GSW to hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for newly renovated James Earl Carter Library

AMERICUS, Ga. (Oct. 10, 2025) – Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) is set to reopen the newly renovated James Earl Carter Library on Friday, Oct. 17 at 11:00 a.m. The campus and Americus community is invited to attend. The ribbon cutting will take place as part of Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities. 

The Library will now be a destination for all students to study and to use resources they need to be academically successful in an increasingly technological world. Updates included an open concept floor plan on the first floor with new furniture and study spaces, new computer clusters, a new service desk, updated HVAC system and electrical work, and updated restrooms. 

Named for the father of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the James Earl Carter Library was completed in 1971. James Earl Carter (1894-1953) was a Sumter County farmer and businessman, civic leader, strong supporter of education, and representative from Sumter County to the General Assembly of Georgia. He served on the Sumter County Board of Education for 17 years and was chairman of that board at the time of his death.

The James Earl Carter Library was officially dedicated on June 7, 1973 following the graduation ceremony where the Honorable Jimmy Carter, 76th governor of Georgia and son of the library's namesake, was the commencement speaker.

Standing at 63,270 square feet, the Carter Library has not undergone an extensive renovation since that time. In May 2023, the $5 million for the renovation was approved by Gov. Brian Kemp as part the state’s budget for Fiscal Year 2024.