A Century of Scholarship – General Information

1920s performers surround 100th anniversary cake

Main Library Building Celebrates 100 Years

On November 15, 2024, the University Library and the University of Illinois Foundation hosted an event for Library Friends and Foundation Weekend attendees to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Main Library building and the dedication of the Shebik Family Reading Room. The theme was the 1920s; there were dancers and performers in period costumes, vintage cars outside the Main Library’s east entrance, and exhibits from various Library units from the era.

Anniversary cake in foreground and event participants in background

A band performs 1920s era music at the north end of the Reading Room

A quintet performs music from the 1920s in the Library Gallery

Vintage cars outside the east entrance to the Main Library

Dean Claire Stewart gives remarks and recognizes the Shebik family

Library Friends Steve and Megan Shebik dedicate the Shebik Family Reading Room

A Piece of History

1924

1929

2024

Construction of the Main Library building is completed. A time capsule is placed behind the building’s cornerstone

Dedication of the Main Library building

Time capsule is removed and exhibited at the anniversary event

View a full timeline of Library History

Preservation staff member opening 1924 time capsule

Time capsule photos by Library Communications staff

Showing Off

To commemorate the past 100 years, several Library units created special exhibits that showed off items from their collections from the 1920s. A huge “thank you” to all the units who participated—you’re the bee’s knees!

Communications Library: American Consumer Culture in the 1920s: Advertisements from the Communications Library’s D’Arcy Collection
Digitization: Digitization of Special Collections Materials: Digitizing for Access and Preservation
Grainger Engineering Library Information Center: From Engineering Hall to Grainger Engineering Library Information Center: Celebrating Early Librarianship
Illinois History and Lincoln Collections: Local Jewish Community Connections in the 1920s
Literatures and Languages Library: Spotlight on Harlem Renaissance Literature
Map Library: The World Reshaped
Mathematics Library: Mathematics in Your Hands: 3D Mathematical Models
Music and Performing Arts Library: MPAL Special Collections from Illinois and the 1920s
Preservation Services: 100 Years of Movie Magic: Preserving the Dawn of the Talkies
Rare Book & Manuscript Library: 1920s Cinema in the Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Ricker Library of Architecture and Art: Materiality and Place in the 20s
Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library: Celebrating Women’s Suffrage from Pre-K to Higher Ed
Sousa Archives and Center for American Music: The Alcoholic Blues
Student Life and Culture Archives: A New University Library; Student Life and Culture in the 1920s; Harold Osborn ‘22: Olympic Champion
University Archives: Landmark Moments of 1924

The Shebik Family Reading Room

Long-time Library Friends Steve ’78 BUS, ’78 BUS and Megan ’80 LAS Shebik’s love for and connections to the University of Illinois run deep—three generations, to be exact. The couple has given generously to the University Library with a transformational gift in 2020 to launch the Library’s building project, which will create a new space for special collections, including collaborative work spaces, a reading room, and exhibits. Their continued support reflects a deep commitment to the Library’s mission and a belief in the importance of all it provides to students, scholars, and the community.

The University Library is pleased to announce a $1M matching challenge generously initiated by Megan and Steve. Their gift will double contributions to our effort, supporting the vital renovation of the University Library—a place where the past is preserved, and the future of learning is inspired.

All photos courtesy of UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS/FRED ZWICKY unless otherwise noted