Lies and Spies with Adam Gidwitz (ages 7–adult)
2026-04-04 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | The American Library in Paris
“Espionage! Secrets! Suspense! If you’ve ever dreamed of being a spy, this book is for you.” -Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Refugee and Projekt 1065
In Adam Gidwitz’s World War II spy novel, the main character, Max, is sent away from Berlin at the start of WWII, and he soon finds himself accompanied by two immortal creatures. Max must use all the skills at his disposal to work his way into training to become the youngest spy for Britain—in hopes of getting sent back to Berlin to be reunited with his parents. Adam Gidwitz combines fantasy, in-depth research into WWII, and humor to create an action-packed tale that became a New York Times bestseller, and was selected as a Wall Street Journal Best Books of the Year, Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year, and School Library Journal Best Books of the Year. Join us as he shares how he combined history, magic, and his own characters to create this adventure story. Adam will take questions from the audience following his talk.
Library staff and fans will gather in person at the Library for this event, while Adam will connect with us from his home in New York.
Books will be available for purchase at the Library. Light snacks and drinks will be available for guests.
About Adam Gidwitz: Adam Gidwitz is the author of the bestseller A Tale Dark & Grimm and its companions, and the bestselling series The Unicorn Rescue Society along with the Newbery Honor book The Inquisitor’s Tale, the Unicorn Rescue Society series, and the WWII spy novels Max in the House of Spies and Max in the Land of Lies. He is also the creator and narrator of the award winning podcast Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, and he helped produce the Emmy-nominated animated adaptation of A Tale Dark & Grimm for Netflix. He lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife, daughter, and a dog named Lucy Goosey. She is not the inspiration for the holy dog in The Inquisitor’s Tale because there is nothing even remotely holy about her. Still, she is a good dog. Find out more about Adam Gidwitz here.

Important information: The discussion will be available in person only. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Attendees 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.

Teen Night: Movies Based on Books (ages 12–18)
2026-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Vote on the film to you’d like to watch when you register for this event. Participate in book and movie trivia at the start of the evening, then settle in with popcorn and enjoy a screening in the Library’s comfortable reading room. We’ll discuss the film as a group at the end of the night. This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec.
Drinks and light snacks will be provided, as well as lots of popcorn. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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. After-hours events for teens, such as Teen Nights, require a signed permission slip, which can be downloaded here. One permission slip is needed per academic year (September–July).
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.

Make Great Money During College: hosted by Richard Montauk (ages 14–adult)
2026-04-11 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
A majority of students work while attending college in the U.S. Surprisingly, working up to about 20 hours per week in college is correlated with higher grades, higher graduation rates, and shorter time to degree. However, most students earn little more than minimum wage at dead-end jobs (including in “work-study” jobs). This presentation, based on Richard Montauk’s forthcoming book, examines some of the most lucrative ways to work during college.
Learn about a dozen jobs that pay particularly well, and explore:

What the job pays
What it takes to perform
How to get started
How to find the work
How to balance work and school
How to get ahead

Along the way, find out about networking, applications, making oneself more employable, freelancing, and using one’s job(s) to further post-graduation careers. Substantial time will be available—during and at the end of the presentation—for questions.
About Richard Montauk: Richard Montauk is the author of a series of best-selling guides, all published by Prentice Hall, including How to Get Into the Top Colleges and How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs. His most recent books include College Interviews: The Definitive Guide and Getting into Brown: Successful Applicants’ Essays, Resumes, and Interviews. He received a BA in literature from Brown University, an MA in government from Harvard, an MS in finance, and a JD from Stanford Law School. Pursuant to a graduate fellowship, he also studied at the London School of Economics and the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (University of London). After graduating from Stanford, Richard worked as a corporate lawyer for Latham & Watkins in Los Angeles, then as a corporate strategy consultant for Bain & Co. in London, before devoting himself full-time to admissions consulting. Since 1991, he has consulted to candidates for the world’s top universities, for both undergraduate and graduate programs. He can be reached through his website: www.richardmontauk.com. Important information:
This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Teen Night: Capture the Flag (ages 12–18)
2026-04-24 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Join us for a game of capture the flag on the Champ de Mars (weather permitting). We’ll meet at the Library to divide into teams and go over the rules of the game, then we’ll set out as a group to the Champ de Mars to play the game outdoors. We’ll be playing in two teams. A member of the Children’s and Teens’ Services staff will participate on each team.
In the case of light rain, we’ll go ahead and play. In the event of heavy rain or storms, we’ll move the event inside. You are welcome to call the Children’s and Teens’ Services Desk directly for an update before the event. Parents/guardians can pick up participating teens at the Library at 21h00 Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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. After-hours events for teens, such as Teen Nights, require a signed permission slip, which can be downloaded here. One permission slip is needed per academic year (September–July).
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.

