Located at the center of campus, the library provides collections of books, journals, maps, and documents to support learning and research. The building has 250 computer workstations; new scanners and printers, including a 3-D printer; upgraded wireless access; and functional, ergonomic furnishings and workspaces, including laptop bars and booths. The library also offers a meditation space on the third floor and 24-hour access to a study room for students, faculty, and staff.

Named for former Michigan Tech President J. Robert Van Pelt, and John Opie (1961), former vice chair of the board and executive officer with General Electric, the library also houses the archives and a complete collection of printed materials documenting the people and institutions of the local area.