Speaking of Libraries

 

Many moons ago my Dad drove me to college,

kissed me and said he would see me again at

Christmas.  We lived about two and one half

hours south.  By comparison, I have heard other

parents speak of bringing their first child to

college and then driving around the corner to

cry.  While my Dad’s eyes might have been

moist, he said to study hard and to do my best.

It turns out that my favorite place to study

became the university library known as the Norlin

Library.  Above the entrance portals were two

phrases engraved in stone.  The library was named

for George Norlin, President from 1919-1939. He

began teaching Greek language and literature at CU

in 1899.  Inscribed over the west entrance of the

library overlooking the quadrangle is a quote:

“Who Knows Only His Own Generation Remains

Always A Child.”  This was probably a nod to

both Latin and Greek authors.  I read that each time

I entered and remained enthralled by its meaning.

Even today.  Also inscribed over the west doors

is a direct quote from Prof. Norlin: “Enter Here The

Timeless Fellowship Of The Human Spirit.”  During my

university days, the library was a treasured sanctuary

where I willingly spent hours of study.  As a German

major, I had the valuable key to the German graduate

study room reserved on the top floor of the library.

All the research materials lay at my fingertips.  Many

a seminar was conducted in this space.  But university

days were also spent relaxing at the end of our

classes.  When the first snow fell, the students from

southern states came out yelling at their first-

ever snowfall.  As a Massachusetts-born kid who

later grew up in Colorado, snow was the norm in

winter.  The inscriptions are forever engraved in my heart.

Thus began my studies of learning how to study!