Innovations in Amherst

We LOVE being based in Amherst, MA. It’s home to three colleges, countless incredible restaurants and bars, two local libraries, a community center, a coworking space, an indie cinema, amazing artists and musicians, and more! 

Today, we’ll be highlighting some of the innovations we’re excited to see in town!

1. The Jones Library expansion and renovation project

Let’s be real--local libraries have it hard these days. They’re a totally underappreciated but essential part of the community. The Jones enriches the Amherst community, offering children’s programming, adult groups, curated book selections, support for teens, brilliant reference librarians, an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful historic building, and more. One of the coolest things about libraries in the digital age is that they’re one of the last public places where you can go and just hang out, without being expected to spend a single cent!

But the Jones Library is in urgent need of repairs and expansion, which is estimated to cost over $35 million. Enter innovation! The Jones Library decided to get creative, and they’ll be combining funds from TEN different sources to make it happen. Here’s to thinking outside the box!

2. The Amherst College Science Center 

We love to see innovative design, especially in the heart of our own town! The Amherst College Science Center won a design award from the American Institute of Architects, winning for its efficiency and attention to environmental impact as well as visually stunning design. The building relies heavily on passive solar heating, and includes a rooftop solar panel array that’s part of the design! We’ve all seen buildings where the solar panels on top look slapped on and distracting, but the Science Center’s solar panels are the thoughtfully-incorporated icing on top...literally!

3. Teacher Diversification Initiatives

Governor Charlie Baker earmarked $1.8 million for teacher diversification in 20 districts in Massachusetts, including Amherst. We’re proud to be part of our diverse small town, but we’re so excited to see a state-level commitment to making sure that our local students have role models from a wider range of backgrounds! The Amherst school district received $90,360 to dedicate towards diversifying, and we can’t wait to see what they do with it!