Story Hour: Sports Stars (ages 3–5)
2025-08-13 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional about sports and sports stars. We’ll read about basketball, baseball, soccer, and more! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Kings and Queens (ages 3–5)
2025-08-20 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional about kings and queens! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as The Cook and the King by Julia Donaldson and David Roberts (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-08-21 11:00 - 11:30
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Good Golden Sun by Brenden Wenzel which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Saturday Series: Communication Exploration (ages 6–12)
2025-08-23 11:00 - 12:00
Learn about the ways we communicate—and how to communicate better—through improv games, sign language and more.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Quiet Reading Party (all ages)
2025-08-23 13:30 - 15:00
Bring a book of your choice in any language or format, and read with us, then stick around to chat with other Library members.
How the Quiet Reading Party works:

Check in at the Children’s and Teens’ Services desk.
Find a comfortable spot to read.
Select a Library book or open up a book you’ve brought along, and settle in to quietly read for 45 minutes
Meet in the Children’s Library to join in conversation for 45 minutes with other book lovers and library attendees.

You may read books in any language, format, or genre for this event. Bring headphones or noise cancelling headphones if you wish.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Back to School (ages 3–5)
2025-08-27 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books about starting school, classroom life, and heading back to school after the summer break. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison, illustrated by Frank Morrison (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Member Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Saturday Series: Flowers—Print and Press (ages 6–12)
2025-08-30 11:00 - 12:00
Learn about the parts of flowers and plants, then then create your own artwork out of found blooms and blossoms. We’ll take a look at What’s Inside a Flower by Rachel Ignotofsky (pictured here) and then we’ll make flower art with plaster and pressed flowers. All supplies will be provided by the Library, but participants are welcome to bring in flowers and leaves to contribute!
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: New Favorites (ages 3–5)
2025-09-03 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of new picture books selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services librarians. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Anything by Rebecca Stead and Gracey Zhang and A Gift of Dust: How Saharan Plumes Feed the Planet by Martha Brockenbrough and Juana Martinez-Neal (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-09-04 11:00 - 11:30
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Hello Hello Numbers by Brenden Wenzel which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Music Together with Stacey Pavesi Debré (ages 0–5)
2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:00
Today, it’s common for us to simply listen to music rather than create it ourselves. But actively making music—with our voices and our bodies—is important to children’s overall development. Since 1987, Music Together, has introduced millions of children, parents, and teachers to the joys of music-making and the powerful benefits of having music in their lives. In our family workshops children and parents learn together through active exploration and live, meaningful interaction. So, take out the earbuds and pick up the instruments we were all given at birth—ourselves! Each child (aged 0–5) should accompany one of their favorite grownups.
About Stacey Pavesi Debré: An American in Paris since 2014, Stacey has been passionate about music and learning her whole life. She studied piano and string bass, joined choirs, orchestras, a capella groups and musical theaters, and worked as a vocalist in Japan and a singing bartender in NYC. In 2017, Stacey founded Bébé Music Box to bring Music Together’s award-winning music and movement classes to families and schools in Paris. Our weekly mixed-age family classes are a fun, dynamic, and inspiring way for families to connect through music. Plus, because music learning supports all learning, the benefits for our young music-makers extend well beyond class. For more information about Bébé Music Box family classes or to contact Stacey, visit www.bbmusicbox.com. To read more about music’s magical effects on children, visit www.musictogether.com. Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Caregivers must remain with their children for the duration of this program. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Important American Figures (ages 3–5)
2025-09-10 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of picture books about famous people from American History including Zora Neale Hurston, Sitting Bull, Dr. Cesar Chavez, Amelia Earhart, and more. Books for each program are selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services staff. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia D. Williams (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Saturday Series: Postcards from Fantasy Lands (ages 6–12)
2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00
What would it be like to visit the places in your favorite stories? Participants in this workshop will think about the magical places they’ve visited in books, and then create a postcard to tell others about the wonderful world they discovered. All supplies will be provided by the Library, and Library staff will send the postcards following the event. Children are invited to bring in an address (local or international) in order to address their postcards.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Ridiculous Reads (ages 3–5)
2025-09-17 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of silly picture books selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services librarians. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as The Serious Goose by Jimmy Kimmel (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-09-18 11:00 - 11:30
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Thank You, Neighbor! by Ruth Chan, which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Family Concert with Lauren Libaw and Dan Schlosberg (all ages) (POSTPONED)
2025-09-20 14:00 - 15:00
Enjoy classical, musical theater, and movie tunes sung by Italian-American soprano Lauren Libaw, who will be accompanied by pianist Schlosberg. Sing along with Lauren and Dan after learning about different styles of singing. The artists will take questions from the audience at the end of the program about the styles of music, their training, and more.
About the performers: Italian-American soprano Lauren Libaw has been praised for her sparkling, “bright-toned” voice (New York Times) as well as her “warmth of tone and intensity of expression” (The New Yorker). She sings internationally in recital, opera, and concert at venues including the Opéra Royal de Versailles, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Palais de Beaux Arts de Bruxelles, and Royal Albert Hall Elgar Room. A “masterful and affecting” recitalist (operawire.com), Lauren has been heard in song in Aix-en-Provence, Brussels, Florence, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and San Francisco. She does not limit herself to any one style on the recital stage, often programming music from the Great American Songbook, contemporary Broadway, French chanson, and Yiddish theater traditions alongside classical repertoire. Recent and upcoming operatic roles include Rose de Mai (Le Val d’Andorre), Adina (L’Elisir d’Amore), Cendrillon (Cendrillon), Nannetta (Falstaff), Norina (Don Pasquale) and Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi); musical theater roles include Maria (West Side Story), Eliza (My Fair Lady), Julie (Carousel), Maria (The Sound of Music), Cinderella (Into the Woods), Cosette (Les Misérables), and Christine (The Phantom of the Opera). Raised in Pasadena, California, Lauren is a graduate of Yale University, where she won the concerto and recital competitions, three academic prizes and the Sudler Prize for the Arts. She is also an alumnus of the Royal College of Music, London, and was a member of the young artist programs of the Aldeburgh Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Fondation Royaumont. She lives with her family in Paris.
