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Date: 11/7/2023
AMHERST — Adding to a $100,000 bestowment the institution made last year, Amherst College is now giving a $1 million gift to the Jones Library Building Project.
In an Oct. 31 announcement, the college made public its intention to award the $1 million, the largest contribution from a private source.
“This gift comes at a crucial time in our efforts to renovate and expand the Jones Library and affirms the efforts of everyone working to make this project happen,” said Sharon Sharry, director of the Jones Library. “This gift is a wonderful demonstration of the college’s commitment to the town and helps ensure the Jones Library will continue to serve as the heart and hub of Amherst for decades to come.”
According to the campaign, joined with other fundraising commitments, including over $3.7 million from the community, the Jones Library Capital Campaign has secured over $9.1 million for the renovation and expansion to date. These are in addition to the initial $13.8 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and $15.8 million committed by the town of Amherst in 2021. Current commitments from all sources represent 88% of funds needed for the project.
Jones Library Capital Campaign Co-Chair Kent W. Faerber said, “We are deeply grateful to the college for joining its neighbors in supporting this critical project so enthusiastically. This is yet one more confirmation of the value of both the Jones Library, generally, and the proposed project to our shared community.”
Sharry also made known that the donation also counts toward a $1 million National Endowment for the Humanities challenge grant the library received in May and unlocks additional funds for the renovation and expansion.
Calling the town, “our home and a vital part of the fabric of the college,” Amherst College President Michael A. Elliott said. “The town’s vibrant culture is an important part of the package that attracts talented people to our campus — and we are committed to continuing to invest in our shared future as neighbors.”
The campaign is estimated to cost close to $44 million by its expected completion in 2025.
“We are lucky to count the college among our town’s leading citizens.” Faeber said.