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Date: 9/19/2023
AMHERST — In furtherance of their renovation and improvement campaign, the Jones Library will present, An Evening with John Lithgow: In Support of Libraries, the Humanities and Democracy in General on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Johnson Chapel at Amherst College.
Lithgow, who attended Harvard University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts has an extensive list of stage, film and television credits. He is the recipient of two Tony Awards, six Emmy Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards, he has been nominated twice in Academy Award categories.
In 2019, Lithgow was elected to the American Philosophical Society.
The actor, author and visual artist has been taking part in speaking and lecture engagements around the country and his expected topic of discussion in this upcoming appearance will be libraries and democracy in general.
“We’re excited that it’s [Lithgow’s appearance] going to happen,” said Ginny Hamilton, Jones Library Capital Campaign manager.
“Our intent is to raise the visibility of the library, the importance of the library to the region and the importance of libraries as a part of a democratic society,” she said.
Hamilton said having the actor, who has ties to the area, come to Amherst will serve as a reminder of the importance of the Jones and all libraries as well as the benefits they offer.
“Bringing that in a larger context, the role of libraries in the community by having a celebrity like John Lithgow come, our intent is to attract attention to the project from beyond just the borders of Amherst,” she said.
The event is sponsored by UMassFive College Federal Credit Union and the Jones Library Capital Campaign is beneficiary of all donations received in their continued efforts to renovate and expand the Amity Street building.
“We are at 85% of our fundraising target,” Hamilton said.
The library campaign received a challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities earlier in the year.
“So, the net proceeds from this event also help match that challenge grant from the NEH,” she said.
While the event is free to attend, Hamilton said they are asking people to donate to the campaign.
More information including how to register can be found at www.joneslibrary.org.