Crochet Corner (ages 12–18)
2026-05-09 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Meet other teens in the community and practice crochet during this afternoon crating workshop. Participants will learn the basics of crochet (a slipknot, a single crochet stitch, and a chain) and a few advanced stitches, and then get started on a project during this crafting event. Crafting books from the Library’s collections will be provided for those who wish to continue learning at home.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec, with the help of Library staff and volunteers. All supplies will be provided for practice, and you are also welcome to bring in your own projects too.
Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Teen Night: Steampunk Role Play (ages 12–18)
2026-05-15 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Interested in tabletop role-playing games? Join this one-off, one night only RPG for teens! Role playing games offer a chance to sharpen your storytelling skills and have fun creating characters. Join us for a Friday night TTRPG campaign in a steampunk setting! We’ll have characters, mini-figures, dice, and an awesome story for you! The game offered during this event will be a short one-off RPG, with no experience needed, and all materials will be provided.
This event will be hosted by Volunteer Tjasa Kmetec with support from Library staff. Costumes and accessories are welcome!
Drinks and light snacks will be provided by the Library.
Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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. After-hours events for teens, such as Teen Nights, require a signed permission slip, which can be downloaded here. One permission slip is needed per academic year (September–July).
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.

Writing Yourself Into the Future: Storytelling in College Admissions Essays (ages 14–18)
2026-05-23 16:00 - 17:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join the team from Class Elite to learn about how to craft a standout college admissions essay that will set you apart. Find your own voice for your essay and on the way, learn tricks to improve your writing overall.
This event will be hosted by guests from Class Elite Tutoring Services. Find out more about the guest hosts here. Important information:
This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Bringing Stories to Life: A Conversation with Nikki Grimes and E.B. Lewis (ages 7–adult)
2026-05-29 18:00 - 19:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join award-winners, author Nikki Grimes and illustrator and fine artist E.B. Lewis at the American Library in Paris, for a conversation about how their work brings historical figures to life and how research impacts their art as they create original works of historical fiction, fiction, and memoir. These two prolific creators of children’s literature will be together on stage for the first time for a conversation focusing on their individual works and as well as their collaborations: Stronger Than and Talking About Bessie: the Story of Aviator Bessie Coleman.
Books will be available for purchase at the Library and Nikki Grimes and E.B. Lewis will be available to sign books. Meet them in person and connect with other readers during this special event.
Light refreshments will be provided by the Library.
About the speakers:
Nikki Grimes: New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes was inducted into the Black Authors Hall of Fame in 2023. Her honors include the CSK Virginia Hamilton Lifetime Achievement Award, the ALAN Award for significant contributions to young adult literature, the Children’s Literature Legacy Medal, and the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. Author of the Coretta Scott King Award-winner Bronx Masquerade, and five Coretta Scott King Author Honors, she won the Printz Honor and Sibert Honor for her memoir Ordinary Hazards. Her latest titles include Garvey’s Choice:The Graphic Novel, a School Library Journal 2023 Best Book; Lullaby for the King, one of Book Riot’s 25 Best Christmas Books of All Time; and A Walk in the Woods, recipient of 8 starred reviews, and 11 Best Book listings for 2023, including the New York Times, NPR, and Smithsonian Magazine. Ms. Grimes lives in Corona, California. Find out more here.
E.B. Lewis: The award winning illustrator and fine artist, E.B. Lewis has illustrated over seventy books for children, including: Jacqueline Woodson’s 2004 Caldecott Honor Award Winner Coming on Home Soon; Five time Coretta Scott King winner Nikki Grimes’ Talking About Bessie; Jabari Asim’s New York Times 2016 Best Illustrated Book Award, Kirkus 2016 Best Illustrated Book Award, and the 2016 Golden Kite Honor Award, Preaching to the Chickens. Inspired by two artist uncles, as early as the third grade, Lewis displayed artistic promise. Beginning in the sixth grade, he attended the Saturday Morning Art League and studied with Clarence Wood. Lewis attended the Temple University Tyler School of Art, where he discovered his medium of preference was watercolor. Presently, E.B. teaches at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He is also a member of The Society of Illustrators in New York City, and an artist member of Salamagundi Art Club of New York. In 2003, the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota purchased a collection of original watercolors from E.B.’s first fifty children’s books. Today, his works are displayed in museums, owned by private collectors, and sold by art galleries throughout the United States and Europe. Find out more here.

