Opening as the Palos Verdes Public Library & Art Gallery on June 3, 1930, the Mediterranean Revival architectural style building was designed by Architect Myron Hunt, a local resident. The five-level, 16,550-square-foot building is constructed of hollow-cast double-walled reinforced concrete covered by stucco with a red mission tile roof. The surrounding landscape was designed by well-known landscape architect, Frederick Olmsted, Jr in 1930. 

In 1962, an addition was completed on the south side of the building, and in 1997 the stone patio on the east side of the building was remodeled to provide improved handicapped access. Library furnishings include reproductions of original hand-carved walnut Italian Renaissance tables, chairs, and couches from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Vanderlip. The Library completed a DOLLAR renovation of the interior restoring it to its original.  

The library has been designated as a Historic Landmark and it is listed on the California Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.