American Library in Paris

History Tour at the Library
2026-07-24 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-17 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-07-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-06-19 11:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris)
The American Library in Paris invites you to register for a History Tour. Come visit us in person at 10 rue du Général Camou and discover:

Our origin story: How our Library grew out of a collection of books donated to troops in WWI
The establishment of the American Library in Paris as a private non-profit library
The famous writers of the Lost Generation (Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, and others) who explored our stacks
The Paris Library School, which brought American innovations to French libraries between the wars
The true stories of the brave librarians who kept the Library open during the Occupation of WWII
How the Library has evolved over its 106-year history into the largest English-language lending library on the European continent

All tours are on Fridays at 11h00, last one hour, and take place in person at the American Library in Paris.
Tours are free of charge and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Please contact us if you wish to reserve for 5 or more people (do not reserve through the site).
For school or group reservations, or for other questions, please email tours@americanlibraryinparis.org.
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Florence Gould Foundation and the American Center for Art and Culture.
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.

Story Hour: Playing and Pretending (ages 3–5)
2026-07-22 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for stories all about playing pretend and dressing up! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as I Am Actually a Penguin! by Sean Taylor and Kasia Matyjaszek, and Ahoy! by Sophie Blackall (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

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.

Saturday Series: Ordinary/Extraordinary (Painting Still Life) (ages 6–12)
2026-07-18 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Learn about the work of Van Gogh and other artists who painted in still life and then create your own picture during this painting workshop.
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 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.
This event will be hosted by Member Services Assistant Colette Dia with the help of Library volunteers.
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Music Together with Stacey Pavesi Debré (ages 0–5)
2026-07-17 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-20 16:00 - 17:00 | The American Library in Paris
Today, it’s common for us to simply listen to music rather than create it ourselves. But actively making music—with our voices and our bodies—is important to children’s overall development. Since 1987, Music Together, has introduced millions of children, parents, and teachers to the joys of music-making and the powerful benefits of having music in their lives. In our family workshops children and parents learn together through active exploration and live, meaningful interaction. So, take out the earbuds and pick up the instruments we were all given at birth—ourselves! Each child (aged 0–5) should accompany one of their favorite grownups.
About Stacey Pavesi Debré: An American in Paris since 2014, Stacey has been passionate about music and learning her whole life. She studied piano and string bass, joined choirs, orchestras, a capella groups and musical theaters, and worked as a vocalist in Japan and a singing bartender in NYC. In 2017, Stacey founded Bébé Music Box to bring Music Together’s award-winning music and movement classes to families and schools in Paris. Our weekly mixed-age family classes are a fun, dynamic, and inspiring way for families to connect through music. Plus, because music learning supports all learning, the benefits for our young music-makers extend well beyond class. For more information about Bébé Music Box family classes or to contact Stacey, visit www.bbmusicbox.com. To read more about music’s magical effects on children, visit www.musictogether.com. Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Caregivers must remain with their children for the duration of this program. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-07-16 11:00 - 11:30 | The American Library in Paris
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Little Cloud by Eric Carle (pictured here), which will be featured during this session.
Toddler Time sessions are hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members, and include age-appropriate stories selected by the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ librarians. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Facing Our Fears (ages 3–5)
2026-07-15 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for stories all about what to do when you’re feeling scared, nervous, or intimidated ! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Evergreen by Matthew Cordell (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

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.

Saturday Series: Word Games (ages 6–12)
2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Play rhyming games, spelling games, and more as you meet other word wizards and Library members! Children’s and Teens’ Services staff will host this event with the help of Library volunteers. They will walk you through the rules of games and play along with you. 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.

Story Hour: Wonderful Words (ages 3–5)
2026-07-08 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for stories about language, learning to read, and beautiful words! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as P is for Pterodactyl by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter, illustrated by Maria Beddia (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

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.

Saturday Series: Easy Crochet (ages 6–12)
2026-07-04 14:00 - 15:00 | The American Library in Paris
Learn the basics of crochet (a slipknot, a single crochet stitch, and a chain) and get started on your own project during this crafting event. Crafting books from the Library’s collections will be provided for children who wish to continue learning at home.
This activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Caregivers and parents of young children are encouraged to participate in this event with their children. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Volunteers Tjasa and Madeleine, with the help of Library staff.
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-07-02 11:00 - 11:30 | The American Library in Paris
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as First the Egg by Laura Vaccaro Seeger (pictured here), which will be featured during this session.
Toddler Time sessions are hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members, and include age-appropriate stories selected by the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ librarians. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: American Authors (ages 3–5)
2026-07-01 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for stories written by American authors! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
Make sure to check out the American authors and illustrators A–Z summer reading challenge for Library members!
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