Brooklyn-based composer, pianist, music director, and arranger Dan Schlosberg’s music has been performed by the Dover Quartet, Choir of Trinity Wall Street, Minnesota Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, Albany Symphony, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and Lorelei Ensemble, at Carnegie Hall, (le) poisson rouge, the Kennedy Center, Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House, Beijing Modern Music Festival, and David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption. Schlosberg arranged and music directed Little Island’s first full-length opera production, Anthony Roth Costanzo is The Marriage of Figaro (2024); music directed the month-long run of Justin Vivian Bond and Anthony Roth Costanzo’s Only an Octave Apart at the Dublin Fringe Festival (2023), and performed as the piano soloist with the New York Philharmonic at the show’s Lincoln Center remount (2022); in 2021, Schlosberg was the audition, rehearsal, and soundtrack pianist for Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story. As Heartbeat Opera’s music director, Schlosberg has garnered national acclaim for his love-in-the-time-of-climate-apocalypse opera The Extinctionist (2024), as well as re-orchestrations of opera classics. Schlosberg‘s work has been described as “mercurial”, “with the vision of a master sculptor”, “richly detailed yet delicate” and “flat-out brilliant” by the New York Times. He received his DMA in Composition from the Yale School of Music, and is currently on the composition faculty at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in this Library program on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone for the duration of the program.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Caregivers must remain with their children for the duration of this program. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Big Problems (ages 3–5)
2025-09-24 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of picture books about problems, and how different characters solve them. Books for this Story Hour were selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services librarians and include picture books such as Two Problems for Sophia by Jim Averbeck and Yasmeen Ismail (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie and Members Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Fact-Finders Scavenger Hunt (ages 6–12)
2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00
Who wrote that? How many miles between New York and Paris? How old is the Library? How tall is the tallest building in Paris? Receive tips and tricks for navigating the Library and seeking out accurate information before heading into the stacks to discover the answers to these questions and more.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children ages 6–9 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone for the duration of this event. Children between the ages 10–12 may participate in the programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Outstanding Owls (ages 3–5)
2025-10-01 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of picture books (factual and fictional) about owls! Books for each program are selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services staff. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as To See an Own by Matthew Cordell (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-10-02 11:00 - 11:30
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle, which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Saturday Series: Magical Mix Up (ages 6–12)
2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00
How well do you know the magical fantasy worlds of Earthsea, Narnia, Hogwarts, Middle Earth, Oz, Orïsa, and Neverland, and the terrain of Camp Half-Blood? Working in teams, you’ll answer trivia and match up spells based on magical places from books. Children are invited to bring along a grown up fro this event!
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Abracadabra! (ages 3–5)
2025-10-08 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of picture books about witches, wizards, magic wands and more! Books for each program are selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services staff. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Winnie and Wilbur: The Magic Wand by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Members Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Saturday Series: DIY Halloween Decorations (ages 6–12)
2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:00
Just in time for Halloween, come in and make your own seasonal decorations. We’ll have all the supplies you need to make fun decorations to take home.
This activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Caregivers and parents of young children are encouraged to participate in this event with their children. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue and Member Services Assistant Colette Dia with the help of Library volunteers.
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Silly Ghosts (ages 3–5)
2025-10-15 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of picture books about silly—not scary—ghosts! Books for each program are selected by the Library’s children’s and teens’ services staff. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Little Ghost Makes a Friend by Maggie Edkins Willis (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Why We Love Mythology with Julia Paré and Guests (ages 8–adult)
2025-10-18 17:00 - 18:30
Why do we love old stories enough to come back to them, time and time again? Join a panel of diverse children’s authors and Social Impact Fellow Julia Paré for an interactive discussion on the power of myth, creative reworking, and folklore. Authors will share selections from their work and discuss their process and inspiration when making new books out of old stories. Julia Paré will be moderating this panel. She will be in discussion with Dr. Anne Chassagnol, a professor at Paris VIII, whose work on fairy tales examines their significance for audiences through time; Tom Pollock, author of the Skyscraper Throne trilogy, which reworked Roman notions of local divinities; Shana Targosz, whose novel The Underwild: River of Spirits is heavily inspired by Greek mythology; and Tracey Baptiste, whose Jumbies trilogy draws on Caribbean folklore.
About the moderator: Julia Paré will be moderating this panel as part of a Social Impact Fellowship through Princeton University’s partnership with the American Library. Julia Paré holds a BA in Classics from the Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and an MA in Classics from the University of Arizona were she wrote a thesis analyzing Euripides’ Hecuba through the lens of trauma studies. After this brief sojourn in the desert, she returned to Brooklyn, where she taught middle school Latin before joining the Classics department at Princeton in 2021.
About Shana Targosz: Shana Targosz is the New York Times bestselling author of The Underwild: River of Spirits. She writes about magical girls, budding friendships, ghosts who may or may not be friendly, and fiercely-held hope. Shana is an Oregon Literary Arts Fellow and the 2021 recipient of the Edna L. Holmes Fellowship for Young Readers.
About Tom Pollock: Tom Pollock is the award-winning author of White Rabbit, Red Wolf, Heartstream and The Skyscraper Throne trilogy. His non-fiction has appeared in The Guardian and The Independent. He lives in London, in a flat full of books, cats and chocolate.
About Anne Chassagnol: Anne Chassagnol is a lecturer at Universite Paris-8. She is particularly interested in children’s and Young Adult literature. She is the author of La Renaissance féérique à l’époque victorienne (The Fairy Renaissance in the Victorian Age: Tales and Pictures), among other works.
About Tracey Baptiste: Tracey Baptiste is a New York Times bestselling author, best known for the creepy Caribbean Jumbies trilogy. She is also the author of Minecraft: The Crash, African Icons: Ten People Who Shaped History, and the graphic nonfiction Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin: Civil Rights Heroes. She is a former elementary school teacher, curriculum designer, and editor.

