The Lilly Library - Indiana University Bloomington
Location1200 E 7h St, Bloomington, IN, USA
Type(s) of establishment
Type Rotating exhibits
Collection Rare books, manuscrits and literary artifacts
The newly renovated Lincoln Room Lilly Library, located on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana,
After a $ 12.4 million renovation, the iconic Indiana University's Lilly Library is opening its doors to the community once again.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the Lilly Library undertook a major renovation, which took place from 2019 to 2021, to modernize its space and provide larger access to its immense collection.
Opened in July 2021 in a reduced capacity, the Reading Room’s renovations included the re-installation of library shelving, delivery, and installation of new furniture and exhibition cases, as well as the installation of the exciting new murals. Lilly Library staff hope to welcome visitors at an open house Sept. 2 during IU Arts and Humanities' First Thursday festival.
Image courtesy of IKD, photo by Tony Vasquez
About the Lilly Library
Located in the heart of IU’s Bloomington campus, the Lilly Library holds more than 450,000 rare books, 8.5 million manuscripts, the world's largest collection of mechanical puzzles, and 150,000 pieces of music sheets.
Rare volume of John James Audubon’s Birds of America
Among the Lilly Library’s most famous materials include a volume of John James Audubon’s Birds of America; Thomas Jefferson’s personal copy of the first printing of the Bill of Rights; the original manuscript of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan; and the first printed collection of the William Shakespeare play, dated 1623.
Among the Lilly Library’s most famous materials include a volume of John James Audubon’s Birds of America; Thomas Jefferson’s personal copy of the first printing of the Bill of Rights; the original manuscript of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan; and the first printed collection of the William Shakespeare play, dated 1623.
The Scope
Zone Display Cases was mandated to design and install magnificent wooden table display cases and built-in wall display cases dedicated to exhibiting historical pieces of great importance.
Challenge
This project posed challenges on several levels. The recessed wall cases with gigantic 10-ft. wide doors incorporated a variety of rather unusual elements, particularly with the lighting and shelving systems, in an effort to maximize the flexibility of the display cases.
Aside from the design and construction complexity, this project was to be delivered within an extremely tight timeline, adding pressure at all levels during the project, on top of the unusual conditions and challenges caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The gorgeous table display cases were also built with unique “X-shaped” hardwood bases, making the integration of the opening mechanisms quite difficult, especially on the 4X5ft. large Audubon case.
Image courtesy of IKD, photo by Tony Vasquez
Our Solutions
The quality and efficiency of the communications between Zone, IKD and Lilly Library was of crucial importance to complete this project on time.
Close collaboration with experts and reliable partners and suppliers, coupled with a series of weekly meetings, have also enabled us to deliver cases that met our high-quality standards and surpassed the client’s expectations.
Our installation team was also well prepared and trained to complete the installation as quickly as possible, with a project handover barely a couple days before the library’ special event.
