One Year Later: Remembering the Final Days Before the Carrier Renovation

Posted April 26, 2024 in Carrier Renovation News, JMU Libraries News

Attendees shared memories of Carrier Library on a banner in the lobby

As we approach the one-year mark since the Carrier Library renovation and expansion began, we can’t help but reflect on our cherished memories of the beloved building, including the lovely party we held to honor Carrier’s past and future!

Standing in a space that had seen thousands of student study hours and faculty meetings, attendees previewed the future Carrier Library

Leading up to the temporary closure of Carrier Library in May 2023, feelings for this building and the memories made in this place poured out on our physical and virtual memory walls. The sharing culminated on May 11, 2023, with a gathering of hundreds of students, library employees, faculty and staff emeriti, and donors to celebrate Carrier and learn about the renovation. Using a self-guided tour, attendees wandered throughout the building and reminisced about time spent in these spaces, and some left their mark one last time.

Dean Bethany Nowviskie with a 3-dimensional architect’s model of the future Carrier Library in the campus context

While the building will reopen in 2026 even better than before, we made sure to honor the past even as we look toward an exciting future for this building.

Attendees made buttons commemorating Carrier Library

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who shared a Carrier memory, attended our party, or helped plan it—and to everyone working hard to make the future Carrier a reality!

You can view this story in the JMU Libraries Magazine, where it originally appeared. If you’re interested in the history of Carrier Library, don’t miss this Visual Timeline of JMU Libraries. To learn more about Carrier’s bright future, visit our Carrier Library Renovation and Expansion website.