Graphic Novel Book Club: "Heartstopper" (ages 12–18)
2021-11-27 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
Join graphic novel fans to discuss great works with other readers.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Join us for animated discussion of Alice Osman’s Heartstopper, plus its sequel. This book club meeting will be facilitated by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager (and fantasy fan) Celeste.

Advance registration is required for this book group. Participation in this book group is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library before this session.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

For questions about collections or events at the Library for Children and Teens contact Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

The Perfect Thank-You Letter (ages 12–18)
2021-11-21 14:00 - 15:00
ages 12–18

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Learn how to craft the perfect thank-you letter with the help of Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Kirsty. We’ll provide all of the supplies you need to craft a heartfelt note in time to send for the Thanksgiving holiday!

Advance registration is required. Participation in this book group is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library before this session.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For questions about collections or events at the Library for Children and Teens contact Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Bad Art Night (ages 12–18)
2021-11-05 19:00 - 21:00
For ages 12–18
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Talented artists, amateurs, and anyone who just wants to come make a big mess with paint, clay, glitter, decoupage and pastels . . . you’re all invited to a night of bad art at the Library. Free your imagination and forget the rules as we compete to make the worst art possible. No need to bring anything along but your creativity. We’ll have all the supplies you need to make an original creation.

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation in teen events is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library. A signed permission slip is required to attend this event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Costume Contest (all ages) (Virtual/In-person)
2021-10-30 18:00 - 19:00
The American Library in Paris presents: the annual Halloween Extravaganza, with a virtual costume contest, Halloween trivia, and fun on Saturday 30 October.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Join us for a virtual celebration, trivia, and a costume contest! Log in from wherever you are in the world and join in the fun! The event will begin at 18h00, and will be streamed live from The American Library in Paris in front of a small on-site audience. If you would like to attend the in-person event, read through all of the information on this page.
Submit your costume photos by 15h00 on 30 October to be included in the show (information below).

You may send in your photos all month long! Submit photos to: kidsandteens@americanlibraryinparis.org (Subject: “Costume Contest Photo.” Include the child’s name and the title of their costume in the body of the email).
Prizes will be awarded in these categories:
Really Funny Costume
Really Pretty Costume
Really Scary Costume
Great Book-Inspired Costume
Great Superhero Costume
Great Classic Halloween Costume
Great Animal Costume
Great Costume Incorporating a Mask
Really Creative Costume
Great Parent Costume

Teens and adults are also encouraged to attend our Zombie Fashion Show on Friday 29 October.

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library. If you want to join us for the in-person event, click on the word “institution” on this page.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Questions about the Halloween Extravaganza? Contact the Children’s and Teens’ Services Department: 01 53 59 12 69 or send an email to Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org
We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Zombie Fashion Show (ages 12–adult)
2021-10-29 19:00 - 21:00
The American Library in Paris presents: the annual Halloween Extravaganza, with a Zombie Fashion Show on 29 October!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND THE SHOW.
The American Library in Paris will turn into a hot spot for the undead the evening of Friday 29 October. The event will feature zombie trivia, a screening of an original film by the Library’s Master Shot Film Club, a reading by Amy Plum (who will share a zombie battle scene from her novel Die for Me), and a Zombie catwalk show (a.k.a. a costume contest for the best of the undead).The audience will select the most rotten of the zombies after zombie contestants crawl the catwalk.

To participate in the event as part of the audience, registration is required. Register early, as space is limited!

Contestants may REGISTER HERE. To enter as a zombie fashion show contestant, fill out this form online by 15 October. Each zombie contestant will have 2 minutes to walk the catwalk in their undead attire. Fashion show prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

Literary Zombie Masterpiece
Most Creative Zombie Attire
Undead Zombie Champion

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND THE SHOW.

Questions about the Halloween Extravaganza? Contact the Children’s and Teens’ Services Department: 01 53 59 12 69 or send an email to Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org
We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Teen Night: Halloween Decorating Party (ages 12–18)
2021-10-08 19:00 - 21:00
For ages 12–18
Help us set the mood for Halloween, and get to know other teens in the community!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Get in the mood for Halloween by helping to decorate the Library, then make some of your own decorations to take home. We’ll have all the supplies you need!

