[13] The library is a fine example of 1960s Brutalist architecture and shows the influences of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in its structural clarity and simplicity.

[3] The frontage features bold black steel letters reading "LIBRARY" in Grotesk font typography[3] on a concrete cuboid above a glass lower part of the building.

Edwin Heathcote, the Financial Times's architecture critic picked South Norwood Library as one of six places to see during the Open House London Festival 2021.

[18] The building style has had praise from architecture experts, such as Bridget Cherry, who enjoyed its opening saying it had "quite an impact in the street", art writer Javier Pes called it "the rough diamond of Norwood" whilst Brutalist historian Dr Barnabas Calder described the building as neighbourly and respectful.

[3] Services available at South Norwood Library include Books & CDs for reference and loan at the reception area.

[19] The library has had special one-off events over the years such as author visits from Jamie Rix (in June 2001)[20] and Jeremy Strong (in November 2001).