Size

The Library is 31,000 square metres, making it one of the largest public libraries in the world. The construction project included modern new back-of-house facilities for The Repertory Theatre, and in total the development comprises 35,000 square metres.

It is spread over 10 levels of varying size and usage. The building comprises a spacious entrance and foyer with mezzanine, lower ground level with indoor terraces, four further public levels and two outdoor garden terraces, a 'golden box' of secure archive storage occupying two levels, provision for staff offices and service plant on a further two levels and at the very top of the building a rotunda feature housing the Shakespeare Memorial Room.