By Mary Sayer
February 15, 2022
The North Amherst Library Addition project is moving forward to the next step in the construction process. The town of Amherst has recently posted the bid package on the Massachusetts Central Registry to obtain bids for the construction of the addition. Bids are due March 18th. Library patrons hope a construction company will be appointed quickly and the project can be “shovel ready” by early spring. Right now, the time-line indicates an autumn completion of the physical structure and an opening date in Feb 2023 (according to Sharon Sharry as reported in the Daily Hampshire Gazette.)
A little history:
2018 –Town meeting votes to allocate town funds for a feasibility study for an addition to the North Amherst library that would address accessibility issue and the lack of public toilets.
2019 – Study completed with cost estimates for various scenarios
2019 – North Amherst resident offers to donate funds to cover the cost of an addition to the library including accessibility (lift), toilets, and a community room. (This generous offer means no cost to the town.)
2020 Kuhn-Riddle chosen as architects for the project
2021 Project works its way through town boards and public meetings..
- construction documentation put out to bid.