This event is part of the ‘Ways of Seeing’ series, which explores how literature and visual art inspire each other, and invites audiences to uncover connections between different perspectives and media. Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Cool Costumes (ages 3–5)
2025-10-22 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, put on your coolest costume, and join us for picture books both factual and fictional about costumes and dressing up! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as This Year a Witch Zoey Abbott (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Members Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Trick-or-treating (all ages) (open to the public)
2025-10-25 10:00 - 19:00
From 10h–19h on 25 October, the Library invites you to follow the trick-or-treating route we’ve set up, and visit nearby businesses in the 7th arrondissement.
Pick up your trick-or-treating maps at the Library on Saturday 25 October 2025 anytime between 10h00–18h00. They are free for Library members and 10€ per family for non-members. You do not need to pre-register in order to trick-or-treat.
This is a self-led activity.
How to trick-or-treat:

Put on your costume.
Find a bag for your candy.
Find your grown-up (they’ll need to be with you from now on!).
Pick up your map at The American Library in Paris.
Follow the map to the trick-or-treating spots.
At each spot, say: “Trick or treat” and take one piece of the candy.
Say: “Thank you! Happy Halloween!” before you leave.
Walk (don’t run) on the sidewalk (with your grown-up) to the next spot.
Trade the candy with friends if there’s something you don’t like.
Take your candy home to enjoy after your grown-up looks it over.

