The library serves as the university's primary research and study center.

Present at the Ceremony were current Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe and Congressman Jack Brooks who was a Lamar Alumnus.

The building was named in honor of Mary and John Gray who served the university their entire lives.

[2] Four floors provide stacks for books and periodicals shelved in Library of Congress classification sequence.

On November 22, 2021, the university announced Texas Legislature approval of $44.9 million in capital construction assistance toward expansion and improvements to the library.