The front is filled with many large windows set back from the wall and full of mullions that create shadows across the building. Due to the front steps the buildings are all raised creating a half exposed basement made of the same marble or limestone and few windows to allow natural light into the basement. The inside of the library is centered around the area desk and the vestibule. On each side of the entranceis a reading room with the stacks located in the back of the library behind the area desk. Most of the inside structure is presented in a very homey fashion.
Wood is found in the tables, desks, chairs, shelves,wainscoting, exposed beams etc.
Many of the libraries also contain multiple fireplaces in the reading rooms. The ceilings throughout the library are high. This allows the windows to be placed above the shelves, not taking up book space, and still lets light into the center of the library. The ceiling, besides the exposed ceiling beams, contains many skylights. The natural light is important for the light darkdualities throughout the library.