The American Library in Paris was incorporated in the state of Delaware on 28 May 1920. Under its by-laws, which are governed by Delaware law, and which have had certain modifications and amendments over the years, the Board of Trustees has responsibility for oversight and the setting of policy for The American Library in Paris, Inc. The Library operates in accordance with the procedures set out in the Library’s by-laws, as amended and approved by the Board of Trustees from time to time, as well as through the policies that are drafted and approved by the Board.

The Board carries out its business via committee and Board meetings. The Board of Trustees uses Sturgis’ Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure to provide a framework in which to work. French law also plays an important role in the way that The American Library in Paris carries out its mission, since the Library is an entity that operates in France, and which is therefore subject to French law for many aspects of its functioning.

Given the complexity of the legal environment in which The American Library in Paris operates, the Board relies on the advice of outside legal counsel, both French and American, as well as U.S. and French tax advisors on both specific and general issues to ensure that it operates as a good corporate citizen.