Important information: This event is free and open to the public, and advance registration is required. The discussion will be available in person only. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. Attendees 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. Attendance at this event constitutes permission for your photograph or video to be taken at the event and used by the American Library in Paris for marketing, promotional, pedagogical, or other purposes.

Blackout Poetry (ages 14–18)
2026-05-30 15:00 - 16:00 | The American Library in Paris
Meet other teens in the community during this afternoon crating workshop dedicated to creating original poetry using found words. Blackout poetry is a type of “found poetry.” Participants will take pages from worn, broken, and damaged books and scan for words that inspire them, then, they’ll construct a new poem of their own!
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads, with the help of Library staff and volunteers. All supplies will be provided, as well as light snacks. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Teen Night: 14th Annual Literary Reaping (ages 12–18)
2026-06-05 19:00 - 21:30 | The American Library in Paris
Meet other readers and answer trivia with others teens in Paris during our annual literary quiz night. During this evening event dedicated to fun, games, and trivia, you’ll be placed in teams to answer trivia questions, and complete challenges based on young adult literature—both classic and contemporary. In the past, participants were asked to shoot an arrow as straight as Katniss, prove a knowledge of the gods that rivals Percy and Magnus, identify the villains in the room, and decide on the perfect spell faster than a magical maji. Wands, arrows, and other supplies will be provided. All participating teens will win a brand new book to take home and keep.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of local authors and other talent serving as Gamemakers for the evening.
Pizza and drinks will be provided by the Library.
May the odds be ever in your favor…
*Please note the late end time for this event.
Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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. After-hours events for teens, such as Teen Nights, require a signed permission slip, which can be downloaded here. One permission slip is needed per academic year (September–July).
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 Ian Tindale (all ages)
2026-06-06 15:00 - 16:00 | The American Library in Paris
Enjoy a supernatural concert with soprano Lauren Libaw accompanied by pianist Ian Tindale (think songs about witches, love potions, mysterious spells & enchanted forests). The performance will include songs by Saint-Saëns, Chausson, Liszt and Mendelssohn. Sing along with Lauren and Ian after learning about different styles of singing. Spectators of all ages are welcome. 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.
Pianist Ian Tindale has partnered artists such as Benjamin Appl, Helen Charlston and Roderick Williams. Broadcast highlights include recitals for BBC Radio 3 with Soraya Mafi and BBC New Generation Artist Santiago Sanchez, and for Canada’s Ici Musique Classique with Harriet Burns and Julien Van Mellaerts. Other engagements have taken him to Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and Palau de la Música, Barcelona, as well as the Oxford International Song Festival and Leeds Song. An “articulate and sensitive partner” (Opera Today), Ian’s recent discography includes acclaimed albums with tenor Nick Pritchard on Signum (“Little Wanderer”), and with Harriet Burns on Delphian (“A Short Story of Falling” and “Schubert Lieder: Love’s Lasting Power’). A passionate advocate for new song repertoire, Ian has collaborated most recently with composers Daniel Kidane, Freya Waley-Cohen, Emily Hazrati and Michael Zev Gordon. Ian is Artistic Director of Shipston Song, which he founded in 2022.
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.

Teen Night: Pride Party (ages 12–18)
2026-06-12 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Celebrate pride at the Library by making an original zine, participating in trivia, creating your own pride badges, and more. Recommended reads will be available for checkout all night, and we’ll end the evening by posting a pride display in the Library’s Teen Mezzanine.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Library volunteers.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided by the Library. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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. After-hours events for teens, such as Teen Nights, require a signed permission slip, which can be downloaded here. One permission slip is needed per academic year (September–July).
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.

