from 48,000 square feet to 63,000 square feet.
The capital campaign, with an aim of $15.8 million, released updated details of the progress on the building project after providing a $600,000 check to Town Manager Paul Bockelman Aug. 5, following a tour of the building. The payment is a required remittance, spelled out in a memorandum of agreement between the town and the elected trustees for the library. So far, the campaign has turned over $7 million to the town, of its $15.8 million commitment.
The work on the historic part of the Jones is satisfying requirements of what is known as a Section 106 process, which called for minimizing or avoiding adverse effects on the nearly century-old building.
About one month of slate installation remains — a lengthier process than synthetic slate, adding roughly $200,000 to overall costs. The new addition doesn’t have the same requirements of using slate. Instead, that will use TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, roofing. That, too, is getting close to completion.
The Massachusetts Historical Commission also required the windows to be identical to the size and appearance of those in the 1928 building, but with modern, energy-efficient materials.
Progress is being made on the large addition, with almost all of the exterior vapor barriers installed, and all exterior walls now insulated.
Inside this addition, framing of walls is underway and ductwork is starting.
“It is thrilling to see the town come together in support of this library,” Library Director Sharon Sharry said in a statement. “We can’t wait for the doors to open in spring 2027, providing rich programs and services to each and every community member.”
