Cubic design with staged steel beams and lots of glass, from which another cube pushes out of the building above the entrance level. The latter presents itself in light gray, bush-hammered exposed concrete with colourful aggregate in it. On the frontside of the exposed concrete cube are steel letters attached reading "LIBRARY". 

The library building consists of five open levels, staggered across the front and back of the building, so that the floors look like mezzanines to each other. The large window fronts allow plenty of daylight to enter the library's rooms, some of which extend over several open floors. The façade of the floating exposed concrete cube conceals the children's library section, which is additionally illuminated by a skylight.

The building was planned by Croydon Borough architect Hugh Lea with input from Croydon's Chief Librarian T.E. Callander.

Locally listed building within South Norwood Conservation Area on the corner of Selhurst Road and Lawrence Road.

Between 2019 and 2022 the library building was under threat of being demolished as a new building was developed nearby to move into. But a campaign promoting the preservation of the library by South Norwood residents, conservationists and architectural experts was successful. 

On September 27th 2022, it was announced by Croydon Council that the library service would remain in it’s home and the Brutalist building would be protected from developers or any demolition plans. Also, a promise of renovation was made. 

Still, in the beginning of 2023 the local council once again announced that they’re looking to generate money by selling assets and planning to downsize the library service meaning the building and service are once again under severe threat. 

The situation appears to have eased again from January 2025: Opening hours are to be increased again over the course of the year. However, it is still unclear whether a renovation measure for the library will be implemented (last updated on February 20, 2025).