*Thursday morning (08-22-24),Grambling State University (GSU) celebrated a historic milestone with the grand opening of its new Digital Library and Learning Commons, marking a transformative moment in the institution’s history. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot facility heralded the dawn of a new age for GSU—a space designed to connect, create, and collaborate.
The innovative library aims to support all aspects of learning, boasting more than 150 computer stations, 17,000 square feet of study space, and multipurpose areas for events, meetings, and seminars. It represents the ultimate intersection of academics, curiosity, and community.
This historic opening is a significant departure from the past, harkening back to the opening of the old A.C. Lewis Memorial Library in 1962, with an addition in 1986. Years of wear prompted the need for a new facility, and in 2017, then-President Rick Gallot envisioned a digital library project to replace the aging structure.
With robust support from alumni, faculty, and students, the project secured funding and commitments, leading to the commencement of construction in 2019—making it the first digital library at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Gallot, now President/CEO of the University of Louisiana System (ULS), described the grand opening as a landmark event.
“The ribbon cutting of the GSU Digital Library and Learning Commons marks a transformational moment for Grambling State University, the University of Louisiana System, and the global landscape of academia,” Gallot remarked. He highlighted the facility as a digital learning environment that rivals many well-resourced institutions worldwide.
Current GSU President, Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., reflected on the perseverance and determination that led to the project’s fruition.
“We fought for this project because we know it’s important and we fight for Dear Ole Grambling because we believe in the boundless potential of every student who walks through our doors,” Lemelle stated.
He emphasized the role of the Digital Library and Learning Commons as a place where ideas are born, boundaries are broken, and victories in learning, innovation, and community are achieved.
The library’s Dean, Adrienne Webber, elaborated on the advanced tools and technology the facility will house, including 3D imaging and printing, laser and etching machines, a cricut maker, and a soldering station, among others. Webber highlighted the importance of a Maker’s Space, where students can ideate, design, and bring their concepts to life.
“Students today are a little different. When they think about it, they dream about it, they write about it, they draw about it and then they want to put it together and see what will happen,” Webber explained.
The grand opening ceremony featured speeches from notable figures, including Student Government Association President Morgan Patton, Miss Grambling State University Jess’Lyn Sanders, City of Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley, ULS Board Chair Mark Romero, and Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter. Each speaker underscored the significance of the new library as a beacon of hope, resilience, and excellence.
Dr. Hunter remarked on the departure from traditional libraries, noting the absence of the Dewey Decimal system, card catalogs, and dusty books.
“A library is still the heartbeat of every campus, a place where students grow, gather, and collaborate. And this one is special because education today is about research, innovation, and technology,” Hunter asserted.
As GSU moves forward with this groundbreaking facility, the Digital Library and Learning Commons stands as both a nod to Grambling’s storied past and a bold exclamation point on its future, promising to foster a vibrant, innovative, and collaborative academic environment for years to come.
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