Construction for the original library began on November 14, 1957, marking it as the college's first permanent campus building.

[10][11][12] The library was originally named for Delmar T. Oviatt, former vice president for Academic Affairs, who was involved in the founding of San Fernando Valley State College, CSUN's predecessor.

[13][14] In 2019, CSUN president Dianne F. Harrison appointed a campus committee to investigate whether the Oviatt Library should be renamed due to allegations of racism.

[16][17] After approval from CSU Chancellor Timothy White, the name was changed to University Library in December 2020.

[29] The University Library has served as a shooting location for numerous films and television series, including Star Trek, Sky High, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica, The Middle, and The Orville.