As a supporter of the Jones Library renovation and expansion plans from the beginning, I think everyone involved in conceiving, designing and carrying forward this project can be congratulated. Their dedicated efforts have assured us of an invaluable legacy for several generations to come.

Against a minority committed to thwarting the will of a majority of voters and town officials, we in the majority have consistently reinforced the basic facts that the old building is in a state of serious decline; that “basic” repairs (which the detractors advocate) will result in an inferior building and actually end up costing more than the proposed project; and that the costs, large as they are, are well within the capacity of the town and the commonwealth along with we citizens who have contributed thousands of dollars over the years to meet.

The claim that the library project will somehow violate the historic integrity of the Jones Library building itself, as well as of the “Amherst Central Business Historic District” is something of a canard. The design plans seem to most of us to be tasteful and consonant with architectural and community standards. As a professional historian, I am familiar with the misuses of the word “historic” to obstruct and thwart needed public works.

One of the more insidious consequences of this tendency is to force delays that end up increasing the costs of projects — and then become rationales for ending or cutting back on those delayed projects.

Another strand of commentary from opponents of the project has to do with public education. Some insist that we must choose between an expanded and updated library and responsible support of public schools. Our Town Council, town manager and other public officials have carefully and convincingly argued that this is a false dichotomy. They have — after years of deferred action — shown the way forward on the big projects that we as citizens have hoped to see brought to fruition: library, school, fire station, public works facility.

We are well led and moving toward the future that we and our children and grandchildren deserve. As I think about my childhood and teen years, and those of my son, I can’t believe that anyone doubts that a thriving public library is anything but a partner of thriving public schools. So many of us have learned at least as much at the library and from the books we took home as we did at school.

Amherst, let’s stick with the plan. Please pledge your support and give our hardworking public officials the backing they have earned.

Frank Couvares lives in Amherst.