Phillips Exeter Academy Library

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The Phillips Exeter Academy Library at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire is among the renowned masterworks of architect Louis Kahn. The building is organized around a 5-story atrium, providing the reading room with even, diffuse daylight all year round. The atrium is encircled by balconies containing the stacks and study alcoves. The current Head Librarian is Jacquelin Thomas.

Kahn began working on the design in 1965 and construction was completed in 1971. On November 16, 1971, classes were suspended for a day, and students, faculty, and staff moved books from the old library (the Davis Library) into the new library. The Davis Library later became the Davis Student Center.

In 1995, the library was officially named the Class of 1945 Library, honoring Dr. Lewis Perry, Exeter's eighth principal (1914-1946). In 1997, the Library was awarded the American Institute of Architects’ Twenty-five Year Award. It is currently the largest secondary school library in the United States, housing 145,000 volumes on nine levels and has a shelf capacity of 250,000 volumes.

In 2007, it was ranked #80 on the List of America's Favorite Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.