New library spaces will serve all JMU students
Education
SUMMARY: When Carrier Library reopens in Fall 2026, Dukes will discover new, specialized spaces open to all students and designed to enhance learning. Members of the Madison community named many of these innovative spaces through philanthropic gifts that will help bring Carrier to life.
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“Having an anatomy room available in Carrier Library, right next door to Burruss, will be a great opportunity for all Dukes taking anatomy classes.” — Dr. Mark Gabriele (’95), professor of biology |
Anatomy Room
The Anatomy Room will give students from all majors the opportunity to manipulate high-quality anatomical models. The refreshed and expanded room in Carrier, complementing the existing Anatomy Room in Rose Library, was made possible through a gift from the Thomas family, who chose to name the space in honor of Madison Thomas (’18), a Biotechnology graduate.
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“It’s going to be the place to study on campus.” — Kelly Miller-Martin (’06), Libraries’ director of facilities operations |
Grand Reading Room
Located on the third floor of the renovated Carrier, the Grand Reading Room will offer sweeping views of the campus and mountains through windows that face east, west and north. The design team emphasized comfort and flexibility, with natural light and power outlets at every study table.
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“We envisioned a space where creativity and innovation fuel the learning process, and students and faculty can solve problems in new and different ways.” — Jamie Calcagno-Roach (’04, ’06M), director of educational technology services |
Library Futures Classroom
The Library Futures Classroom will offer students and faculty hands-on access to augmented- and virtual-reality systems, holographic displays, AI-powered design tools, and other cutting-edge innovations like haptic feedback systems and spatial computing. Picture a vibrant, glass-walled classroom bathed in natural light, designed to seamlessly adapt to these state-of-the-art technologies. Flexible furnishings allow for various configurations, and student creations adorn the shelves. This space is designed for adaptability in its physical layout to support a variety of pedagogical approaches. When JMU instructors apply to teach in the Library Futures Classroom, they will be able to propose specialized software and technology that align with their curricular goals.
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“This studio isn’t just about the physical space or equipment, but also the staff who will bring their expertise to each project.” — Andrew Strack, director of media production and makerspace services |
Media Studio
With the increasing popularity of multimedia-based assignments, the demand for media creation spaces at JMU has never been greater. For the first time ever, JMU students from any major will have access to a video and audio production space equipped with studio lighting, a green screen, virtual reality equipment, and more. The Media Studio will also feature space for faculty and staff to record lectures, audio and other content to support their teaching and research, with help from knowledgeable Libraries colleagues.
