Internships at the American Library in Paris
The American Library in Paris offers intern placements throughout the year for students studying library/information science or looking to pursue a career in non-profit management. Library internships provide critical on-the-job training and experience.
Although the majority of our interns come with a library science background, we also welcome interns from Erasmus programs, as well as students currently enrolled in a college or university program with a focus in a related discipline.
To apply, please complete the internship application below and upload your one-page letter of motivation and CV in the form.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Internship Opportunities
Cultural Programming & Communications Intern (6-month internship)
Dates: July–December 2026 (6 months)
Application review begins immediately; early applications encouraged
About the American Library in Paris
Founded in 1920, the American Library in Paris is the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. A welcoming home for the thoughtful and curious, the Library brings together readers, writers, and thinkers through its collections, educational offerings, and vibrant cultural programming. At its core, it is a place of encounter—where ideas are exchanged, community is fostered, and lifelong learning takes root.
The Opportunity
The American Library in Paris offers a six-month internship for a motivated, thoughtful, and highly organized individual eager to gain hands-on experience in cultural programming and communications within an international nonprofit setting.
Working closely with colleagues across Programs, Communications, Development, and Operations, the intern will contribute to the planning and delivery of the Library’s literary and cultural events while gaining practical exposure to audience engagement, event production, communications strategy, and the day-to-day workings of a dynamic cultural institution.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in books, ideas, cultural life, and nonprofit work—and who is excited by the prospect of learning through meaningful responsibility in a collaborative environment.
What You’ll Do
- Support the planning and delivery of the Library’s literary and cultural programs, from early coordination through on-site execution and follow-up
- Assist in managing event workflows using project management tools including Asana and Raiser’s Edge NXT
- Liaise with authors, speakers, publishers, and publicists to collect program materials and logistical details
- Draft and edit event copy for the website, newsletters, email campaigns, and social media channels
- Help build event pages, registration forms, audience lists, and automated reminder communications
- Coordinate practical event logistics including guest hospitality, book sales and signings, and vendor coordination
- Assist with the organization of photography, video capture, and digital assets for program promotion and archival purposes
- Help monitor incoming partnership and programming proposals
- Support audience engagement and constituent management through the Library’s CRM
- Contribute to internal reporting on attendance, engagement, and program outcomes
What You Bring
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with working knowledge of French preferred
- The ability to communicate with polish, warmth, sound judgment, and professionalism—both in writing and in person—while confidently representing the Library with authors, speakers, publishers, donors, and distinguished guests
- Demonstrated organizational ability, ideally including experience supporting events, public programs, hospitality, or cultural initiatives
- Excellent attention to detail and comfort managing multiple moving pieces simultaneously
- A collaborative, service-oriented mindset paired with the ability to work independently and take initiative
- Strong digital fluency, including Google Workspace / Microsoft Office (incl. Excel), Canva (or equivalent), and comfort learning platforms such as Asana, Raiser’s Edge NXT, and email marketing tools
- Familiarity with CRM systems, project management tools, or event platforms is a plus
- A genuine enthusiasm for books, ideas, cultural programming, and community-building
Internship Details
- Duration: July–December 2026 (6 months)
- Schedule: 20 hours per week
- Location: On-site in Paris
- Status: Internship / stage convention required where applicable
Compensation & Benefits:
This paid internship includes a stipend in accordance with French internship regulations (gratification de stage), approximately €400/month for a 20-hour schedule, along with partial reimbursement of public transportation costs, meal vouchers where applicable, and full participation in the professional and cultural life of the Library.
How to Apply
Please send:
- CV
- Brief motivation letter
to openings@americanlibraryinparis.org with the subject line:
Cultural Programming & Communications Intern
In your letter, please tell us:
- why this role interests you
- what experience you would bring
- and one book you think everyone should read, and why
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Collections Intern
The American Library in Paris is looking for a motivated, dynamic, and friendly person to be our Collections Intern position. A few of the various duties include participating in collections projects and assisting patrons and staff at the Member Services desk.
The ideal candidate for this position is interested in pursuing a career in libraries or archives. This person should be organized, flexible, and have some familiarity with library cataloging systems.
Internship dates: January – June 2027
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis until October 1, 2026
Under the supervision of Library staff, Collections Intern responsibilities include:
- Assisting in the maintenance of book and periodical collections
- Cataloging of books and periodicals
- Inventory
- Maintenance of periodical archives
- Maintenance of special book collections
- Answering reference questions
- Technical processing of magazines, newspapers, and book
- Assisting with shelving, book displays, and stacks maintenance
- Creating, renewing, and revising membership accounts in multiple databases
- Familiarizing new members with the Library and the use of its online and in-person services
- Responding to email, phone, and in-person queries
- Pride in contributing to the cultural heritage of a century-old institution that is dedicated to literature and community
- An appetite for hard work and the ability to prioritize and multitask in a close-knit and busy organizational environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A willingness to receive and give constructive feedback, and a proactive attitude
- A commitment to data integrity and quality of work
- The ability to push full book carts, shelve books on high and low shelves, and carry boxes
Applicants are required to fill out the online application form and submit a CV and letter of motivation.
For more information contact the Internship Coordinator at
internships@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Children’s and Teens’ Services Interns: Outreach/YAFF
The American Library in Paris seeks a dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic intern who has a passion for English-language literature for children and teens, and who believes that creative writing plays an important role in literacy development. Our ideal intern would spend six months in Paris getting to know our unique library and its diverse membership, and promoting the benefits of creative writing within the English-language community.