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation in teen events is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library. A signed permission slip is required to attend this event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Research Skills Scavenger Hunt (ages 12–18)
2021-09-26 14:00 - 17:00
For ages 12–18
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Meet Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Kirsty in the Children’s Library to get started and find out a few tips and tricks for navigating the Library, online databases, and more, then head into the stacks on a (silent) adventure. This event will be in-person. Masks are required. The scavenger hunt will last about one hour, and is a self-guided activity.

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation in teen events is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Teen Night: The Art of the Short Story (ages 12–18)
2021-09-24 19:00 - 21:00
Work on your craft in a fun, creative atmosphere with other young writers
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Novels, and short stories are distinct art forms. Together, we’ll look at examples of short stories in several genres—and from horrific to heartwarming. Each has common elements, and we will discuss them and begin our own short stories together, with time to share for those who want feedback. Each participant will leave with a list of resources for places where young writers can submit short stories, as well as information about the Library’s 2022 Young Authors Fiction Festival.

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation in teen events is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library. A signed permission slip is required to attend this event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Research Skills Scavenger Hunt (ages 12–18)
2021-09-18 13:00 - 16:00
For ages 12–18
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Meet Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste, in the Children’s Library to get started and find out a few tips and tricks for navigating the Library, online databases, and more, then head into the stacks on a (silent) adventure. This event will be in-person. Masks are required. The scavenger hunt will last about one hour, and is a self-guided activity.

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation in teen events is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Teen Night: All the Best* Word Games (ages 12–18)
2021-09-17 19:00 - 21:00
For ages 12–18
Compete with other English-speaking teens in a fun night of word games
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Join other English-speaking teens in the community, our teen librarian, and volunteers as we play some of the best word games: Apples to Apples, Bananagrams, Scrabble, and Tabboo. There’s no need to know the rules ahead of time. We’ll teach you how to play and you will have a chance to try each one during this speed-gaming event.

*Yes, we know that the term “best” is subjective. We’re happy to debate with you about the best word games!

Advance registration is required for this event. Participation in teen events is free for Library members. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library. A signed permission slip is required to attend this event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Image courtesy of: Ling Languages https://ling-app.com/

Fantasy Book Club: The Cruel Prince (ages 12-adult) [VIRTUAL]
2021-07-10 16:00 - 17:00
Join fantasy fans to discuss new worlds and novels with like-minded readers.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Join us (virtually) for an animated discussion each month of the latest and greatest fantasy reads. Participants are also encouraged to prepare a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy during the meeting. New members are always welcome!

In July, we’ll be reading and discussing The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, plus its sequels The Wicked King and The Queen of Nothing. If you haven’t read all three you are still welcome to join but beware there will be spoilers! This book club meeting will be facilitated by Children’s and Teens’ Librarian (and fantasy fan) Kirsty.

Advance registration is required for this book group. Once registered, participants will be sent an email with instructions to join the online meeting. Participation in this book group is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library before this session.

Send an email to Kirsty, our Children’s and Teens’ Librarian, with questions about this event: kirsty@americanlibraryinparis.org.
For questions about collections or events at the Library for Children and Teens contact Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Master Shot Film Club (ages 12–18) [VIRTUAL; RSVP REQUIRED]
2021-05-22 17:00 - 18:30
For ages 12–18

Aspiring filmmakers, writers and actors are invited to join the Master Shot Film Club at the Library. Led by Paris-based filmmaker and writer Clarence Tokley, the purpose of this club is to allow budding filmmakers the opportunity to meet in a relaxed and creative setting where you can share your ideas, get feedback and work on your technique, while learning about how to produce high quality short films.

The Master Shot Film Club provides a space for teens to explore all aspects of film-making, including the development and production process, script-writing, camera work, directing, editing and much more, not to mention that you’ll get to know other young filmmakers in the community!
You’re welcome to bring in questions and projects you need help on during any meeting. You may also email Clarence with your film-making questions: c1tokley@yahoo.com

About Clarence Tokley:
Clarence Tokley is a Paris-based teacher, filmmaker, and writer. A native of New Jersey, Clarence attended Rutgers University, obtaining a degree in History and Film Studies. Clarence then attended the New York Film Academy in New York City, before packing up everything and moving to Paris—he wanted to get a taste of the European style of storytelling. He fully immersed himself in the film industry and quickly landed his first job in Paris. Some of his credits include Rush Hour 3, Truth in 24, Exes, and the Cherry Orchard. Clarence also does voice-over work in Paris. Along with his duties as teacher of the BAW Teen and Youth Acting courses, he is the director of camps in France and provides workshops and private coaching. When he’s not teaching or coaching, Clarence continues to work professionally in film and theater productions in and around Paris.

