Van Wylen Library, completed in 1988, was named after Hope College’s ninth president and his wife, Dr. Gordon J. and Dr. Margaret D. Van Wylen. It holds more than 370,000 volumes and nearly 50,000 electronic journals. Students have access to MeLCat, an online system that allows students and faculty to request material from libraries throughout Michigan.

The library has five floors. The first floor holds the reference desk, circulation desk and the Klooster Center for Excellence in Writing, which provides research help in person, through individual research appointments, online chat, e-mail, and text services with reference librarians. The Cup & Chaucer is located just inside the main doors for a coffee or snack break.

The second floor features the Digital Media Lab (DML). Students may go to the DML to get help with printing and laminating, and to check out laptops, digital cameras and voice recorders. If a student is having trouble with a computer program or needs access to software, the student tutors at the DML will gladly be of assistance.

Students also have access to Cook Library of Western Theological Seminary and the Herrick District Library, both within walking distance from the campus.

Quick Facts

• Van Wylen Library was awarded the 2004 Association of College and Research Libraries Excellence in Academic Libraries Award
• There are nine full-time librarians, 12 full- and part-time support staff and nearly 90 student assistants
• The former music library in the Nykerk Hall of Music merged with Van Wylen Library in 2013 — all music materials can now be found on the second floor