On Track for August: Carrier Library Renovation Moves from Construction to Interiors

Posted January 16, 2026 in Carrier Renovation News, Featured News, Giving to JMU Libraries News, JMU Libraries News

Carrier Library's Stan and Rosemary Jones Wing at JMU with a big sign in front of it that says "Carrier Library Reopening August 2026"

We are on track to welcome the JMU community back to a transformed Carrier Library this August.

Major construction on the 195,000-square-foot building will wrap up in late January, paving the way for the next phase: finalizing the interiors. Over the coming months, this work will include installing new equipment and technology, receiving and placing thousands of pieces of furniture, moving four miles of books, and setting up service desks and staff workspaces. This complex, highly coordinated effort is designed to bring you a better library experience than ever before.

Dean of Libraries Bethany Nowviskie noted:

“While we’ll save the full celebrations for later, I want to share a word of gratitude with everyone who has contributed to this project so far. I am so thankful to the legislators and funders who are making this renovation possible, to the architects, builders, engineers, and craftspeople who shaped and restored the building—and to everyone helping to plan for the future or adapting along with the Libraries during Carrier’s ongoing closure—especially the students who have been ‘paying it forward’ to benefit generations of future Dukes. We appreciate the grace you continue to show as we enter this next, intensive phase of work. August will be here before we know it!”

As a memory institution, we can’t resist a historical callback. When JMU celebrated the 1979 groundbreaking for an addition to what was then Madison Memorial Library—and would later become Carrier Library—President Dr. Ronald Carrier offered these words: “I am certain that, when this magnificent structure is completed, you will feel your patience has been rewarded.”

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Curious about the timeline? Explore the visual timeline below or learn more in our FAQ.