Coinciding with the 83rd anniversary of NC State's founding, the North Tower was dedicated on October 3, 1972. Previously, the library had had closed bookstacks, which were opened to all students following the construction of the new addition. In 1973, library holdings passed 600,000 volumes, and N.C. State became a charter member of the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET), now LYRASIS.
This milestone coincided with NC State's 83rd anniversary celebration, as the North Tower was dedicated on October 3, 1972. Prior to this, the library had restricted access to its collections, which were then made accessible to all students following the completion of a new building addition. In 1973, the library's holdings surpassed 600,000 volumes, and N.C. State joined the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET), now LYRASIS.