Andrija Mutnjaković, a Croatian architect, designed the library, and the current building was inaugurated on November 25, 1982. It covers about 178,000 square feet (16,500 m²). The exterior has zenith windows, 99 domes of various sizes and a covering of metal netting.
The architect said the design blends Byzantine and Islamic forms. Other sources describe a reaction to the International Style, a blend of modern means and regional traditions, and a Modern-Metabolist style. Some link the domes to the Albanian plis hat, while another reading links them to Turkish baths in Prizren and the Patriarchate of Peć. The article says Serbian politicians reacted strongly to the first reading.
Inside are two reading rooms of 300 and 100 seats, a periodicals room, a 150-seat amphitheater and a 75-seat meeting hall. Simon Shiroka made the circular rosettes. The two levels below ground are closed to the public.
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