Candy Donations: The Library happily accepts donations of individually-wrapped, store-bought candy for Trick-or-Treating for this community event. If you would like to help out, please drop off your donation at the Children’s and Teens’ Services Desk at the Library any time during open hours.
Questions? Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Halloween Extravaganza: Halloween Hop (ages 0–6) (Ticketed Event) (SOLD OUT)
2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:30
This family event for Library members features a story time for young children, and a live performance from Jessica Moore and Thibault Hidalgo, as well as games and surprises throughout the Library. The event will culminate in a costume showcase for children and their chaperones with costume prizes awarded in several categories for children, and a special prize for parents.
Costume prizes will be awarded in the following categories. The costume judges are always especially impressed by homemade costumes, and creative ensembles:

Funny
Literary
Scary
Classic Halloween
Animal
Pretty
Creative
Superhero
Parent
Duo/Group costume

Light refreshments will be provided by the Library.
On 25 October, we encourage you to follow the trick-or-treating route we’ve set up, and visit nearby businesses in the 7th arrondissement. Important information!
TICKETS REQUIRED: Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Library Members may purchase tickets online on this page beginning on Wednesday 1 October at 11h00: 15€ per person. Library members may purchase up to 6 tickets (household members) or 2 tickets (juvenile members). If tickets remain on 15 October, they will then be available for non-members. Each person attending this event must have a valid ticket (except babies under one). All reservations are final and tickets are non-refundable.
Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Sign-up for the Library’s e-newsletter for more information about events such as this one.

Halloween Extravaganza: Monster Mash (ages 6+) (Ticketed Event) (Sold Out)
2025-10-25 15:00 - 16:30
This family event for Library members features a story time for families, and a live performance, as well as games and surprises throughout the Library. The event will culminate in a costume showcase for children and their chaperones with costume prizes awarded in several categories for children, and a special prize for parents.
This event will include a live musical performance from Jessica Moore and Thibault Hidalgoa, as well as a spooky performance by members of the improvisational theater company The Improfessionals. The group perform has performed more that 150 shows in Paris and around the world. Their new improvised musical comedy is showing now in Paris, with performances in English.
Costume prizes will be awarded in the following categories. The costume judges are always especially impressed by homemade costumes, and creative ensembles:

Funny
Literary
Scary
Classic Halloween
Animal
Pretty
Creative
Superhero
Parent
Duo/Group costume

Light refreshments will be provided by the Library.
On 25 October, we encourage you to follow the trick-or-treating route we’ve set up, and visit nearby businesses in the 7th arrondissement. Important information!
TICKETS REQUIRED: Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Library Members may purchase tickets online on this page beginning on Wednesday 1 October at 11h00: 15€ per person. Library members may purchase up to 6 tickets (household members) or 2 tickets (juvenile members). If tickets remain on 15 October, they will then be available for non-members. Each person attending this event must have a valid ticket (except babies under one). All reservations are final and tickets are non-refundable.
Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Sign-up for the Library’s e-newsletter for more information about events such as this one.

Halloween Extravaganza: The Haunted Library (ages 8+) (Sold Out)
2025-10-25 18:30 - 20:30
In the evening on Saturday 25 October 2025, the American Library in Paris will turn into a Haunted Library, with guided tours throughout the dark, and winding Library stacks. Grab your bravest friends, and explore the Library as you’ve never seen it before. Tours last 15-20 minutes, and must be booked in advance. Games will be available in the Library’s Reading Room before and after tours.
All Haunted Library guests are invited to join the finale, from 20h00-20h30, which will include a spooky performance by members of the improvisational theater company The Improfessionals. The group has performed more that 150 shows in Paris and around the world. Their new improvised musical comedy is showing now in Paris, with performances in English. The Haunted Library will culminate in a costume contest. First, second, and third prize costume prizes will be awarded. The costume judges are always especially impressed by homemade costumes, and creative ensembles.
Light refreshments will be provided by the Library.
This event is intended to offer surprises and scares for older children, teens, and adults. If your child is easily frightened, please consider purchasing tickets for the Halloween Extravaganza Monster Mash at 15h00. You may be interested in trick-or-treating (no registration required: details here). Important information!
TICKETS REQUIRED: Tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Library Members may purchase tickets online on this page beginning on Wednesday 1 October at 11h00: 15€ per person. Library members may purchase up to 6 tickets (household members) or 2 tickets (juvenile members). If tickets remain on 15 October, they will then be available for non-members. Each person attending this event must have a valid ticket. All reservations are final and tickets are non-refundable. All children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.
Sign-up for the Library’s e-newsletter for more information about events such as this one.

Story Hour: Happy Halloween (ages 3–5)
2025-10-29 14:30 - 15:30
For this Story Hour, put on your coolest costume, and join us for picture books all about celebrating Halloween and dressing up! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as A Very Brave Witch by Alison McGee and Harry Bliss (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.
