The Expansion and Renovation of Perkins Library

About the Perkins Project

The current Perkins Library was built in three stages - in 1928, 1948, and 1968, and by the late 1990s it became clear that it was time to grow and renew again. In August 2000 Provost Peter Lange established the Perkins Library Renovation Committee and charged it with thinking creatively about the nature of library services and facilities and making recommendations regarding the design and function of Perkins Library. After two years of planning, the project was approved by the Board of Trustees in 2002 and construction began in fall 2003.

On October 12, 2005, the new buildings opened to the public, providing beautiful spaces and enhanced services to the Duke community. Over the next year, the first floor of Perkins will be renovated, and in the years to come there will be further renovations of the existing facilities. More information about the new facilities and the ongoing renovations can be found via the links below.

• Overview of the Perkins Project
• The Bostock Library
• The Karl and Mary Ellen von der Heyden Pavilion
• Changes in Fall 2005
• Future changes - beyond Fall 2005
• Planning for the Perkins Project

News about the Perkins Project

• Construction updates and news from the library
• Perkins Project in the press
• October 17 through 22 opening events
• November 11 dedication events

Contact information

If you would like further information about the Duke University Libraries and the Perkins Project, you can find contact information at the links below.

• Ask a librarian - for information about library services and collections
  
• Building manager - for information about the construction and renovation project
• Director of Communications - for questions from the media
• Library administration - for other information