The south-facing rotunda contains major public reading rooms on three levels. Its form, as well as the distinctive struts at the top of the building, reflect what goes on inside, especially in the Western History Reading Room on the top floor. The Reading Room features a derrick-like structure of recycled timbers that recalls the rugged forms of mining structures that populated the distant mountain ranges. Similarly, the children’s storytelling pavilion is a distinctive octagonal structure within Acoma Plaza, a public space shared with the adjacent art museum.