Designed by Architect Richard Bundy as a "contemporary interpretation of the Mission Revival style of architecture," the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center echoes the history of its location on property that was home to the Thomas and Nackey Scripps Meanley family.

Ten of the striking stained glass windows by renowned glass artist Richard Spaulding were commissioned by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library and funded by local donations. The windows along the courtyard and entryway, titled Terra Triptych, focus on major natural icons of the landscape (rock, tree, and water) interpreted into glass works for a formal, decorative presentation.

The seven stained glass panels, collectively titled Geomancy Series #1, in the Library's southwest wall were executed in a free-flowing contemporary style and were inspired by the land, sea, and desertscapes of San Diego County. Spaulding explained his intention was to "portray human intellectual attainments within the context of our natural environment; to portray human intelligence in harmony with the natural world; to point out caution about human conflict and the dominance of nature."

An eleventh art glass window was commissioned by the City of San Diego for the Children's Area. It is Spaulding's Mixtec Menagerie, a brightly colored depiction of animals in the style of the Mixtec Indians.

As you walk through the 21,700 square-foot library center, note that artifacts from the Meanley home have been incorporated into the building. Windows from the house are used as free-standing dividers and as doors on built-in bookcases. The home's original front doors are now located between the Children's Area and the Reference Area.