On November 15, 2024, the Mathematics Library participated in a celebration for the 100th Anniversary of the Main Library building and the dedication of the Shebik Family Reading Room, hosted by the University Library and the University of Illinois Foundation hosted for Library Friends and Foundation Weekend.

For the event, the Mathematics Library held a display titled Mathematics in Your Hands: 3D Mathematical Models, where visitors could view two plaster models (a Kummer surface and a model for Clairaut’s Theorem) as well as two wooden models (a Right Cone with Conic Section and a Prolate Ellipsoid of Revolution).

In addition to the historical models, Sarah Park, the Head of the Mathematics Library, collaborated with the IDEA Lab within the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center to experiment with scanning wooden models to be used in 3D printing. One of these models was of an icosahedron, a 3D shape which consists of twenty equilateral triangles, thirty equal edges, and twelve vertices, resembling the D-20 dice used in board games. Visitors to the display were given mini 3D-printed icosahedrons. Over 200 of these miniaturized models were handed out to guests in a variety of colors including gold, luminous white, dark blue, dark green, and luminous green.

The models on display came from the Altgeld Math Models, a large collection of mathematic models made from various materials like paper, plastic, plaster, and metal. This collection has traditionally been held in Altgeld Hall but has been temporarily relocated during the Altgeld & Illini Hall renovation project and will return once renovations are complete.

Along with the models, the Mathematics Library collection and staff have also been temporarily relocated due to the renovation of Altgeld Hall and the Library space, but the library materials and resources are still accessible. During this interim period of renovation work:

• Bookstacks collection is located at the Main Library Stacks (1 East) and is available according to the Main Library Stacks hours.
• Mathematics Library items can be requested and picked up (and returned) at other campus libraries.
• The mathematics, statistics, and ASRM course reserves and unbound journal collection are at the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center.
• The Mathematics Library staff is located at the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, 1301 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801 and available by phone (217-333-0258) and email (math@library.illinois.edu) for your research needs.
• The Mathematics Library services are accessible through their website.

The Mathematics Library staff looks forward to continuing to provide responsive service during the renovation and afterward, in the refurbished and improved Mathematics Library space.