The American Library in Paris, established in 1920, is the largest English-language library on the European continent, serving 5,000 members, about half of them American and a quarter French. The Children’s and Teens’ Services Department’s collections consist of more than 20,000 books for young people, as well as e-resources, and the department hosts over 200 events a year for the community. The American Library in Paris is proud to be the organizer of the Young Authors Fiction Festival (YAFF). YAFF is free of charge and open to all students ages 5–18 in France who write in English.
The Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern will report to the Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, and will work closely with the department’s team members in:
- Creating activities and workshops for ages 0-18 to promote YAFF
- Assisting with outreach efforts to promote YAFF
- Creating and supplementing attractive and timely book displays
- Shelving and shelf reading
- Assisting members in accessing online resources
- Providing customer service in the Children’s and Teens’ Services Department
- Assisting with the Library’s social media outreach efforts for children and teens
The Intern will work for a six-month period (November through May) for approximately 21 hours per week on the following days:
- Wednesdays from 10h00-18h00
- Fridays from 12h00-19h00 or from 14h30-21h30 (depending on weekly programs)
- Saturdays from 10h00-18h00
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a bachelor-level or masters-level program in order to be eligible for this internship position. The ideal candidate will be pursuing a Masters in Library Science, have a passion for English-language literature for children and teens, and experience working with young people. Knowledge of French is a plus!
- Pride in contributing to the cultural heritage of a century-old institution that is dedicated to literature and community
- An appetite for hard work and the ability to prioritize and multitask in a close-knit and busy organizational environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A willingness to receive and give constructive feedback, and a proactive attitude
- A commitment to data integrity and quality of work
- The ability to push full book carts, shelve books on high and low shelves, and carry boxes
Applicants are required to fill the online application form and submit a CV and motivation letter.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis this role! Finalists will be interviewed by video call or telephone.
For more information contact the Internship Coordinator at internships@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Children’s and Teens’ Services Interns: Programs and Collections
The American Library in Paris seeks a dynamic, creative, and enthusiastic intern who has a passion for programming and for English-language literature for children and teens, and would like to spend six months in Paris getting to know our unique library and its diverse membership.
The American Library in Paris, established in 1920, is the largest English-language library on the European continent, serving 5,000 members, about half of them American and a quarter French. The Children’s and Teens’ Services Department’s collections consist of more than 20,000 books for young people, as well as e-resources, and the department hosts over 200 events a year for the community.
The Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern will report to the Children’s and Teens’ Services, and will work closely with the department’s team members in:
- Providing support for programming for children and teens, with a specific focus
on literacy development - General collection maintenance tasks
- Creating and supplementing attractive and timely book displays
- Shelving and shelf reading
- Assisting members in accessing online resources
- Assisting with Collection Development research
- Providing Readers Advisory services in the Children’s and Teens’ Services
Department - Assisting with the Library’s social media outreach efforts for children and teens
- Preparations, promotion and outreach for the Halloween Extravaganza
The Intern will work for a six-month period (May through November) for approximately 21 hours per week on the following days:
- Wednesdays from 10h00-18h00
- Fridays from 12h00-19h00 or from 14h30-21h30 (depending on weekly programs)
- Saturdays from 10h00-18h00
Candidates must be currently enrolled in a bachelor-level or masters-level program in order to be eligible for this internship position. The ideal candidate is pursuing a Masters in Library Science, and will have a passion for English-language literature for children and teens, and experience working with young people. Knowledge of French is a plus!
- Pride in contributing to the cultural heritage of a century-old institution that is dedicated to literature and community
- An appetite for hard work and the ability to prioritize and multitask in a close-knit and busy organizational environment
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A willingness to receive and give constructive feedback, and a proactive attitude
- A commitment to data integrity and quality of work
- The ability to push full book carts, shelve books on high and low shelves, and carry boxes
Applicants are required to fill the online application form and submit a CV and motivation letter.
Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis for this role! Finalists will be interviewed by video call or telephone.
For more information contact the Internship Coordinator at internships@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Member Services Intern
The American Library in Paris is looking for a motivated, dynamic, and friendly person to be our Member Services Intern. A few of the duties include assisting patrons and staff at the Member Services desk and processing memberships.
The ideal candidate for this position is interested in pursuing a career in libraries or non-profits. This person should be organized, flexible, and have exceptional customer service skills.
Internship dates: July – December 2026
Application Deadline: Applications for this position are now closed.
Under the supervision of Library staff, Member Services intern responsibilities include:
- Staffing the Member Services and Welcome desks
- Creating, renewing, and revising membership accounts in multiple databases
- Responding to email, phone, and in-person queries
- Familiarizing new members with the Library and the use of its online and in-person services
- Processing fines, fees, and lost items
- Managing printing and copying services
- Technical processing of magazines, newspapers, and books
- Gathering and maintaining statistical data
- Assisting with shelving, book displays, and stacks maintenance
- Ensuring users’ comfort, health, safety, and enjoyment of the facilities
Applicants are required to fill out the online application form and submit a CV and letter of motivation.
For more information contact the Internship Coordinator at
internships@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Discovery Interns:
The Library accepts a small number of 9th grade and 10th grade Library members for week-long youth Discovery Internships.
Students who are Library members who are interested in applying for discovery internships can send a CV directly to internships@americanlibraryinparis.org and celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Please note: Discovery Internships are short-term volunteer roles in the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ department, not official internships.
Important Information Regarding Library Internships
As a non-profit association, not funded by either the French or American governments, the American Library in Paris is unable to offer paid short-term internships. Long-term internships, those exceeding two months full time, are remunerated.
Regardless of the length of your internship, the Library is unable to offset the cost of transportation to/from Paris, accommodation, or other related costs while in Paris. However, the Library does provide a meal voucher for every 8-hour work day and will assist in covering a portion of public transportation costs during the course of your internship.
Questions may be directed to internships@americanlibraryinparis.org.
