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Library renovations still on list of priorities, not finalized

President Richard Gallot continues to fight for renovation. Glenn Lewis/GSU Media Bureau

It has been nearly two years since the A. C. Lewis Memorial Library was closed indefinitely. 

 

Although plans have been made to replace the library with a 21st Century facility, in some have expressed concerns about limited access to a fully functioning library at Grambling State University. 

 

The library has been located on the second floor of Charles P. Adams since 2017. Some students and faculty have had trouble finding books and service in the library.

 

However there has not been, by the UL System, much movement to speedily repair the Universities Library.

 

Grambling President Richard while the University of Louisiana System respondents.

 

“The final plans we’re looking to be done by March,” Gallot said.

 

In 2017, when the move was made to close A. C. Lewis Memorial Library, Gallot announced the university would seek to build a new library. 

 

“The existing library has had a series of environmental issues, and President Gallot said it is better, and safer, to close the building rather than to continue to invest money in a building that no longer serves students well,” said GSU Media Bureau in 2017. “He said the library will be relocated for an undetermined period of time as the university pursues the type of facility needed.” 

 

Jovan Hackley, communications director for Grambling State University, said the library is one of a number of projects in planning. 

 

“In addition to the library project, construction initiatives continue on Smart Auditorium (Nursing Building) and Flood Restoration Projects  which include Woodson Hall, Adams Hall, and the Favrot Student Union bowling,” Hackley said. 

 

“Board Chairman Alejandro Perkins told Gallot he was impressed with how he has handled the process,” Sutton wrote. 

 

Meanwhile, according to the Louisiana State Operating Budget Review, Louisiana state funds have decreased and self-generated funds increased significantly 2017-2018. 

 

President Gallot has recognized the priority for legislative and financial implications, “which will be going in in the spring,” Gallot said. “Right now we have to use what’s available.”

 

On University of Louisiana System website of board actions, Grambling State University receives little approval for many necessary upgrades. 

 

“Deferred maintenance is a serious issue that we’re all confronting when you look at the declining budget over recent years, quite often the first thing that is cut is deferred maintenance,” Gallot told the News Star. “At some point the things start to add up, and what could have been prevented with a small amount of money ends up being a major issue.”

 

In fact, Grambling has the highest deferred maintenance per capita than any other school in the University of Louisiana System. Grambling also happens the only HBCU in the University of Louisiana System.

 

Below are maintenance needs for the UL System according to the News-Star:

Grambling State: $48.9 million

Louisiana Tech: $41.3 million

McNeese State: $26.7 million

Nicholls State: $39.1 million

Northwestern State: $30.5 million

Southeastern Louisiana: $48.1 million

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: $44 million

University of Louisiana at Monroe: $46.8 million

University of New Orleans: $39 million

System total: $364 million