Support the Library

The American Library in Paris thrives because individuals like you choose to keep it alive.

In 1918, American volunteers sent millions of books to soldiers in Europe through the Library War Service.
In 1919, as that collection faced closure, a group of Paris readers rallied to save the books.

The personal generosity of these donors founded the American Library in Paris, our home of the thoughtful and curious since 1920.

Every gift makes a difference

The Library’s financial reality is simple: membership fees do not cover the cost of operations. In fact, every membership is subsidized by donors so that we can keep our doors open as widely as possible.
Your donation is what bridges that gap. It underwrites our daily operations, sustains the collections that serve Paris’ anglophone community, and makes possible the cultural and literary events that bring writers, readers, and thinkers together in our spaces.
Every gift matters, large or small.
With your continued support, we begin a new chapter in our history.
To donate in U.S. dollars, stocks, and gifts in wills: click here or contact our team at giving@americanlibraryinparis.org

Benefits of Giving

Your Donation in Action

The American Library as Cultural Hub

Your gift supports far more than our 100,000-title collection. It sustains a vibrant cultural hub, with book groups, history tours, board game nights, literary-themed parties, and a rich slate of public programming.
Recent speakers have included Michael Pollan, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Molly Ringwald. Your support also funds dynamic programs for children and teens, from Halloween celebrations to the Young Authors Fiction Festival.

Patron Circle

Salons, Soirées, and Community

The Patron Circle is the Library’s tiered donor programme, with a range of giving levels for individuals and families who wish to invest more deeply in our mission.
In thanks, Patrons are invited to exclusive events throughout the year, including intimate literary salons, behind-the-scenes visits to Paris cultural landmarks, and our annual Book Award ceremony.

Annual Gala Dinner

Our Premier Night of Celebration

Each June, our Gala Dinner lights up Paris with an elegant evening dedicated to the Library and to all who cherish the written word. Our Gala Honorees form a true Who’s Who of letters.
Recent Honorees include Erik Larson, Maureen Dowd, Ann Patchett, Salman Rushdie, and Zadie Smith, following in the footsteps of past luminaries such as Gore Vidal and Gregory Peck.

Giving Methods

One Time Gift: Your gift may be made in U.S. Dollars or Euros using cash, check, or credit card. Please contact us at giving@americanlibraryinparis.org to receive our account details.
Appreciated Stock: If you are a U.S. resident taxpayer, you will avoid all capital gain taxes, will receive a tax deduction, and can deduct it up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.
Donor–Advised Fund: A D.A.F. allows donors to make a charitable contribution into the fund, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants from the fund over time.
Planned Giving: A charitable gift from your estate is simple to implement. If you would like to include a gift to the Library in your will, please use the Library’s correct legal name appears in all documents: “The American Library in Paris Inc.”

Tax Deductions in the U.S. or France

United States: The American Library in Paris is a United States 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Delaware. Contributions are tax-deductible in the U.S. to the full extent allowed by law and will be acknowledged with a tax receipt.
France: The American Library in Paris is an organisme d’intérêt général for French tax purposes. Donations made by French residents may be eligible for a credit against French income taxes up to 66% of the amount of the gift as provided for by French CGI article 200. Gifts will be acknowledged with a tax receipt.

Questions?

Reach out to our team at giving@americanlibraryinparis.org — we’ll answer all your questions, walk you through your giving options and help you find the best way to support the Library.