AMHERST — Jones Library Director Sharon Sharry’s dedication to the Jones Library, its staff and patrons, and her continued planning for a renovated and expanded main branch, is being recognized with an exemplary annual performance review from the elected trustees, who also took a separate vote of confidence in her leadership.

In facing what trustees characterize as ongoing attacks and harassment, as planning for the $46.1 million expansion and renovation of the Jones Library’s 43 Amity St. building continues, trustees President Austin Sarat said at the trustees meeting Friday that he has “utmost confidence” in Sharry.

Both the evaluation and the vote of confidence were adopted unanimously by the six trustees.

“The board applauds her progress and dedication, and her consistent strong leadership of the library,” Sarat said, reading an excerpt from the review and adding that Sharry received praise from both Town Manager Paul Bockelman and Human Resources Director Melissa Loiodice-Walker.

“From many corners of the library and the town, this has been a tumultuous year,” the review states. “Sharon has been steadfast and focused on the key issues and goals for the library’s future.”

The review also references the rejection of the project’s sole general construction bid, coming in about $7 million above what the town can afford, and necessitating a series of cost-cutting measures as the project is put back out to bid.

“Despite the delays and setbacks, Sharon has persevered to support the staff, and to provide them with sufficient space and resources to serve the community,” reads the review.

The review also states Sharry met five goals set for her, including: continuing to focus on the renovation and expansion project; supporting the Capital Campaign Committee, meeting with and informing donors about the project and helping to reach its $14 million goal; developing plans and budgets for staffing and services; working with the Friends Development Committee to reach a $168,625 goal; and supporting the library’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee and the town’s Equity Core Team.

In enacting a vote of confidence, Sarat asked his colleagues to do more to stand up for Sharry and to be more vocal to rebut “anything that casts a shadow” on her and the library.

“We should not be silent,” Sarat said.

All trustees agreed with this sentiment, with Lee Edwards appreciating Sarat’s statement and saying Sharry has been unfairly treated.

Trustee Farah Ameen said she is disgusted by the way Sharry has been criticized and had aspersions cast on her. That led Ameen to write a commentary published in the Gazette in support of the library project.

Trustee Tamson Ely said personal attacks are reprehensible, and that some of the community feedback about Sharry’s leadership was supercharged in its negativity. “You can disagree without being nasty,” Ely said.

“She is what the Jones needs at this time,” said trustee Eugene Goffredo.

“I’m impressed with her integrity, good will and good humor,” said trustee Nat Larson, adding that in his short time on the board he has seen Sharry leading with “grace and aplomb.”

Meanwhile, Sarat said cost-saving measures that have been taken as a result of “value engineering” by Finegold Alexander Architects of Boston and The Berkshire Design Group of Northampton were previously approved by the Jones Library Building Committee, though he said historic millwork in the 1928 portion of the Jones building will be preserved after commentary was provided to the board.

Five contractors have gone through the pre-bidding process, Sarat said, with a hope that more than one will submit a bid so the project is affordable.