Mission Statement

The Jones Library will be a community hub to a diverse population of Amherst residents, where books are celebrated and all members of the community can enhance their educational, cultural, and lifelong learning pursuits.

Vision Statement

The Jones Library staff will create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, and will be deeply engaged and committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism and providing exceptional customer service.

The Board of Trustees, Friends of the Jones Library System, and staff will provide visionary leadership so that the town of Amherst and its residents will continue to support the Library through financial and volunteer support.

The Jones Library will help provide Amherst with a bridge to the latest state-of-the-art technologies and will provide those needing training with instruction and support.

Special Collections, which includes works by Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson, will draw people from all over the world, helping to ensure a vibrant business community.

A strong base of committed volunteers will augment the Library staff and be recognized for their important contributions, helping the Jones Library remain strong and connected to the entire community. Each volunteer will be matched with appropriate tasks so that their skills and interests are aligned with the needs of the library.

The Jones Library will augment its effectiveness by developing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with other Amherst town departments, with libraries and other relevant departments and offices at surrounding colleges and universities, CW MARS, as well as with other local business and cultural entities.

The Library will actively welcome and encourage access by members of our community with economic and social disadvantages.

Approved by the Board of Trustees on June 4, 2015