About the Library
Serving the PVAMU Community through
innovative resources, spaces, and expert support
at the John B. Coleman Library.
Mission Statement
The John B. Coleman Library's mission is to enhance the scholarly pursuit of knowledge, to foster intellectual curiosity, and to promote life-long learning and research through our innovative services, resources, and cultural programs, which support Prairie View A&M University’s global mission of teaching, service, and research.
Vision Statement
The John B. Coleman Library seeks to be the “heart” of the academic and research culture of the campus, and to contribute to the intellectual activities of Prairie View A&M University. The Library envisions that it will fulfill its unique role as a major contributor to the academic, cultural, and social development of the university community. In fulfilling this vision, the Library will continue to acquire and maintain adequate information resources, offer effective instruction on the retrieval and use of materials in all formats, and continue to provide state-of-the-art technology for users in all locations. The library also aspires to assist the University in its commitments to the broader community, by developing innovative approaches to supporting life-long learning. The realization and achievement of this vision will ensure our stakeholders that Prairie View A&M University will continue to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and sustain excellence in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies.
Dr. John B. Coleman, November 25, 1929 - March 5, 1994
Dr. Coleman cut the ribbon to the new Library bearing his name before hundreds of guests at Prairie View A&M University, on November 13, 1988. On that occasion, Coleman was honored during a homecoming convocation for his contributions to Prairie View, Texas A&M, and higher education. A portrait of Coleman was commissioned to be hung inside the main foyer of the Library. Texas State Senator Craig Washington, a 1966 Prairie View graduate, praised the work of Coleman as he gave the convocation address and stated, “We know without your leadership, Prairie View would not be what it is today.” Other dignitaries applauding Coleman included Dr. Percy Pierre, then President of Prairie View, former regent Joe Richardson, and A&M chancellor Perry Adkisson. In his remarks of appreciation, Coleman stated: “I am here to pledge to you I intend to contribute the rest of my life to higher education and this institution in particular.”
A graduate of Jack Yates High School in Houston, Fisk University in Nashville, TN, and Howard University School of Medicine. After medical school, Dr. Coleman returned to Houston and entered private practice in 1962. He eventually became Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Riverside General Hospital. During his long career, Dr. Coleman was a force in Houston politics and served as Chair of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Houston Division. He was Owner and President of the Cullen Women’s Center, President of Almeda Square Medical Group, and President and Board Chair of KCOH in Houston. He also served as an advisory board member for the Texas A&M School of Medicine, the University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Texas Southern University, Huston-Tillotson College, and the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Entex Gas, Inc., the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, the South Central YMCA, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department.
Dr. Coleman’s contributions to the City of Houston were so widespread that the City of Houston, the State of Texas, and Fisk University saluted him with a special celebration at the Shamrock Hotel in 1981. The steering committee included community, political, and business leaders from throughout the city and state. His life was dedicated to serving the Houston community through his many leadership roles as a physician, public servant, and humanitarian.
History of the Library
Plans for the John B. Coleman Library at Prairie View A&M University were conceived and developed as early as 1983-84, as more space was needed to hold the growing library collection held in the first Library Building constructed on the campus in 1945, the W.R. Banks Library. According to the 1987 Yearbook, the W.R. Banks Library (constructed in 1945) was “….expanded with a “half-million dollar addition to the building in 1968….and provides seating for five-hundred readers. The fast-growing total collection contains 260,000 volumes, 168,298 microfilms, a Texas State Documents Collection, curriculum materials, and a Prairie View A&M Archival Collection. Over 1,976 periodicals and other serials are currently received by the library…the building itself has not grown with the materials accumulated and a “new grand library” with five stories is being constructed and is scheduled to open in 1988.”
The Groundbreaking Services for the “new library building” were held on July 18, 1986. Mr. Robert Wedgeworth, then Dean of the Columbia University Library School, and former Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA) was the keynote speaker.
The construction of the “new” library was completed at an estimated cost of 17 million dollars,and all library services and materials moved in 1988, during the Presidency of Dr. Percy Pierre, and forty-two years after the dedication of the W.R. Banks library. On July 22, 1988, the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted unanimously to name the new library in honor of Dr. John B.Coleman, the first black regent on the Texas A&M Board of Regents. Library records indicate that Dr. Adele Dendy (1987- 1991) was the Director of Library Services and coordinated the opening of the “new grand library.” According to the 1988 Yearbook, the opening of the “new landmark on campus” coincided with the celebration of the 110th Anniversary of the University, referred to as “A Renaissance of Academic Excellence: 1878-1988.” The focus of the Anniversary Renaissance Celebration, November 10-13, 1988, was the dedication of the new $17 million dollar library, at the end of a week of special ceremonies, on November 13, 1988.