Grambling State becomes first HBCU with a Digital Library

Courtesy of Grambling State

The sun shined brilliantly overhead as Grambling State ushered in the dawn of a new age and era with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the grand opening of the institution’s new Digital Library and Learning Commons, the first for an HBCU in the state of Louisiana.

A space to connect, create, and collaborate. The state-of-the-art, 50,000-square-foot facility is designed to support all aspects of learning. With more than 150 computer stations, 17,000 square feet of study space, and multipurpose space for events, meetings, and seminars, it is the ultimate intersection of academics, curiosity, and community.

Thursday’s celebration was a historic moment for GSU, which saw the opening of the old A.C. Lewis Memorial Library in 1962, with an addition built in 1986.

But over the years, time took its toll on the old GSU library, and looking toward the future, in 2017, then President Rick Gallot began a digital library project to replace the existing facility. With the support of alumni, faculty, and students, the project gained funding and commitments, and in 2019, construction began on the first digital library at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

The journey toward the $16.6M library’s opening eventually became an arduous one due to circumstances beyond the university’s control. But perseverance and persistence finally paid off, leading up to Thursday’s official unveiling of GSU’s new doorway to the future.

Gallot, now President/CEO of the University of Louisiana System (ULS), was on hand for the grand opening celebration.

“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 said. “This modern marvel provides GSU scholars with a digital learning environment that rivals—and indeed, exceeds—the offerings of many world-renowned and well-resourced institutions.

“It equips our esteemed faculty and staff with immediate connectivity to a vast repository of digital resources and pedagogical tools. This milestone is a testament to the audacious spirit of Grambling State University, where no vision is too big, or too bold.”

Current Grambling State President Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr. was Executive Vice President when planning and groundbreaking for the Digital Library and Learning Commons was being done. He called Thursday’s grand opening a journey of determination and resilience.

“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 said.

“So yes, we are building, and we are fighting. We’re building a future where every student can excel, and we are fighting to ensure that Grambling remains a beacon of hope, resilience and excellence. We’re building a bridge between the past and the future, and we are fighting to keep the legacy of our flame burning bright.”

Lemelle said the HBCU Digital Library and Learning Commons will be a place where ideas are born, and boundaries are broken.

“It will be where we light the torch of victory,” Lemelle said. “Victory in learning. Victory in innovation. And victory in community. It is here that we will fight for Dear Ole Grambling, and in this fight we will arm ourselves with the knowledge, perseverance, and the unyielding spirit that defines us.

“So, as we stand here today, let us remember what we set out to do — let us tell them we are building, not just structures, but the future. Let us tell them we’re building not just spaces but legacies. And as we continue to build, let us also fight — fight for the dreams of our students, fight for the excellence of our university, and yes, fight for Dear Ole Grambling for we are the pride of the USA and there is no doubt that we will win today, tomorrow and always.”

Dean of GSU’s Digital Library and Learning Commons Adrienne Webber said the new facility will propel the HBCU and its students into a bigger and brighter future than ever before.

“Let me tell you what’s going to happen with this program — we’re going to have a ‘Maker’s Space’ because our students think differently than I did when I would go to class, learn something, graduate, and do what I learned. These 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.

“So, we need to have things like 3-D imaging and 3-D printers because they can change the world. Students at another institution designed a straw that filters water and that was later purchased by Walmart. … That can happen right here at Grambling State University because this library will have the tools that the students will use to do that.”

Webber said plans are for the library to include laser and etching machines, a Cricut maker, a soldering station, a hot wire cutter and plastic vending machines among other tools.

“If you think it, you can make it,” Webber said. “And then we’re going to be able to find out if an idea is an original or if someone has it already. We’re hoping to become a patent and trade resource center. These students are so creative. Their audio, video, and AI skills are tremendous and we’re going to provide them with the tools to build on those skills.

“We’re going to have a digital repository, so when our students write, they can also take that and have it published. We’re going to change how people view our students. From poetry to something scientific, whatever is in the repository will be transferred to those areas. The students will not have a reason not to learn more and do more.”

Others speaking during the grand opening ceremony included 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.

“It took too long for us to get here, but we are mighty glad that we are here today,” Hunter said. “To open this amazing and historic digital library for the students of Grambling State University was important because a dream deferred is not a dream denied.”

Hunter, whose parents graduated from GSU, said the Digital Library and Learning Commons is not her parents’ HBCU library.

“There’s no Dewey Decimal system, no card catalog, and no dusty books for miles to go,” Hunter said. “And no sweet librarians shushing you when you’re making too much noise. But 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 around amazing online databases, AI, and information beyond that as well.

“That’s what makes today special. We are moving into the future with this amazing facility, and we know great things will happen inside of it. And it’s the first for an HBCU and the first for the state of Louisiana. So, as I look at this facility, I would say it is beautiful. It is historic. It is an amazing nod to Grambling’s past, and it is an exclamation point on Grambling’s future.”

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