America 250 Lecture: IV. From Revolution to Republic
2026-06-28 14:00 - 16:00 | The American Library in Paris
In this final lecture of our America 250 The American Revolution in Paris series, we examine the mutual exchanges of respect, information, and philosophy that occurred after the American Revolution in 1783 and the French Revolution in 1789.
About the speaker:
Mary Jo Padgett has been leading American Revolution history walks and lectures in Paris since 2013, with programs presented through the American Library in Paris, the American Embassy, and WICE. Important information: This is a ticketed event part The American Revolution in Paris, our series of walking tours and lectures with Mary Jo Padgett to celebrate America 250. Sign-up to the lecture series.

Game Day (ages 4–12)
2026-06-27 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Learn how to play one of the board games or card games available at the Library, or bring in a game from home to share and play. Library volunteers will help walk you through the rules of the games.
Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library. Children ages 4–6 must be accompanied by a caregiver at all times for the duration of this event. Caregivers are welcome to participate in this event. Please note on the registration form if you plan on attending and playing along. Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. 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.

[CANCELLED] History Tour at the Library
2026-06-26 11:00 - 12:00

Library closed
2026-06-25, 2026-06-24, 2026-06-21 | The American Library in Paris

Story Hour: Cars, Trucks, and Trains (ages 3–5) (CANCELLED)
2026-06-24 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
In anticipation of high temperatures, and to keep everyone safe, the Library will be operating with reduced hours on Tuesday 23 June. Due to the heatwave alert, we will be exceptionally cancelling this week’s Story Hour.

For this program, join us for stories about all sorts of vehicles! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey and Jerome Pumphrey (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books in English and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

[CANCELLED] America 250 Walking Tour: III. Enduring France-American Ties
2026-06-23 13:30 - 16:30 | The American Library in Paris
In this is the third walking tour of our America 250 The American Revolution in Paris series.
From Musée d’Orsay to Bourse de Commerce
This third walk takes up the story where the war left off, tracing the enduring ties between France and the young American republic. We begin at the Musée d’Orsay and Thomas Jefferson’s favorite view in Paris, then follow through the Tuileries to Hôtel de Coislin, where France formally recognized American independence. The walk ends at the Bourse de Commerce, whose surprising connection to both Franklin and Jefferson will be revealed on the day.
About the guide:
Mary Jo Padgett has been leading American Revolution history walks and lectures in Paris since 2013, with programs presented through the American Library in Paris, the American Embassy, and WICE. Important information: This is a ticketed event part The American Revolution in Paris, our series of walking tours and lectures with Mary Jo Padgett to celebrate America 250. Sign-up to the walking tour series.

[CANCELLED] America 250 Lecture: III. Jefferson, Paine, and the Paris Salons
2026-06-21 14:00 - 16:00 | The American Library in Paris
In this third lecture of our America 250 The American Revolution in Paris series, we learn about important places where secret plans were hatched to support the American insurgents, and then pick up the thread of how the Americans continued to lean on and learn from experienced French connections during the early years of a new country.
About the speaker:
Mary Jo Padgett has been leading American Revolution history walks and lectures in Paris since 2013, with programs presented through the American Library in Paris, the American Embassy, and WICE. Important information: This is a ticketed event part The American Revolution in Paris, our series of walking tours and lectures with Mary Jo Padgett to celebrate America 250. Sign-up to the lecture series.

Father's Day Storytime (ages 5+)
2026-06-20 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Enjoy a special reading hosted by father’s in the Library community and Library staff, and then try trivia about dads of all sorts! Stories featured during this event include picture books such as Happy Father’s Day from the Crayons by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers and Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle. 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.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-06-18 11:00 - 11:30 | The American Library in Paris
This event for children ages 1–3 and their caregivers features 30 minutes of stories, songs, and rhymes. Stories presented during our Toddler Time programs include short picture books and board books such as Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo by Kevin Lewis, illustrated by Daniel Kirk (pictured here), which will be featured during this session.
Toddler Time sessions are hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members, and include age-appropriate stories selected by the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ librarians. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour in the Park (ages 3–5)
2026-06-17 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for a special storytime outdoors featuring picture books, songs, and rhymes in English!
This Story Hour event will be held outside on the Champs de Mars (weather permitting) for a small group. Registered participants will be sent information about where to meet a day before the event, or can meet at the Library at 14h15 to walk to the park with Library staff. In the event of rain, this event will be held in the Children’s Library.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!

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