The History of Baseball: Write Yourself in the Game (ages 12–18)
2026-06-14 15:00 - 16:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join historians Dr. Rhae Lynn Barnes (Princeton) and Dr. David M. Henkin (UC Berkeley) for an interactive workshop that combines the history of baseball with the power of storytelling. Whether it’s a backyard game of catch or a sold-out stadium, baseball brings communities together all over the world. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of America’s pastime and discover how to write your own stories.
You’ll learn how baseball grew from local neighborhoods into a worldwide phenomenon, as well as the sport’s cultural significance. Dr. Barnes and Henkin will teach you how to use “visual literacy” (looking closely at vintage, public-domain photographs or even family photos for hidden clues) to jumpstart your imagination as a writer. Then, they’ll teach you practical writing and research techniques to weave historical images and sports history into your own creative writing.
Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or a budding writer looking for a great story, this workshop will give you the tools and inspiration you need to knock your next writing project out of the park!
About the hosts:
Dr. Rhae Lynn Barnes is a national bestselling author and historian of Darkology: Blackface and the American Way of Entertainment. She is an Assistant Professor of American Cultural History at Princeton University. Dr. Barnes loves helping writers use historical photographs, visual clues, and digital archives to uncover amazing stories and transform the way they write.
Dr. David M. Henkin is a historian and professor at U.C. Berkeley, where he has taught American history since 1997. A long-time San Francisco resident—and a former bookseller at the famous Green Apple Books!—he is the author of several books, including his newest release, Out of the Ballpark: How to Think About Baseball. He specializes in looking at baseball not just as a sport, but as a global cultural phenomenon. From the classic rules of the game to how it is played in communities around the world, Dr. Henkin explores the unique ways that baseball connects us all.
Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Free Write: A Creative Session (ages 12–18)
2026-07-04 16:00 - 17:30 | The American Library in Paris
Meet other writers in the community as you explore ways to jump start your creative writing. Begin a short story during this session, or bring in a project you are working on. There will be time to write and dedicated time to share and get feedback on your writing.
Teen Writing Group member Clara Maciel will facilitate this workshop with the support of Library staff. Teens interested in the Library’s Teen Writing Group are encouraged to attend this session, as this workshop will follow a similar format.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Creating Crosswords with Jane Mobille (ages 12–18)
2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Across
1. My pants happen to be square
2. This intelligent candy consists of colorful drops of chocolate
3. My favorite sneakers were created in 1971 for a tennis player

Join us for this teen workshop and create your own crossword puzzle. Write clues whose answers reveal what you love about your life.
We’ll have all the supplies you need to put together a puzzle to dazzle your friends and family as you work in groups and individually to invent clues for your own crossword puzzle.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided by the Library for all participants.
About Jane Mobille: Memoir writer Jane Mobille is also a Professional Certified Coach with extensive experience coaching teens and young adults. Jane uses the tools of writing and coaching to inspire freedom and confidence in young writers as they learn to put their authenticity or “heart” on paper. Editor of the quarterly AAWE News magazine in Paris, Jane has contributed a number of “Teen Coach” articles to online magazine INSPIRELLE. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Adventure Role Play: Wild West (ages 12–18)
2026-07-18 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Interested in tabletop role-playing games? Join this one-off, one-afternoon-only RPG for teens! Role playing games offer a chance to sharpen your storytelling skills and have fun creating characters. Join us for an afternoon TTRPG campaign in a wild west setting! We’ll have characters, mini-figures, dice, and an awesome story for you! The game offered during this event will be a short one-off RPG, with no experience needed, and all materials will be provided.
This event will be hosted by Volunteer Tjasa Kmetec with support from Library staff.
Drinks and light snacks will be provided by the Library. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Page vs. Screen: Cinematic Writing with Noah Weisz (ages 12–18)
2026-07-25 13:00 - 15:00 | The American Library in Paris
Meet other writers in the community as you work on your creative writing. You might have heard that good writing is “cinematic.” But what does that really mean? How can we write stories that feel as vivid as a movie? And could there be any hidden downsides to this approach? Through thought-provoking discussion and several hands-on exercises, we’ll explore the intriguing dilemma of page vs. screen: how to steal exciting writing techniques from the world of film and TV while also learning to value and practice the most important effects that only a book can deliver.
Guest host Noah Weisz will lead this workshop. Noah Weisz is a fiction writer and educator with an MFA in Creative Writing and over a decade of experience helping students of all ages unleash the stories they have inside. Noah‘s own writing for children and young adults has been widely published in literary magazines and has won the Sydney Taylor Manuscript Award, the A. Orr Fantasy Award, and the Katherine Paterson Prize for middle-grade fiction, among other honors. He is also a three-time finalist for the Bath Children’s Novel Award. Most recently, he has taught undergraduate creative writing workshops at Sciences Po and CEA CAPA; he also teaches creative writing at several middle schools around Paris, to adults through WICE, and to private students of all skill levels.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Deadline to apply: 2026–2027 teen clubs
2026-07-31 22:00 | The American Library in Paris
Do you want to know more about the behind-the-scenes life of the Library? Did you see a cool film made by a member of the Master Shot Film Club? Have you heard from a friend about how much their writing improved after joining the Teen Writing Group? Are you interested in working on your public speaking skills? Applications open on 1 March for all of the Library’s teen clubs (the Teen Advisory Group Group, Master Shot Film Club, the Teen Writing Group, and the Youth Leadership Program). Teens can apply via the online forms on the Library website. All applications are due by 31 July at 23h00, and an application is required for each individual club.

