The West Valley Branch Library is the City of San Jose's first project to receive LEED certification and it was the first LEED certified library in the world. The new, 20,100 SF library's design is architecturally creative, and it is a very well-used and appreciated community space.

The building was also designed to serve as a practical example of environmentally responsible architecture. The site's mature, existing trees were preserved, and the landscaping is drought tolerant and features high-efficiency irrigation controls to reduce water use.

Air conditioning is kept to a minimum through carefully shaded windows, insulation, and an under-floor mechanical system. In addition, thick concrete block walls add thermal mass to the structure. The building is carefully designed to minimize the use of artificial light sources, for energy savings as well as indoor environmental quality. Clerestory windows and skylights help bring in daylight. The skylighting is diffused by a metallic woven screen across the ceiling, to provide even daylight throughout. Photo cells turn off lights when daylighting is adequate.

Green materials are also featured in the project. Half of the wood used for the project (calculated by the cost of all wood materials) was FSC-certified wood. Many other materials have recycled content, including the ceramic tile, carpeting, and flooring. Low-emitting materials were also used, including low-VOC paints and adhesives. In addition, more than 90% of the construction and demolition waste was recycled.

Among the most unique features of the library are the fanciful public art installations situated inside the building and outside near the building's entry. The artworks' plant themes reflect the area's agricultural past, and the artworks are made of green materials, including found/re-used objects, sustainably harvested wood, and low-VOC paint. The cabbage sculpture near the entryway acts as a passive water feature, fed by stormwater and dew that flows from the roof.

The West Valley Library has received the 2004 Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards for Sustainable Facilities, the AIA-Santa Clara Valley's Merit Award, and BOMA-Silicon Valley's 2004 Building and Earth Awards' Green Building Award.