PROJECT INFORMATION

COMPLETED: 2023 

PROGRAM: 50,000 SF

BUDGET: $14,500,000 

CLIENT: GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY

LOCATION: GRAMBLING, LA

The project began in 2017, when President Gallot petitioned for the closure and support to replace the University’s existing facility, the A.C. Lewis Memorial Library, which was constructed in 1962. President Gallot, alumni, faculty, and ULS leadership partnered with students to garner both funding and commitments to make a new facility a reality. Designed to serve as the knowledge center and information hub for the students and faculty, the Digital Library also acts as a social hub on campus. The library was envisioned by the President as an “information beacon on a hill” to draw students and faculty alike and provide resources for academic and personal life.

The new digital library adds more than 50,000 square feet of learning space to the University, City of Grambling, and North Louisiana community. The space features a large lecture hall, archives and special collection, maker space, gaming space, as well as multiple scales of study spaces including open lounge, individual study room, and collaboration rooms. There is also a focus on library services for digital resources.

The space is a celebration of the history and legacy of this HBCU as seen through the custom wallcovering throughout the building. It highlights graduates who have made lasting achievements throughout the world. The University will pursue a designation of the first digital library housed at a Historically Black College and University in the United States.