Teen Writing Group (open to Library members ages 12–18)
Meets one Saturday a month from 17h00–18h30

Master Shot Film Club (open to teens ages 12–18)
Meets one Saturday a month from 17h00–18h30

Teen Advisory Group (open to Library ages 12–18)
Meets one Friday a month from 17h00–18h30

The Youth Leadership Program (with Toastmasters) (for ages 14–18)
Meets one Friday a month from 19h00–21h00

Watercolor Postcards (ages 12–18)
2026-08-01 13:00 - 14:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join us for this creative workshop, and create a piece of art to send by mail while exploring different watercolor techniques. Each participant will be able to create up to three postcards to send to a friend or family member and the Library will post them.
Children and Teens Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Library volunteers will lead this workshop. All abilities are welcome!
All supplies will be provided by the Library, as well as light snacks and drinks. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Children's Art and Stories with LeUyen Pham (ages 5–adult)
2026-08-08 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Join us for an exciting event with the Library’s first Children’s Writer-in-Residence! Meet multi-award winning author and illustrator LeUyen Pham and find out about the creation of series such as The Princess in Black, Real Friends, and more. Following a presentation from LeUyen Pham, there will be a Q&A with the audience.
Books will be available for purchase at this event, and LeUyen Pham will sign books for her Parisian fans.
About LeUyen Pham: LeUyen Pham is the award-winning and critically acclaimed illustrator of more than one hundred books for children. LeUyen (pronounced Lay-Win) is the Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator of Bear Came Along by Richard Morris and Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang (an NPR Best Book of the Year). Along with Shannon Hale, Uyen has created several iconic children’s book series. With Shannon and Dean Hale, she created the middle grade series, Princess in Black and with Shannon, she created the groundbreaking graphic memoirs Real Friends, Best Friends, and Friends Forever. Most recently, Shannon and Uyen have written and illustrated the Itty-Bitty-Kitty-Corn picture book series. LeUyen Pham is the Library’s inaugural Children’s Writer-in-Residence. Find out more here.
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. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 may participate in a Library on their own, as long as a parent or guardian over the age of 18 is readily available on the Library premises. Participants are welcome to arrive early or stay after the program to chat with other readers, and to find new books in our collections. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
This event is free for Library members and 15€ per person for non-members.

Important information: The discussion will be available in person only. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Attendees 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.

Pop-Up Library at Paris Plages
2026-08-20 12:00 - 18:00, 2026-08-21 12:00 - 18:00 | Bassin de la Villette — Quai de Seine, Bassin de la Villette, Paris, 75019, France
Pick up a book and take a break in the heart of Paris Plages with the American Library in Paris.
Created in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in France and presented as part of the City of Paris’s summer cultural programming and the America 250 celebrations, this open-air kiosk invites visitors to pause by the water and discover American literature.

Over 250 books will be available on-site, spanning adult, teen, and children’s collections—classic and contemporary American titles, English translations of French works, graphic novels, manga, magazines, and summer reads.
Beyond reading, the kiosk will offer family activities including coloring sheets, quizzes, and reading recommendations for all ages, and we will raffle two annual household memberships daily.
Visitors can also browse curated bibliographies exploring 250 years of the American Revolution and materials from the Library’s Summer Reading Challenges.

Come read, discuss, and travel through words in this vibrant tribute to American culture and Franco-American friendship!
Important information: Books may be consulted free of charge on-site with the temporary deposit of an ID. Children ages 0–8 must be accompanied by an adult. Event information on Que faire à Paris : Paris Plages 2026 : une bibliothèque éphémère aux couleurs de l’Amérique

LoFi and Chill: Card Games (ages 12–18)
2026-08-22 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Learn card games played with a standard 52 card deck such as Golf, Kings in the Corner, and Liar, as well as classic cards games like Uno as you get to know other teens in the community.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members with the help of Library volunteers.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided by the Library. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Final Day: Read Across America Summer Reading Challenge
2026-08-29 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
The summer reading challenge for teen Library members (ages 12–18)
20 June–29 August 2026
Read books by these authors who are either from the US States listed*, or who write about them and win prizes!
Read two books by two different authors associated with different states to win a brand-new book.
Read five books by five different authors associated with five different states to win two brand new books and a pin.
Read ten books by ten different authors associated with ten different states to win two brand new books and a tote bag.
All participants will be entered into a grand prize drawing.
Print and fill out the Read Across America Summer Reading Challenge sheet and turn it in at the Children’s and Teens’ Services Desk at the American Library in Paris to collect your prize. All challenges must be submitted by 29 August at 12h00. Open to Library members only.
*There are many more American authors and illustrators than those listed, but only books by authors on this list count toward the summer reading challenge.

