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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser joins State Librarian Meg Placke and representatives of the Family Resource Group Foundation to officially open the new Literacy and Learning Lab at the State Library of Louisiana on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
BATON ROUGE, La. - Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the State Library of Louisiana today officially opened the library’s new Literacy and Learning Lab. Designed for elementary school students with a particular focus on emerging readers, the Lab offers hands-on and technology-based learning activities that support the start of a lifelong love of reading.
“Finding creative ways to engage our youngest learners is important to building literacy and critical thinking skills,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The Literacy and Learning Lab supports this concept by providing a dynamic environment where young students and school groups can enjoy new reading experiences through interactive tools and activities built into the space. It's learning that feels like play.”
The Lab is equipped with innovative literacy activities and educational games, puzzles, and word-search activities on the walls of the room, highlighted local landmarks and fun library facts, Talking Books and Braille Library demonstration technology, and take-home resources and publications.
“The Literacy and Learning Lab reinforces the role of public libraries as community learning hubs,” said State Librarian Meg Placke. “Public library services complement classroom instruction, and we are excited to leverage this new resource to expand our work with schools to support early literacy development.”
The project is a joint initiative of the State Library, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and the Family Resource Group Foundation (FRGF). The Foundation works to expand access to educational materials, facilitate community outreach initiatives, and donate resources to foster literacy.
“We’re deeply honored to partner with the State Library of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor on this exciting initiative,” said Brandon Foreman, CEO of Family Resource Group Inc. “The Literacy and Learning Lab is a welcoming space where students and families can engage together through interactive word walls, puzzles, and literacy-rich activities that foster a love of reading. We’re especially proud to include the Talking Book & Braille Library component to ensure accessibility for our youngest readers with visual impairments. This collaboration reflects the true power of community, and we are incredibly grateful to all our supporters and partners who make these literacy experiences possible in classrooms and public spaces across Louisiana.”
The grand opening was attended by representatives of public library systems, FRGF leadership, and representatives of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, who conducted the official ribbon cutting.
The Literacy and Learning Lab is located on the first floor of the State Library and is available to the public during all operating hours.
The State Library of Louisiana inspires and supports literacy and lifelong learning for all Louisianans through access to information, strengthening communities, supporting exceptional library services, and preserving Louisiana’s heritage.
The Family Resource Group Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Family Resource Group, Inc., committed to promoting literacy, supporting families in need, and strengthening the Greater Baton Rouge community. Through initiatives like Kid Scoop News, Literacy and Learning Labs, and the annual Sock It To Me! drive, the Foundation empowers young readers and delivers vital resources where they are needed most.
Contact Information:
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Kevin Calbert |
Barry Landry |