In 2017 the Central Library holds 1,445,118 volumes, including: 589,418 books; 323,452 journal and magazine issues; 9 subscriptions to Mexican newspapers; 2,687 brochures and 8,616 multimedia CDs.

In the reading room, flanked by a garden on each side, the diffuse and matte light is filtered through thin tecali stone slabs.

On the left side of the main axis, separated into three different planes, we can see deities and scenes pertaining to the life-creating principle: on the upper corner is the Sun, framed by Quetzalcoatl in the guise of a serpent; below this, the figure of Tlaloc emerges carrying a mat on his back; the section is complemented by Huitzilopochtli holding a shield and the Xiucoatl, the precious serpent.

In the central section, we see Tlazolteotl, the earth goddess, surrounded by the eagle, a solar attribute, and by the jaguar, the symbol of the night.

Here we can perceive Quetzalcoatl's serpent drawn by using chalchihuitls (jade-like stones) and shells; below the serpent que can contemplate the image of Chalchiutlicue, the water goddess, and in front of her is a bonfire where her son is being sacrificed in order to give birth to the Moon; besides this scene, we find Tezcatlipoca, the creative principle and lord of the sorcerers, accompanied by a skull.

The center of this part of the wall is dominated by the dual representation of Mictlantecuhtli-Quetzalcoatl, in the lower area we find images of warriors along with prisoners of war that complement the chapter related to human sacrifice.

The vertical axis of the composition shows Tonatiuh as the primeval source of the life cycle whose permanence is guaranteed by the sacrifices of men and gods.