Participation in this club is free for Library members, but an application is required. Apply HERE for the 2020-2021 Master Shot Film Club.

Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Fantasy Book Club: Shadow and Bone (ages 12–Adult) [Virtual Event, Library members only; RSVP Required]
2021-05-22 16:00 - 17:00
Join fantasy fans to discuss new worlds and novels with like-minded readers.

Click here to register.

Join us (virtually) for an animated discussion each month of the latest and greatest fantasy reads. Participants are also encouraged to prepare a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy during the meeting. This book club is facilitated by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager (and fantasy fan) Celeste Rhoads. New members are always welcome!

In May, we’ll be reading and discussing Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.

Advance registration is required for this book group. Once registered, participants will be sent an email with instructions to join the online meeting. Participation in this book group is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library before the first session. Send an email to Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about this event: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Dhonielle Clayton on writing (ages 12-18) [Virtual Event, Library members only; RSVP Required]
2021-05-14 19:00 - 20:00
For ages 12–18

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
Join us for a virtual event with author Dhonielle Clayton as she discusses her work, and her writing process, as well as her work with We Need Diverse Books. Then Clayton will take questions from participants.

About Dhonielle Clayton: Dhonielle Clayton spent most of her childhood under her grandmother’s dining room table with a stack of books. She hails from the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Maryland side, but now lives in New York City. Clayton is the author of The Belles, The Everlasting Rose, Tiny Pretty Things, Shiny Broken Pieces, and A Universe of Wishes. Her forthcoming novels are BlackOut, Shattered Midnight, The Marvellers, and The Rumor Game. She holds an MA in Children’s Literature from Hollins University and an MFA Writing for Children at the New School. Clayton is also COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, an organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter: @brownbookworm, and you can find out more about her on her website.

Advance registration is required for this event. This event is open to Library members and students in partner schools, and free of charge. Once registered, participants will be sent an email with instructions to join the event. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library.

Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Fantasy Book Club: The Song of Achilles (ages 12–Adult) [Virtual Event, Library members only; RSVP Required]
2021-04-17 16:00 - 17:00
Join fantasy fans to discuss new worlds and novels with like-minded readers.

Join us (virtually) for an animated discussion each month of the latest and greatest fantasy reads. Participants are also encouraged to prepare a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy during the meeting. This book club is facilitated by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager (and fantasy fan) Celeste Rhoads. New members are always welcome!

In April, we’ll be reading and discussing The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Advance registration is required for this book group. Once registered, participants will be sent an email with instructions to join the online meeting. Participation in this book group is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library before the first session. Send an email to Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about this event: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Teen Night: Blackout Poetry (ages 12-18) [Virtual Event, Library members only; RSVP Required]
2021-04-16 19:00 - 20:30
For ages 12–18

Using magazines and other supplies readily available in most homes, participants will create their own original blackout poetry—a unique style of visual art where the artist blacks out words on a page to create a poem and/or picture. We will repurpose and reuse magazine pages and pages of books that would otherwise have ended up in the trash. To create poems, we’ll find the words hidden in the page of text to to form our own new creations. Randomness is part of the fun! The poems can be scary, funny, serious, or lighthearted. This event will be hosted virtually via Zoom by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads. For the best experience, we recommend that you use both video and sound.
For this creative workshop, participants will need to gather the following supplies:

old magazines, or worn and damaged books (also available at the Children’s and Teens’ Services Desk)
black pens or markers
scissors
glue or a glue stick

Advance registration is required for this event. Once registered, participants will be sent an email with instructions to join the online meeting. Participation in this event is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library. Send an email to Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about this event: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Questions about collections and programs for teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Barbara Diggs on Boycotts, Strikes, and Marches (ages 9–18) [VIRTUAL; RSVP REQUIRED]
2021-03-20 14:00 - 15:00
For children and teens ages 9–18 and their families

Dive into history with author Barbara Diggs, and find out about the pivotal role youth played in protests and movements for change during the Civil Rights Era and the Vietnam War, then learn about Barbara’s writing and research process for her nonfiction books. Aspiring writers, curious readers, and children and teens interested in American History are all encouraged to attend this live, virtual event. Barbara’s nonfiction titles, Boycotts, Strikes, and Marches, The Vietnam War, and Race Relations: The Struggle for Equality in America, are available in our print collections and on our e-book platforms for members.

