Friends of the Houston Cole Library
Dear Friends and Patrons,
When former JSU president Dr. Houston Cole envisioned a new library for the university, it was his desire that it be the most visible edifice on our campus. That is because he wanted to be certain that anyone passing through our campus knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that JSU’s highest ideal was the pursuit of knowledge. Visionary as Dr. Cole was, there was no way that he could have known that a little more than 45 years later, travelers along the Eastern Bypass between Anniston and Oxford ten miles away would also be able to see his library with the naked eye, spreading even farther the message that they are nearing a very special university.
Indeed, we are blessed to have the Houston Cole Library, the tallest academic building in our state, on the JSU campus. Not only does HCL house a wealth of knowledge and highly educated and dedicated faculty and staff, it is a gathering place for our community, a place to meet authors and attend events and training, a place for our students to study or enjoy a bit of quiet and coffee, and a required stop for newcomers on our campus to take in the beauty from our top-floor observation deck.
The purpose of the Friends of the Houston Cole Library is to support and promote an appreciation of this gem of our campus and community. We do this through our advocacy, service and stewardship, in a multitude of ways. Membership in the Friends also has benefits, as members are granted borrowing privileges and can participate in the programs and activities at our Library.
We hope you will join us and become a member! If you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to email any of our board members listed below. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Cordially,
Angie Ray
Chair
Friends of the Houston Cole Library
Current Friends Board Members
Don Bennett
Hervey Folsom
Karen Gregg
Angie Ray
Chelsea Thornton