A Big Art Move Begins the Renovation of Lilly Library

Placing a vase Chinese, Qianlong period (1735-1795) The James A. Thomas Collection
A Chinese vase from the Qianlong period (1735-1795), part of The James A. Thomas Collection.

The first step in preparing Lilly Library for two years of renovations: removing the notable artwork from the building over spring break.

The works of art, which can be found throughout the building, are part of the many charms of the East Campus Library. Early last week, staff carefully placed the art in secure packaging and removed it to a university storage facility.

It’s a remarkable collection donated to Duke over the years, with Duke family portraits, mementos from Duke’s history, statues, porcelains and vases, scrolls, textiles, clothing, and other items.

These Qing Dynasty scrolls were among the four donated to the library in 1962 by Mrs. James A. Thomas. They have hung in the Thomas Reading room.
These Qing Dynasty scrolls were among the four donated to the library in 1962 by Mrs. James A. Thomas. They have hung in the Thomas Reading room.
Marble bust of Benjamin Duke in the library’s reference room.
Marble bust of Benjamin Duke in the library’s reference room

Most of the art will return in two years following extensive work that will improve environmental conditions in the building and upgrade the services needed for a modern research library. All this will be done while maintaining the signature allure of the popular library. Some of the art will find new homes on campus.

The library remains open through the final day of exams on May 4. Construction work will begin this summer and is expected to last two years, during which time Lilly will be closed and all staff and onsite materials will be relocated.

Two Buddhist statues from the James A. Thomas Collection
Two Buddhist statues from the James A. Thomas Collection
A marble, semi-mythical Chinese creature called shizi in the Thomas Reading Room.
A marble, semi-mythical Chinese creature called shizi in the Thomas Reading Room

Here are some other things to know:

  • In preparation, Lilly collections are already being moved to other locations. If you visit Lilly this semester, you may notice some empty shelves. Some materials are moving to Perkins and Bostock Libraries, while others are being relocated to offsite storage. Library staff are working hard to ensure that as much of Lilly’s collection as possible remains accessible throughout the renovation.
  • Books and other materials currently housed in Lilly will be temporarily unavailable while they are being moved.
  • During the renovation, Lilly’s staff will be relocated to Bishop’s House, which is behind Bassett Residence Hall (formerly home to Duke Continuing Studies). Bishop’s House will serve as a temporary location for library services on East Campus (holds and reserves, check out, printing, scanning, etc.).
  • We will continue to deliver library materials to faculty offices on East Campus during the regular academic year. However, expect delays and disruption during May - June 2024, while we finish moving collections.

Visit the Lilly Project website to learn more. A renovation project FAQ is also online. Below is an architect’s rendering of the renovated and expanded Lilly Library, including a new entrance on the southwest side of the building that will connect with the residential “backyard” of East Campus.

artist’s rendering of the renovated and expanded Lilly Library, including a new entrance on the southwest side of the building that will connect with the residential “backyard” of East Campus.