Thank you, Austin Sarat and Sharon Sharry, for your leadership and concise, accurate and rational guest column “Why Jones expansion remains best option” [Gazette, June 15]. And thank you to the professional staff and the many volunteers who have conducted an incredibly successful fundraising campaign to date.

In response to the guest column “Jones Library cuts will come at high cost,” [Gazete, June 11] the cost savings will still produce a net zero ready and fully electric facility, eliminating the use of fossil fuels (solar panels were never part of the bid); create a more efficient and sustainable building, even if carbon sequestering materials (cross laminate timber or CLT) are beyond the budget; protect the historic collections with additional, climate controlled special collections storage and exhibit space; and preserve the look and feel of the historic building, even if the cost of asbestos abatement prevents reinstalling all the 1927 woodwork.

The library trustees are keeping their promise regarding funding and the Town Council is keeping theirs with a contribution not to exceed $15.8 million. In both cases they are doing exactly what Amherst voters approved.

The same day as the Sarat/Sharry column, a letter asked, “Library or second Bangs Community Center?” I feel strongly that Amherst needs a viable 21st century senior center. I’ve taken my 99-year-old mother to the senior center on numerous occasions. The facility is out of date, and I believe as a result does not or cannot provide the programming that seniors in our community so desperately need. That’s not unlike the situation with our present library.

What I don’t understand is why this must be an either-or proposition. There is more than ample rental space available on University Drive. Wouldn’t renting space be a reasonable and much cheaper option for the town while it moves ahead with its commitment to the library?

The school project is moving forward, as it should, and so should the library project — both important educational initiatives.

Martin Miller

Amherst