About Barbara Diggs: Barbara Diggs writes history books for middle-school children and teens. Her titles include Boycotts, Strikes, and Marches, and Race Relations: The Struggle for Equality in America, among others. She is currently at work on a middle-grade historical fiction novel. A graduate of Stanford Law School, Barbara practiced law in New York and Paris for several years before becoming a professional writer. You can find out more about Barbara on her website.

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. Click HERE to register.
We thank you for your continued support and for being a part of the Library community! If you would like to support the Library, you can donate here to help sustain this vital institution in its 100th year of service.

Read-a-Thon (all ages)
2021-02-13 - 2021-02-28
The American Library in Paris and Message Paris are organizing a Read-A-Thon to encourage vacation reading, and raise funds for the American Library in Paris! This Read-A-Thon is open to children and teens of all ages.

WHAT IS A READ-A-THON?
During a 2-week reading period, children and teens complete reading challenges, and collect money based on the number of challenges they finish. The donations will be used to support the American Library in Paris, a non-profit English language Library founded in 1920.

WHY READ FOR THE AMERICAN LIBRARY IN PARIS?
The American Library in Paris is the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. Founded a hundred years ago, the Library is a place where people gather to explore ideas, build community and connect with other English speakers. As an independent non-profit, we count donations big and small, and the support of readers of all ages.

ABOUT MESSAGE PARIS:
Message is the largest association for English-speaking parents and parents-to-be in France. It is an entirely volunteer-run, independent, nonprofit association that provides a social and support network to expectant women, new mothers, fathers and parents of children of all ages. Message Paris and The American Library in Paris have been supporting the English-language community in the Paris area for years. The Message playgroups and forums are well known in the Anglophone community; in addition, Message also offers programs for older children. The Primary School Kids Group (PSK) and Tweens and Teens is proud to bring you this Read-A-Thon in conjunction with the American Library in Paris. Learn more at www.messageparis.org.

TIMELINE

6-13 February: Download your Read-a-Thon materials here. Find sponsors (like family and friends) who will pledge (or promise!) a certain amount of money for every reading challenge that you complete (for example: 1€ per challenge), then add the sponsor’s name, address and pledge amount to your pledge sheet.
13-28 February: Read! Complete as many challenges as you can! The more you read the more you raise for the Library!
1 March-13 March: Collect your pledges. Turn in the pledge sheet and donations at the Library by 13 March to receive a certificate of participation. Hand in your donations by 13 March!

Read-A-Thon is open to members of the American Library in Paris and Message Paris. Please register HERE to participate and receive your Read-a-Thon pack.

Ethics in AI with Elena Sinel (ages 12-18) [VIRTUAL—RSVP REQUIRED]
2021-01-29 19:00 - 21:00
For ages 12-18

As robots become ever more present in our daily lives, questions of how to control and modify their behavior come up more often. Join us for an interactive discussion on ethics in AI with Elena Sinel, founder of Teens in AI

