Lilly in the News

Links, articles, and stories about the Lilly Library renovation and expansion.

• • “Select Overgrown Magnolia Trees to be Removed on East Campus,” DukeToday, March 7, 2025:
    “Infrastructure and landscaping efforts currently underway throughout East Campus, together with the Lilly Library expansion and renovation, created an opportune moment to take down these trees and replace them with intentionally selected plantings.”
  • “A Short History of Bishop’s House,” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Fall/Winter 2024:
    “The rambling historic home has a wide front porch, creaky floors, windows that look out onto tall trees and quiet neighborhood streets, and a colorful history of previous campus tenants.”
  • “See You Later, Lilly. Hello, Bishop’s House! Scenes from the Renovation So Far,” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Fall/Winter 2024:
    “While the renovation is still in the early, messy phases, we thought we would share some scenes from our progress so far—before the real makeover begins in earnest.”
  • “What your favorite library says about you,” Duke Chronicle, November 25, 2024:
    “You like your academic spaces to reflect your personality, and sometimes this causes you to get distracted quickly. Like that time when you ended up watching the 3D printers for an hour.”
  • “Chronquiry: What’s the deal with all the construction on campus?” Duke Chronicle, September 11, 2024:
    “Duke Facilities Management is continuing work on several major construction projects in and around the University’s campus this fall that may impact building operations and student access.”
  • “Duke students react to Lilly Library closure, impact on first-year classes,” Duke Chronicle, September 3, 2024:
    “For first-years who are unfamiliar with study spots on campus, Perez shared some popular spots she has found throughout her time at Duke, including Trinity Cafe on East Campus, as well as the common rooms in West Campus dorms, the Brodhead Center, Grainger Hall and the Wellness Center.”
  • “Lilly Library is closed for renovation. Here’s how to access library resources on East Campus,” Duke Chronicle, August 12, 2024:
    “Here’s what you should know about accessing library resources on East Campus this year.”
  • “Duke University Receives New $5 Million Grant for Lilly Library Renovation,” DukeToday, April 29, 2024:
    “Duke University has received $5 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. for the renovation and expansion of Lilly Library on the university’s East Campus, capping off years of planning and fundraising to bring the university’s first library into the 21st century.”
  • “Lilly Library Expansion and Renovation to Affect East Campus Tennis Courts,” DukeToday, April 24, 2024:
    “Six tennis courts will be removed when library renovation project begins this summer.”
  • “Lilly Library to Close for Two Years When Renovations Begin in May,” Duke Chronicle, March 24, 2024:
    “During the closure, Lilly staff will be based out of the Bishop’s House, located behind Bassett dorm.”
  • “A Big Art Move Begins the Renovation of Lilly Library,” DukeToday, March 17, 2024:
    “The first step in preparing Lilly Library for two years of renovations: removing the notable artwork from the building over spring break.”
  • “Pictures of Lilly,” DukeMag, Winter 2024:
    “After Duke’s historic first library building is renovated in 2024, the stacks will be new, but the charm will remain.”
  • “Renewing Duke’s Physical Campus for Tomorrow,” Working@Duke, November 30, 2023:
    “Duke focuses on maintaining the legacy of buildings, enhancing facilities and landscape.”
  • “The Duke Endowment Awards Additional $10 Million to Lilly Library Renovation Project,” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Spring/Summer 2023:
    “Duke University has received a second $10 million award from The Duke Endowment for the renovation of its historic Lilly Library on East Campus. In 2020, The Duke Endowment gave an initial $10 million to support the renovation project.”
  • “What Students Are Saying About Lilly,” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Spring/Summer 2023:
    “Even Lilly’s most devoted fans found plenty of room for improvement in the current condition of the aging building, driving home the need for the upcoming renovation and expansion.”
  • “‘Crown jewel of East Campus’: Lilly Library renovation project is underway with a $10 million grant,” Duke Chronicle, October 27, 2021:
    “A $10 million grant for Lilly Library’s renovation means the project can finally move forward after delays from COVID-19 restrictions.”
  • “Grant Brings Lilly Library Transformation Closer,” DukeToday, October 6, 2021:
    “The Duke Endowment’s $10 million grant will support library’s first significant renovation since East Campus was built.”
  • “Letter: Thank a Lilly librarian today,” Duke Chronicle, September 20, 2021:
    “Thank you for everything you do and especially for the intangible and untrackable miniature things that are so important to Lilly culture.”
  • Video: “The Lilly Project: The Renovation and Expansion of Lilly Library,” Giving to Duke, August 3, 2021:
    “The result [of the renovation] will be a reinvigorated and better integrated East Campus, with Lilly serving as the focal point for a new academic neighborhood that welcomes first-years and build a foundation for their entire academic career.”
  • “What Was It Like When Lilly Was Built?” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Fall/Winter 2021-22:
    “To understand why Lilly Library needs renovating, it helps to consider how old the building actually is.”
  • “Rooting for Lilly? That’s the Ticket.” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Fall/Winter 2021-22:
    “For every ticket sold to regular season home games, Duke Athletics will donate one dollar toward the renovation and expansion of Lilly Library.”
  • “Academic Council hears presentations on Duke-Durham relationship, library renovations,” Duke Chronicle, January 17, 2020:
    “Jakubs admitted that ‘some students call it creepy,’ and she hopes that the renovation sparks more changes on East Campus.”
  • “Bringing the Best of West to East: A Preview of the Lilly Library Renovation and Expansion,” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Fall/Winter 2019-20:
    “The design preserves the intimacy and charm that generations of Blue Devils have always loved about Lilly, while adding modern conveniences and spaces that will dramatically improve the student experience at Duke for generations to come.”
  • “Lilly Library renovation next summer will feature cafe, Co-Lab, other amenities,” Duke Chronicle, November 5, 2019:
    “President Vincent Price announced a year ago that Lilly Library, one of Duke’s oldest buildings, was in line for renovation. But how much progress has been made, and what changes should future students expect to see?”
  • “A Big Lift for Lilly: Lead Gifts Support Planned Renovation and Expansion,” Duke University Libraries Magazine, Fall/Winter 2018-19:
    “The Duke University Libraries has received $10 million, President Price announced in a press release, in support of the planned renovation and expansion of Lilly Library, one of Duke’s oldest and most architecturally significant buildings.”