James H. White Library Enhancement, Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, USA

Photo © Timothy Hursley

Photo © Mark Howell

Photo © Timothy Hursley

Architects: Duvall Decker

Location: Itta Bena, USA
Year: 2013

The James H. White Library was sited and built at the center of campus and was designed to be the academic and social locus in this expansive flat landscape in the Mississippi Delta. Over the years, the 75,754 square foot building had fallen into disrepair and out of sync with the needs of a modern library. Very few students or faculty could be found in the library at any time. Even with a limited budget, the building required a full re-envisioning as a modern library to once again fulfill its mission as the academic and social center of campus.

The design strategy was clear – turn the building inside out by moving the stacks to the shadowed interior of the building and opening the perimeter to reading rooms and classrooms. The corners of the building were removed and new two-story glazed corners create light-filled reading and collaboration spaces, inviting patrons to both inside and out.

Since completion, the library is often filled with students, faculty, and staff at all hours of the day and night.

reading rooms beckon.