May 5, 2024
Lilly Library closes to the public after the last day of spring semester final exams
Summer 2024
Books, furnishings, and other materials in Lilly Library moved to temporary storage
August 1, 2024
Lilly Library at Bishop’s House opens to the public
Fall 2024
Utilities running through Lilly project site are relocated
Contracts issued to subcontractors responsible for different elements of project
Documentation submitted to City of Durham Planning Department for approval and issuance of building permit
Historical building windows removed for refurbishing
Selective demolition of interior walls, ceilings, stacks, and shelving
Stack core demolition begins
Lead paint and asbestos remediation
January 2025
Stack core demolition complete
Lead paint and asbestos remediation complete
Demolition of library staff office spaces
Spring 2025
Excavation of building expansion site begins
Concrete floors in basement demolished, new concrete pads poured
Reading room windows removed for refurbishing
Footings and foundations for building expansion poured
Construction of new elevator shaft begins
Demolition and backfilling of lightwells at ground level
Newly refurbished historic windows reinstalled
This timeline will be updated periodically as specific construction updates become available.
Late Summer/Early Fall 2026
Anticipated completion of the Lilly Library renovation and expansion project