James H. White Library
About the Library
The James H. White Library, centrally located on campus, was designed to serve as the academic and social heart of the Mississippi Delta. Originally built to inspire, the 75,754-square-foot facility had deteriorated and no longer met the needs of a modern library, resulting in low usage by students and faculty.
With a limited budget, the library underwent a full re-envisioning to restore its role as the campus hub. The design strategy involved relocating the stacks to the building’s interior and transforming the perimeter into light-filled reading rooms and classrooms. By removing corner precast panels and introducing two-story glazed corners, the space now fosters collaboration and engagement, attracting patrons throughout the day and night.
Since its completion, the library has become a vibrant center of activity for students, faculty, and staff.
Project collaborators included Structural Engineering Associates, LLC, Atherton Consulting Engineers, The Power Source, LLC, and Environmental Management Plus.
Awards
- AIA Mississippi Merit Award