Teens ages 12-18 are invited for a presentation on ethics in Artificial Intelligence with Elena Sinel, followed by a Q&A. As robots become ever more present in our daily lives, questions of how to control their behavior naturally come up. Artificial intelligence carries with it a whole host of issues that force us to think about our own morality and ethics. In books and films, AI is often portrayed by malevolent robots or programs who decide to eradicate humans. These stories are fiction, but, can we guarantee that machines won’t reach the same decisions? How do we protect access to AI from bad actors? Who benefits from AI? Think about these issues and more as we explore ethics in AI with Elena, the founder of Teens in AI. Teens in AI is an organization which gives young people exposure to AI and tech for good through hackathons. You can find out more about Teens in AI in this BBC video.
About Elena: Elena Sinel is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur on a mission to inspire young people across the world into Artificial Intelligence for Impact. She launched Teens in AI at the UN AI For Good Global Summit with the mission to create pipelines for underrepresented talent, thereby improving diversity and inclusion in Artificial Intelligence. It offers young people aged 12-18 early exposure to AI for social good through a combination of expert mentoring, talks, workshops in AI/ML, human-centered design and ethics, hackathons, accelerators, company tours and networking opportunities. The vision is for AI to be developed by a diverse group of thinkers and doers advancing AI for humanity’s benefit. Elena’s latest appointment as a member of the Education Task Force at All Parliamentary Group in Artificial Intelligence gives her an opportunity to influence British policy in respect of AI skills in education. Prior to this, Elena worked as international specialist consultant with nine years of experience in poverty reduction strategies, rural livelihood development and poverty alleviation with a specific focus on creation of small and medium enterprise development, product design, marketing and fundraising in Central Asia, the Balkans, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

This event is free and open to Library members ages 12-18 and will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Advance registration is required (sign-up HERE). Registered participants will be sent a link to join the event via email.

Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for children and teens: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Evenings with an Author: V. E. Schwab [Virtual Public Event; RSVP Required]
2021-01-27 19:30 - 20:30
*Covid-19 Update: This winter, the Library’s Evening with an Author series will continue to meet virtually, via Zoom. These events, which are free and open to the public, require advance sign up. Evenings with an Author programs begin at 19h30 (Central European Time). Please check eLibris or our programs calendar for updates and line-up.
Click here to register for this event!
VICTORIA “V.E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the internationally acclaimed Shades of Magic series, the Villains series, the Cassidy Blake series and more. Her latest novel, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, is set to be adapted into a feature film by eOne and First Kill – a YA vampire series based on Schwab’s short story – is set to hit Netflix, produced by Emma Roberts’ Belletrist Productions. When she’s not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters. Her newest book, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, follows the title character across centuries and continents, across history and art, as she learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.
For her evening at the American Library, Victoria will be in conversation with Kirsty McCulloch Reid. Kirsty works here at the Library, assisting in the Children’s and Teens’ Services department with programs, the collection, and social media. She holds a Masters in Information and Library studies from Robert Gordon University.

Evenings with an Author are generously sponsored by GRoW @ Annenberg

Junk Kouture workshop with Rebecca Devaney (ages 12-18) [VIRTUAL—RSVP REQUIRED]
2021-01-22 19:00 - 20:30
For ages 12-18

Join us for an interactive workshop Rebecca Devaney of Junk Kouture, and brainstorm ways to turn everyday objects into fashion!

Junk Kouture is a global platform to unleash young people’s creative brilliance. One way is through a fashion competition which challenges the world’s hottest emerging designers and artists to envision, create and model high end couture from everyday junk! During this interactive event, Rebecca will show participants examples of fashion made from 100% recycled materials, and then workshop participants will get help to create their own fashion pieces using recycled materials found at home. Ahead of the workshop, please gather: empty Nespresso capsules (or other coffee capsules) or scraps of wrapping paper, scissors, empty plastic bottles (rinsed), candy wrappers (any type) and a hole-punch, if possible.
About Rebecca: Rebecca worked as an Art and Design teacher in Ireland and then came to Paris in 2017 to follow her dream of studying haute couture embroidery at École Lesage. After graduating she worked as an haute couture embroiderer for Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton, adding embroidery and embellishment to gowns seen at the Met Gala Ball, Cannes Film Festival and red carpets around the world. Check out this video to find out more about Junk Kouture, and find out more about a past competition winner here.

This event is free and open to Library members ages 12-18 and will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Advance registration is required (sign-up HERE). Registered participants will be sent a link to join the event via email.

Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for children and teens: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

The Ship We Built: A Discussion with Lexie Bean and Noah Grigni (ages 9-adult) [VIRTUAL—BY RSVP]
2021-01-16 14:00 - 15:00
Please join us for an interactive book talk on The Ship We Built with author Lexie Bean and illustrator Noah Grigni.
for ages 9-Adult
Please join us for an interactive book talk on The Ship We Built with author Lexie Bean and illustrator Noah Grigni. We’ll talk about the creative process, and how identity shaped the story, as well as how the author and illustrator worked together to find artwork to fit the story. Lexie will read a passage from The Ship We Built, and Noah will share several of the sketches used in the book, then following a discussion moderated by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste, we will move into a Q&A with the audience. Both Lexie and Noah identify as queer and trans, and The Ship We Built, which received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist, is the first middle grade book from a major American publisher centering a trans boy and written by one. The text deals with themes of isolation, faith, gender and sexuality, abuse, addiction, incarceration, and imagination as a tool for survival. This event is sure to interest young readers, aspiring writers, activists, and artists of all ages. You can check out the book from our collections.
About Lexie: Lexie Bean is a queer and trans multi-media artist from the Midwest USA whose work revolves around themes of bodies, homes, cyclical violence, and LGBTQIA+ identity. They are a member of the RAINN National Leadership Council and are Lambda Literary Finalist for their anthology Written on the Body, centering trans survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault. The Ship We Built is their debut novel, which began with a text message dare from a crush in 2014. It has also taken the form of an animated short, and soon a feature-length script. Like Rowan, Lexie has a deep resonance with water and letter writing, and is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

About Noah: Noah Grigni is a children’s book illustrator and trans activist from Atlanta, Georgia. Influenced by queer futurism, magical realism, dreams, and the subconscious, Noah uses art to imagine a radically inclusive future and uplift voices fighting for change. Their art ranges from vibrant watercolor illustrations, to meticulous anatomical drawings, to promotional graphics for activist groups. Noah is the illustrator of It Feels Good To Be Yourself by Theresa Thorn, The Every Body Book by Rachel Simon, The Ship We Built by Lexie Bean, and The Gender Identity Workbook For Kids by Kelly Storck. Last year, The American Library in Paris hosted Noah’s first-ever book signing event! Noah is excited to return to the library virtually for this discussion.

This event is free and open to the public (ages 9-Adult). This event will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Registered participants will be sent a link to join the event. Advance registration is required (register HERE).

Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for ages 0-18: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Bilingual-ish: A Language-Exploring Comic Workshop with Kate Gavino (ages 12-18) [VIRTUAL—RSVP REQUIRED]
2020-10-02 19:00 - 21:00
For ages 12-18

Join graphic novel author and artist Kate Gavino for a virtual workshop that explores the highs and lows of being bilingual, whether you’re perfectly fluent in many languages or struggling to get by in more than one. By making our own short comics, we’ll explore different language personalities, un-translatable words, and more. Come prepared to share a little about your second (or third or fourth) tongue, but don’t worry: there’s no need to be perfectly fluent in those languages. In fact, misunderstandings and mix-ups will be encouraged in our comics!

About Kate: Kate Gavino is a writer and illustrator. She is the creator of the website, Last Night’s Reading, which was compiled into a published collection by Penguin Books in 2015. Her work has been featured in BuzzFeed, Lenny Letter, Oprah.com, Rookie, and more. She was recently named one of Brooklyn Magazine’s 30 Under 30. Her second book, Sanpaku, was published by BOOM! Studios in 2018.

This event is free and open to Library members ages 12-18 and will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Advance registration is required (sign-up HERE). Registered participants will be sent a link to join the event via email.

Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for children and teens: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

The Art of the Scary Story: Write the Haunted Paris Script (ages 14-adult) [VIRTUAL—BY RSVP]
2020-09-26 14:00 - 16:00
For ages 14-adult

Work on your craft in a fun, creative atmosphere with other writers and help us build the script for our Haunted Library!

Scripts are an art form. Just like short stories and novels, they must be crafted carefully. Join us in crafting the script for the evening portion of the Library’s Halloween event. We will have a basic outline drafted of the route tours will take through the 7th arrondissement on the evening of 31 October 2020. During this workshop, we’ll create scary vignettes for actors to perform, and a tale for our tour guides to recount during the evening. Help us create an evening of scares for visitors who attend the event on Saturday 31 October. New writers, fans of scary stories and professionals are all welcome to attend!

This event is free and open to Library members ages 12-adult and will be hosted virtually. Advance registration is required (sign-up HERE). Registered participants will be sent the info about how to join the meeting.

Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about this event, or any of our events for children and teens: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Fantasy Book Club (ages 12-adult) [VIRTUAL—RSVP REQUIRED]
2020-09-17 17:00 - 18:00
ages 12-adult

Join fantasy fans to discuss new worlds and novels with like-minded readers.

Bring along your current or most recent fantasy read to talk about with the group during our online meeting. Participants are also encouraged to prepare a cup of tea or coffee to enjoy during the meeting. Each participant will be asked to read the first line of the fantasy novel they’ve selected and share a bit about the book. High and low fantasy, contemporary or classic–it’s all perfect to bring along to discuss during these book club meetings. New members are welcome! This book club is facilitated by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads.

Looking for your next great fantasy read? Stop by and browse our extensive collections! These titles are available for Library members in e-book format:
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz, A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula le Guin, Coraline by Neil Gaiman, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, and The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu.

Advance registration is required for this book group (sign-up HERE). Once registered, participants will be sent an email with instructions to join the online meeting. Participation in this book group is open to Library members, and free of charge. If you are not yet a Library member, but would like to participate, please join the Library before the first session. Send an email to Celeste Rhoads, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about this event: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Teen Advisory Group (ages 12-18): deadline to apply
2020-07-31 23:00
Open to Library members ages 12-18

Provide valuable feedback and earn community service hours!

Provide feedback and earn community service hours by joining the Teen Advisory Group. Members of this group are asked to read widely and offer opinions on a selection of new books that we are considering adding to our collections. you may also be asked to offer input and suggestions about programs, policies and more. Your feedback will be valued, and you will learn about the behind-the-scenes work of the Library and its staff while getting a sneak peek at some of the newest YA reads. Meetings will be held one Friday a month from 17h00-18h30, and members of the group are expected to commit to attending all meetings.

Meetings will be held one Friday a month at The American Library in Paris from 17h00-18h30 (dates TBC)

If you are interested in joining the Teen Advisory Group, fill in the ONLINE APPLICATION (HERE) by 31 July at 23h00. You can expect to write one to two paragraphs about your reading, and why you would like to join the group.

If you know what you want to see in the Library, and if you want to have more input in our collections and programs for teens, submit an application today!

Friday Night Poets (a workshop with National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman) (ages 12-18) [VIRTUAL EVENT - REGISTRATION REQUIRED]
2020-06-26 18:00 - 19:30
for ages 12-18

Join us for a writing workshop and Q & A with National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. During this interactive virtual workshop, Amanda will guide participants in a poetry exercise, then answer questions about her work. Participants will be required to provide their own writing materials. We’ll provide the inspiration.
Check out Amanda’s performance on CBS here, or her appearance on SGN with John Krasinski here.
About Amanda: At 22, Amanda Gorman is heralded as “the next great figure in American poetry.” Amanda made history in 2017 by being named the first ever National Youth Poet Laureate in the United States. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is a recent graduate of Harvard, where she studied Sociology. Since publishing a poetry collection at 16, her writing has won her invitations to the Obama White House and to perform for Lin-Manuel Miranda, Al Gore, Secretary Hillary Clinton, Malala Yousafzai, and others. Amanda has performed 4th of July and Thanksgiving poems for CBS and she has spoken at events and venues across the country, including the Library of Congress and Lincoln Center. She has received a Genius Grant from OZY Media, as well as recognition from Scholastic Inc., YoungArts, the Glamour magazine College Women of the Year Awards, and the Webby Awards. She currently writes for the New York Times newsletter The Edit and recently signed a two-book deal with Viking (a division of Penguin Random House) after a bidding war involving eight publishers. Most recently, she traveled to Slovenia with Prada as a reporter on the company’s latest sustainability project, and penned the manifesto for Nike’s 2020 Black History Month campaign. She is the youngest board member of 826 National, the largest youth writing network in the United States.
Amanda had been invited as the Library’s summer Writer in Residence and she has graciously offered to host this virtual event since she can no longer be in Paris this June. We look forward to welcoming her in person when that is possible.
This event is free and open to the public (ages 12-18). This event will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Registered participants will be sent a link to join the event. Advance registration is required for Teen Nights (register HERE).
Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for ages 0-18: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org. Participation in teen events is free for Library members.

Photo courtesy of Kelia Anne.

