The construction builds on a line started by two other Snøhetta library buildings in North America: for North Carolina State Universities in Raleigh and Ryerson in Toronto. The idea of the architects is that in our age of proliferation of electronic media, wireless networks, online archives, etc. the library must become more than a repository for books and magazines. Along with providing access to sources, it is designed to serve as a place for joint activities, unscheduled meetings and communication that help generate ideas and stimulate research. Therefore, the premises for proper reading and research work side by side with spaces where silence is not necessary.
As in Raleigh, the Philadelphia Library will use the Automatic Book Issuing System (ASRS), which makes life easier for readers and also significantly saves space otherwise occupied by storage. As in Raleigh and Toronto, a bright reading room has been created on the top floor of the Temple University Library, with views of the surrounding area. In this case, this is one of the "quiet" rooms, and there are also traditional open access shelving.
From the outside, the building will be faced with stone, which will fit it into the context of the university campus. The entrances will be highlighted by large wooden "arches" and glazing. Also, the atrium sheathing with a height of 3 floors will be made of wood. It will end with a kind of vault with an oculus, through which perspectives open to other areas of the library.
The lobby, cafe, central atrium and 24-hour access area (accessible without showing a library card) are open not only to students, but also to residents of the area adjacent to the campus.
