The Lilly Library

Overview

• The Lilly Library was built in 1960 to house rare and old manuscripts. 

• It was built because JK Lilly Jr donated a large sum of money to IU in honor of his parents. 

• They hold over 8.5 million manuscripts, and 450,000 books. 

• It is used by many college students each day to study and just look around. 

                                              HISTORY 

JK Lilly Jr. funded the construction of the library when he donated a large sum of money to the school. JK Lilly Jr was a pharmaceutical industrialist, and the president of Eli Lilly and co. He had a childhood interest in books and rare artifacts, which led to the Lilly becoming a library which holds many artifacts and rare manuscripts. He ended up donating many of his rare books and manuscripts for the Lilly to house. The Lilly ended up starting construction in 1958, and ended up opening in 1960. They have housed many celebrities and politicians, meaning they visited and housed their items there. Some of these celebrities include Glenn Close, Rebecca Romney, Paul Robeson, Rickey Jay, and more! 

ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

The Lilly has so many ways that they help the community. They mainly help college students by providing study spaces, materials, and a quiet place to sit. They hold over 8.5 million manuscripts, and 450,000 books. Some of these rare artifacts include Receding Horizons, New Testament of the Gutenberg Bible, and they just got a $2.5 million grant to buy more rare religious artifacts. Some things that are enjoyable for younger kids is they house 5 original Frog and Toad paintings, many pop culture items like comic books, and Batman Merchandise. The Lilly also loves to collaborate with the community and other parts of IU. They have worked with IU arts, The Wylie House, the Moving Image Archive, Wonderlab, Monroe County Public Library, and many more.