Free Write: A Creative Session (ages 12–18)
2026-08-29 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Meet other writers in the community as you explore ways to jump start your creative writing. Begin a short story during this session, or bring in a project you are working on. There will be time to write and dedicated time to share and get feedback on your writing.
Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads will facilitate this workshop. Teens interested in the Library’s Teen Writing Group are encouraged to attend this session, as this workshop will follow a similar format.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Make It Last: A Mending Workshop with Ella Springer (ages 12–18)
2026-09-05 15:00 - 16:30 | The American Library in Paris
The practice of mending has existed for as long as we’ve been creating and wearing clothing. As fast fashion and even faster consumption become the norm, mending skills are slowly being forgotten between generations. In this workshop, participants will learn about what we wear, how we consume, and practice basic mending skills to make repairs to our clothing. Materials will be provided for practice, and you are also welcome to bring in your clothing items. Jeans are great for practice! Experienced crafters and novices are all welcome to join this event!
About Ella Springer: Ella Springer is an artist and designer originally from Michigan and currently based in Paris while completing her thesis at Parsons Paris. Through her work, she is on a mission to revive the skills and communities surrounding clothing repair and sustainable hand making practices. In today’s fashion culture these skills are more crucial than ever. With a needle and thread as a tool for change, Ella leads children to the joy of mending through workshops and creative activities. You can find out more about Ella here and follow her work here. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors 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.

Black Artist Collective: A Traveling Showcase of Award-Winning Children's Book Authors and Illustrators (ages 5–adult)
2026-09-25 18:00 - 19:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join eight Black American authors and illustrators for an exciting evening of conversation about their books for children and teens! This evening event will feature short author readings, sneak peeks at the writing or illustrating process of each of the creators and a discussion about Paris as inspiration. Meet Paula Chase, Judy Allen Dodson, Sharon G. Flake, Ekua Holmes, E.B. Lewis, Ebony L. Mudd, Kelly Starling Lyons, and Tricia Elam Walker during this dynamic, and exciting event! The evening will wrap up with a book signing and reception with light refreshments and drinks.
All eight authors will sign books at this event, and books will be available for purchase at the Library.
This event is intended for children, teens, and adults ages 5+. Attendees 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.
This event is free and open to the public, and registration is required. Attendees 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.

Important information: The discussion will be available in person only. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Attendees 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.

Little People Big Dreams Day with Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara (ages 4–adult)
2026-10-03 11:00 - 12:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join Little People, BIG DREAMS creator and author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara for a morning reading, then she’ll talk about the beginnings of the series, what inspires her, and what figures she might write about next. An audience Q&A will follow, with fun activity sheets and stickers for the audience to take away with them. Ms. Sánchez Vegara will sign books at this event, and books will be available for purchase at the Library.
About the author: About the author: Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara is the author and creator of the internationally best-selling series Little People, BIG DREAMS. Her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture. Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director in constant search of new concepts for children’s books. Her books combine creativity with learning, aiming to establish a new and fresh relationship between children and pop culture. It took Maria Isabel almost 40 years and most of her savings to make her dream of publishing a book come true. In 2012, after 20 years of working in advertising, she self-published her first book. Two years later, she released what was meant to be a birth present for her twin nieces, Alba and Claudia: the very first title in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. The series was first published in Spain as Pequeña & GRANDE by Alba Editorial, and now Little People, BIG DREAMS is translated into more than 40 languages.
This event is free for Library members and 15€ per person for non-members.

Important information: Attendees 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. Please arrive between 10h30–11h00 to check in for this event. Please note this event will be in English and no translation will be provided. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 may participate in a Library on their own, as long as a parent or guardian over the age of 18 is readily available on the Library premises, however caregivers are encouraged to attend and enjoy the event with their children. Participants are welcome to arrive early or stay after the program to chat with other readers, and to find new books in our collections. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
