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Category: Giving to JMU Libraries News

New Book Display Celebrating JMU Alumni Authors

Posted August 14, 2026

Carrier Library has long served as an intellectual crossroads at the heart of campus—a place where generations of Dukes have gathered, collaborated, and found inspiration. To celebrate the reopening of this beloved building and Homecoming 2026, we are proud to showcase a collection […]

photo of the alumni author book display in carrier library

Homecoming Author Talk with Alumna Rachel McRady on Oct. 15

Posted August 12, 2026

Celebrate Homecoming and alumni authors with a special event featuring JMU alumna and author Rachel McRady! The Stories We Carry: An Evening with Author Rachel McRady (’11) will take place on October 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the East Campus Dining […]

sun seekers book in front of a tree lit by the evening sun

The Makery in Carrier Library Reopens with Even More Opportunities to Create

Posted August 11, 2026

Now that Carrier Library has reopened after its renovation and expansion, the JMU community can once again find well-equipped, fully staffed creative learning spaces in both Rose Library and Carrier Library. The new and improved design for The Makery in […]

Areas near and in The Makery in Carrier Library ahead of the public reopening.

JMU Students Transform Carrier Staircase into Shenandoah River Soundscape

Posted July 30, 2026

A temporary sound installation in James Madison University’s Carrier Library is giving visitors a chance to experience the Shenandoah River in an unexpected way. Created by JMU School of Music students under the direction of faculty member Dr. Jon Gibson, […]

A Historic Welcome: The Reopening of Carrier Library Nears

Posted July 27, 2026

We are so excited to welcome you back to a beautifully restored and reimagined Carrier Library on Monday, August 3! As a memory institution, we reflect on the building’s history even as we look forward to its future. Our “Carrier […]

architectural drawing of madison memorial library

The Thomas Family Anatomy Lab at Carrier Library: Enhancing Engaged Learning at JMU

Posted July 17, 2026

Among the many exciting features of the renovated and expanded Carrier Library is a state-of-the-art anatomy room. Here, JMU students experience “hands-on learning” in the truest sense as they use three-dimensional anatomical models such as skeletons, hearts, skulls, ears, and […]

Two students view a hanging human skeleton

The Steps of the Shenandoah in Carrier Library: Rooted in the Valley, Reaching Toward Tomorrow

Posted May 5, 2026

When Carrier Library reopens this August, all who enter the Stan and Rosemary Jones Wing will be greeted by the Steps of the Shenandoah, a signature staircase that evokes the undulating path of the Shenandoah River. While this striking vertical element rises through three floors in the new […]

the steps of the shenandoah staircase

Managing Miles of Books (and So Much More!): Meet Our Director of Collections

Posted April 21, 2026

Ever wondered what it takes to manage a university library’s collections? At JMU Libraries, a hard-working team of professionals and student staff selects, organizes, and maintains accurate metadata for over 1.8 million ebooks and half a million books and other […]

aerial view of dozens of bookcases in a warehouse

The little Gallery Underground Sparks Inspiration in an Unlikely Space (from The Madison App)

Posted April 10, 2026

A decade ago, the windowless basement in the Music Library, with its plain concrete walls, offered little inspiration to the student musicians who frequented the space. Music Library Services Manager Karen Snively (’95) wanted to change that.

framed artwork on the wall in the little gallery undergrounds in JMU's music library

The Great Move: Preparing Carrier Library for August

Posted April 9, 2026

When Carrier Library reopens on Monday, August 3, it will once again be filled with the books and other resources that Dukes rely on every day. Getting them there, however, requires a carefully planned series of moves. Our teams are […]

photo of carrier library's grand reading room