CU community celebrates 70 years of Norlin Library

It’s the first day of classes, and Norlin is humming with activity. The smell of fresh coffee and the sounds of fingers typing and clicking over Mac computers of all sizes complete the essence of the recent Norlin Learning Commons addition in the Norlin Library.

“Norlin’s 70th birthday makes me appreciate that I am one of many generations learning and growing within this building,” said Jillian Robinson, a 21-year-old junior film production and studio arts major.

Robinson, in addition to being a student, says she works as an ITS advisor in the Norlin Commons area. This area was first opened to students for the fall 2009 semester and includes the Laughing Goat Coffee Shop, many Mac computers for student use, study rooms, the Writing Center and a “Bug Busters” office offering computer assistance.

Robinson says she is impressed with the technology that has been incorporated into Norlin Library.

“The fact that we have $3,000 MacBooks that students can check out for free is amazing. Also, as a film student I really like being able to check out the smart rooms that have projectors and other useful equipment,” Robinson said.

Since its opening in 1940, Norlin Library has seen several expansions. The North and South wings were added in the 60s and the East expansion was completed in the 70s. The recent renovations of the Norlin Commons aren’t the end of Norlin’s evolving structure, said Deborah Fink, the Planning and Promotions Librarian at Norlin.

“We’re beginning what we call the ‘Norlin Renaissance.’ This will involve taking down in-fill walls to go back to the original design of Norlin Library,” said Fink.

George Norlin, the university’s fifth president and namesake of the library, worked closely with architect Charles Klauder to plan the library that opened 70 years ago. Klauder also designed ten other buildings on the CU Boulder campus.

“He set the tone for the whole campus, even the buildings they’re doing on campus now.” Fink said.

Fink says she thinks it is important to maintain the beauty that Klauder originally intended while incorporating technology that makes Norlin as functional as it is beautiful.

“People that have been around for a while are very impressed with Norlin’s changes. But new students simply expect it; this is what they now need to meet their contemporary learning needs,” Fink said.

Fink says she acknowledges and appreciates the mix of styles and decades represented in Norlin.

“It’s a treat to walk back and forth between the different ends of the building. The styles and art go from very traditional to contemporary as you head east within the library,” Fink said.

John Fowlkes, a 65-year-old library technician, says he has worked in Norlin since 1993.

“It does mean quite a bit for Norlin to turn 70,” Fowlkes said.

Fowlkes says he attended CU as an undergraduate student in the ’60s and has seen Norlin undergo many eventful changes.

A photographic gallery honoring Norlin’s history will be displayed in the third floor gallery in the northwest wing of Norlin throughout the spring 2010 semester.

Additionally, a gallery of contemporary photos of Norlin by photographer Kevin Crafts is featured on the first floor of Norlin.

Fink says she is delighted to work within Norlin’s walls, despite any disadvantages that come with its increasing age.

“The charm, character, and patina that this building has is definitely worth any leaky toilets in it,” Fink said.

Contact CU Independent staff writer Mary Rochelle at Mary.rochelle@colorado.edu.