AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Jones Library is receiving a roughly $2 million boost in federal funds to go towards its renovation and expansion project.

Some of the upgrades include making the building more accessible and more energy efficient as well as restoring the historic building.

On Wednesday, they celebrated the roughly $2 million in federal funds that’s going towards the project. Congressman Jim McGovern was able to secure $1 million through a congressional earmark and another $1 million through a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Library leaders celebrated these two investments.

“This is government at its best. Identifying local needs, listening to local voices. And working at the local, state and national level to preserve our civic infrastructure,” said Sharon Sharry, Director of the Jones Library.

Counting this funding, the library has raised nearly $5.8 million for the more than $40 million project. The town council has to vote one more time on the project, which could be later this year or early next year.