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Marking the Progress: The Future Carrier Library Emerges

Posted February 16, 2024 in Carrier Renovation News, Giving to JMU Libraries News, JMU Libraries News

Susan Thomas signing the final steel beam to place atop Carrier Library.
Susan Thomas leaves her mark on the beam.

There comes a time in every construction project when you can begin to see the completed building. The project usually begins with drawings, site-work, and the delivery of materials. Progress can feel slow. And sometimes progress is hidden; spaces are being cleared out, utilities are run, and existing walls are reinforced.

Eventually though, the future building begins to reveal itself. For Carrier Library, that emergence began in late 2023 when the structural steel that would become the skeleton of the expansion started to go up. Thanks to the thoughtful effort and careful planning of our construction partners, Libraries and Furious Flower employees had the opportunity to sign their names on the final beam along with the construction team. On January 10, 2024, the signed beam was lifted and placed on the north-west corner of the roof. The special beam will not be visible to the public when the building is complete, but the names of those who signed will be part of the building forever.

You can follow the construction progress on our Carrier Library Renovation and Expansion pages.

Adam Wirdzek signing the final steel beam to place atop Carrier Library.
Adam Wirdzek signing his name.
Our construction partners from Kjellstrom & Lee leaving their mark on the final beam.
Our construction partners from Kjellstrom & Lee leaving their mark.
Bri Eagle, Gbenga Adesina, and Andrew Evans signing the beam. Becca Blair is in the background.
Bri Eagle, Gbenga Adesina, and Andrew Evans signing the beam. Becca Blair is in the background.
The signed steel beam with an American Flag draped over it.
The signed beam
A close up of the signed beam featuring several names of libraries employees.
The signed beam
The construction crew beginning to lift the final beam off the ground.
Raising the beam
A photo of the final beam suspended in the air on its way to the top of the Carrier Library.
Raising the beam
A closeup of the final beam suspended in the air on its way to the top of the Carrier Library.
Raising the beam
The construction crew celebrating the placement of the final steel beam.
Celebrating the placement of the final steel beam