It's not just ladies in sensible shoes and woolen cardigans who work at the New York Public Library. The private, non-profit organization has about 2,000 employees in 90 locations across the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island, and office style ranges from bookish to whimsical.

"Some of my colleagues are from the 'School of Librarian,'" said Sharon Hewitt Watkins, vice president of finance, wearing a bright green cocktail dress. "I love color. I love accessories."

Shauntee...