Philips Exeter Academy Library

With approximately 3 000 print and electronic volumes the academy library designed by louis kahn provides a welcoming atmosphere to learn and explore.

Philips exeter academy library. Exeter library technical information. Completed in 1972 the philips exeter academy library is acknowledged to be among louis kahn s most successful buildings. The final design document entitled proposals for the library at phillips exeter academy also had the subtitle of program of requirements for the new library recommended by the library committee of the faculty published in its final version in june 1966 the document is unusual in its approach breadth and conclusions. It is the largest secondary school library in the world containing 160 000 volumes over nine levels with a shelf capacity of 250 000 volumes.

Louis kahn said and every time i ve thought of eternity i ve thought of looking up. Class of 1945 library phillips exeter academy. In 1965 louis kahn was called on to design a library and dining area for the high school community in the phillips exeter academy. It is the largest secondary school library in the world containing 160 000 volumes over nine levels with a shelf capacity of 250 000 volumes.

The innovative design diffuses and directs the daylight that floods the space from the center top and four sides of the building. The structure stands 80 feet high and 111 feet wide on all four sides. This library is one of the most important and visually austere buildings kahn built for an american university. Phillips exeter academy library is a library that serves phillips exeter academy an independent boarding school located in exeter new hampshire.