MPAL First Floor Renovations

Project Overview

The first floor of the Music and Performing Arts Library is getting some updates this summer! We will be replacing the ceiling and lights as well as painting. There may be additional improvements to flooring and furniture, so stay tuned to this page for the latest news.

Project Timeline

These dates are estimates and we will update this page if these targets change.

  • April 6 First-floor collections begin move to the Main Stacks in the Main Library and can be used or requested from there
    • The move of the 1st floor collections will take 6 weeks on either side of the renovation work, with additional time needed to remove and reconstruct shelving.
  • April 6-May 22 Services and study spaces on both floors and second floor collections available to patrons as normal
  • May 15-19 Services and spaces open on 1st floor
  • May 20 First floor of MPAL is closed. Patrons can access services, collections, and study spaces on MPAL’s 2nd floor.
  • May 26 Ceiling/lights/painting begins and work is expected to last 10-12 weeks
  • Estimated between July 31 and Aug 14 Ceiling/lights/painting completed
  • Once renovations complete Shelving is reinstalled and 1st floor collections begin return to MPAL
  • 8/24 (first day of classes) or as soon as possible thereafter  First floor furniture, technology, and services are reinstated on 1st floor and available to patrons
  • Mid-late September All 1st floor collections successfully returned to MPAL from Main Stacks

Questions

If you have questions about the renovation or are having issues finding or locating materials during it, please send an email to mpal@library.illinois.edu.

Latest Project News

  • August 5: the ceilings and lights are done and painting is well underway, as is floor cleaning and refinishing. Still to come are new carpeting and putting everything back where it was! We continue to offer services and collection access on our second floor, accessible from the Music Building north lobby stairs or elevator.
  • May 19: MPAL 1st floor is now closed and the 2nd floor is open. Library materials can still be returned at 1st floor drop boxes, or at the drop boxes outside of the building, or on the second floor.
  • May 10: All first-floor collection materials (media, books, journals, plays, reference collection) are now relocated to and available from the Main Stacks.

Project Pictures

Before

Reading Room of the Music and Performing Arts Library
Reading Room of the Music and Performing Arts Library
Computer area in the Music and Performing Arts Library
Computer area in the Music and Performing Arts Library

During

ceiling, lights, and shelving removed from MPAL 1st floor
The ceiling, lights, and shelving have largely been removed from MPAL 1st floor
MPAL journals area minus shelving and ceilings
MPAL journals area without a ceiling or shelving
MPAL lights and ceiling work
New lights are in and ceiling frame is ready for the tiles; painting is under way!
New ceilings and lights in MPAL first floor
New ceilings, lights, and paint are complete (or close to complete) on MPAL’s first floor!

After