Behind a grand pair of oak doors that require some effort to push open, Penwick's library stretches far deeper than it appears at first glance. The main chamber is long and vaulted, lined by tall bookshelves and stone columns that disappear into the arched ceiling above. Books reshelve themselves with the occasional "thud", and the occasional whisper can be heard from the small alcoves that dot the perimeter of the chamber. Tall stained-glass windows filter in light into muted jewel tones, creating a spectacular display at sunrise for those early birds willing to catch it. A wide reference table dominates the centre of the main chamber, surrounded by smaller study desks. Sections are clearly labelled in Latin, Welsh and English.
In the back of the room, grand spiral staircases flank the librarian's desk. To the left, the shorter staircase leads to a mezzanine of older books chained to heavy desks. These books are not necessarily restricted, but are dangerous enough to warrant not removing them from the library. To the right, a high staircase leads to the upper levels of the library; the restricted sections, which require written permission from a professor to enter.