Carrier Library Construction Project Progressing as Planned
Posted May 2, 2024 in Carrier Renovation News, JMU Libraries News, Study Spaces News
Construction on Carrier Library is well underway, with the project progressing according to plan. The project is on schedule, with plans to be moved in and ready to welcome students to the new Carrier Library for Fall Semester 2026.
Eleven months into the project, the building is starting to take shape, with the new expansion facing Grace Street now visible to anyone walking by or looking at the construction camera. This expansion will add 56,887 square feet of new construction. Structural steel for the expansion section is in place, with the final beam installed in January. The large windows are now being framed in, hinting at the beautiful entrance this will become.
The renovated building will feature three grand entrances, with the second grand entrance designed as a welcoming arc facing D-Hall. Steel beams are currently being installed at this location.
The third grand entrance will be the preserved 1939 entrance facing the Centennial Fountain. The construction team has temporarily adjusted the fences to support graduation photos near this beautiful campus landmark, and we hope this adjustment will be possible for future graduation celebrations.
As construction progresses, some beautiful historic features have been uncovered, such as ornate column capitals in the 1939 portion of the building. These decorative elements will remain visible on the columns in the historic lobby and an open study area on the first floor.
Library Services
Library services continue to be provided at four locations: Rose Library, the Music Library, the Educational Technology and Media Center, and JMU Libraries Express. We opened Express last spring to provide additional access to in-person services during the construction project.
JMU’s four library locations have generally seen steady or slightly increased visits since the construction project started.
All our books and library materials are accessible in one of our locations or via our delivery services. Our convenient delivery services, which allow the JMU community to request any book for pickup at any library location or delivery to an on-campus work mailbox, have seen increased usage during construction.
Study Spaces
We know that students depend on libraries for study spaces. The university offers study spaces in over 30 buildings, including the four library locations.
Before construction started, we worked with partners all over campus to create the JMU Study Spaces map. We continue to collaborate on proactive communications about all the study spaces students can use at JMU.
We remain committed to providing JMU with the best possible services, resources and study spaces, and we look forward to welcoming students to the new Carrier Library for Fall Semester 2026.