Teen Lit Taboo (ages 12-18) [VIRTUAL - RSVP REQUIRED]
2020-06-19 18:00 - 19:30
Show off your fabulous memory of all things related to teen literature by competing in an evening of this custom made guessing game!

You will be placed in teams before the event, and you’ll work in groups to compete in a Teen Lit Trivia game specially created by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Kirsty McCulloch Reid. Check out the game Taboo, which inspired this event.

This game will be played much like the Taboo game from Hasbro. The objective of the game is for a player to have their team members guess the word on the player’s card without using the word itself or five additional words listed on the card. All game cards will feature characters, settings and themes from YA literature. This event will take place virtually via Zoom, and participants will need to have microphones and video enabled. Cards will be sent via the chat box. We’ve tested this. It works.

The object of the game is for a player to have their partners/team members guess the word on their card without using the word itself or any of the six additional words listed on the card. Players should be timed so that each person has 1 or 2 minutes to get their team members to guess the words on as many cards as possible. The team to reach a defined score first wins (i.e.: first player to reach 25 points).

Prizes will be available for pickup at the Library following the event for all participants.

Advance registration is required for Teen Nights (sign-up HERE for Teen Lit Taboo). Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for ages 0-18: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org. Participation in teen events is free for Library members and 10€ for non-members.

Young Authors Fiction Festival Celebration Events (VIRTUAL)
2020-06-12 17:30 - 19:30
YAFF 2020 Celebration Events

This year’s celebration events will be held virtually via online platform Zoom on Friday 12 June 2020.
For each event 1st – 5th winners in each grade will be announced from the 5 finalists. These live events will be hosted by the Library’s YAFF committee and will include the announcement of the winners by grade, extracts from the winning stories and comments from the judges. Please join us to celebrate your story and the young writers in our community!

Kindergarten – 5th Grade Celebration from 17h30
Topic: YAFF Celebration Event – K-5th Grade
Time: Jun 12, 2020 17h30 Paris
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89306058742
Meeting ID: 893 0605 8742

6th Grade – 12th Grade Celebration from 18h30
Topic: YAFF Celebration Event – 6th-12th Grades
Time: Jun 12, 2020 18h30 Paris
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88915160384
Meeting ID: 889 1516 0384

YAFF Celebration Booklets
The Library publishes the 1st-5th place stories in a Celebration Book. One Booklet for Kindergarten-5th Grade and a separate booklet for 6th-12th Grade. These booklets are available for purchase, and a copy of each booklet is added to the Library collection and will be available for checkout after the Celebration Events.
The booklets can be ordered via our website here. Each booklet costs 15€.
There are two options for ordering:

Pick up at the Library during open hours. Payment will be made online before pick up.

Postal service. Payment will be made online for booklet(s) and a charge of 5€ applied for the postage. Postage is only available within Ile-de-France and books will be posted weekly on Fridays.

Confirmation of order, with information on pick up times and days or postal service, will be sent via email once payment has been received. Please allow 2 working days for confirmation to be sent.
If you have any questions about YAFF, the booklets or the celebration event then please contact yaff@americanlibraryinparis.org

Teen Night: Writing from the Heart - The Game (ages 12-18) [VIRTUAL - RSVP REQUIRED]
2020-06-05 18:00 - 19:30
For ages 12-18.
Back by popular demand…
Writing from your ♥ : the Game – created by Jane Mobille

Join us for a virtual Teen Night with life coach and memoir writer Jane Mobille! Throw the dice, spin some (tall) tales, and write your own answer key as we create our own homemade games together. Categories include: Santa Claus, Mean Girls & Bullies, Father Knows Best, Happy Birthday to You, Secret Lies, Geeks, Sis & Bro, Cat in the Hat, I can’t stop…, Rachel or Phoebe – Joey or Ross?

This event will be hosted virtually via Zoom. Participants will be required to provide their own paper and pens. Dice are optional, but encouraged.

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 also authors a “Teen Coach” column at the online magazine INSPIRELLE. She holds degrees from Duke University, University of Maryland, and Thunderbird.

Advance registration is required for Teen Nights (sign-up HERE for this event). Send an email to Celeste, our Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, with questions about events and collections for ages 0-18: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org. This event is open to Library members.
