The initial design presented by Moriyama was a similar in design to the current building, although the original designs had the southern and western façade of the structure clad in reflective glass that became transparent at night; with concrete used on its other sides. A direct access point that connected the library's main lobby to Bloor-Yonge subway station was planned although were not incorporated in the final design. Although the design was initially supported by the library board and the Metro Toronto government, its design faced opposition from the municipal government of Toronto; with the overuse of glass in the midst of the 1970s energy crisis being questioned, concerns that the structure would be too imposing in contrast to the rest of the neighbourhood, and budgetary concerns resulted in the initial design to be rejected in December 1973. After several months of consultation with the local government, revised designs were approved in April 1974; which slightly reduced the size and height of the building, reduced its massing, and changed its cladding to brick.