It was the first classical public building built in America, designed in the manner of Italian Renaissance Architect Andrea Palladio, in the Georgian-Palladian style.

The main facade facing Bellevue avenue is based upon a plate in Edward Hoppus' Andrea Palladio's Architecture published in 1735.

[8] The oldest section, today called the Harrison Room, still houses the majority of the original books that were purchased as a collection in London.

Occupying British troops allegedly looted numerous books (many of which were later returned) prior to the Battle of Rhode Island during the American Revolution.

Within 10 years of the Reading Room being completed, architect Richard Morris Hunt was contacted to furnish another expansion for the library.