Story Hour: I Have a Dream (ages 3–5)
2026-01-28 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional about dreamers and change-makers! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie and Member Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

History Tour at the Library
2026-01-30 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-02-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2026-03-06 11:00 - 12:00
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.

Winter Wonderland (all ages)
2026-01-31 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Kick off the new year, and meet fellow Library members during our annual winter and new year celebration full of games, crafts, fun, and surprises! This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff members with the help of Library volunteers. Light refreshments will be provided.
For this winter-themed celebration, put on something sparkly, or dress up as your favorite winter creature! Fairies, unicorns, elves, yetis, arctic foxes, polar bears, and magical creatures are all welcome!
The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages of 0–6 must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times while inside the Library. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

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

Behind the Scenes of the Notre-Dame Restoration with Hank Silver
2026-02-03 19:30 - 20:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join carpenter Hank Silver for an inside look at the remarkable reconstruction of Notre-Dame’s iconic roof. From hewing oak logs in Normandy to assembling the intricate medieval-style roof trusses in Paris, Silver will guide us through the craftsmanship, engineering, and devotion behind this historic restoration. This talk offers a rare glimpse into the traditional techniques and collaborative efforts across many disciplines that brought the historic cathedral back to life.
About the speaker:
Hank Silver is an American carpenter who spent close to two years working on the restoration of the medieval roof framing of Notre-Dame de Paris. Starting with 600 oak logs, the crew hand-hewed over one thousand beams using medieval-patterned axes, reproduced the 13th-century wooden joinery, and installed the finished frame in Paris. Silver is a member of the volunteer crew, Charpentiers sans frontières (Carpenters Without Borders), whose mission is the restoration of world carpentry heritage and the transmission of the skills and techniques to future generations.
Silver is a 2025-26 Director’s Grant recipient at the American Library in Paris as he works on a memoir on his experience in the historic restoration of the cathedral.
Photo credit: Rebatir Notre-Dame Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (the speakers will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.
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.
Evenings with an Author are free and open to the public (with a 10€ suggested donation)
thanks to the generous support of GRoW @ Annenberg.

Story Hour: Surprise! (ages 3–5)
2026-02-04 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books all about surprises! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Keep an Eye on Ivy by Barroux (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Member Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-02-05 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 Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Felicia Bond, which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Teen Night: Escape the Library (ages 12–18)
2026-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Working in teams, participants will solve puzzles and challenges to escape the Library!
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec 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.

DIY Valentines (ages 6–12)
2026-02-07 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Enjoy a Valentine’s Day story, then make your own original Valentines. Experiment with different artistic techniques to make a truly heart-felt Valentine for friends and family, and try creating your own original Valentine jokes and puns to make your friends and family smile.
This event will be hosted by Children and Teens Services Manager Celeste Rhoads with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children ages 6–12 may participate in the program on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Winter Weaving: A Workshop with Sara Wynn of Atelier Red (ages 12–18)
2026-02-07 14:00 - 16:00 | The American Library in Paris
Sara Wynn of Atelier Red is hosting a hands-on weaving workshop where participants will learn to create woven pieces with paper and a small tapestry loom—perfect for beginners or anyone curious about the meditative rhythm of weaving! You’ll explore not just technique, but the beauty of slow, sustainable practices and how making by hand connects us more deeply to the materials we use. Materials will be provided for this workshop. All levels welcome!
About Sara Wynn: Sara Wynn is a weaver and textile designer based in Paris. She holds a degree in Fibers from the Savannah College of Art and Design and she has an interest in patterns and wovens for the home. You can connect with Sara 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.

Story Hour: Be My Valentine (ages 3–5)
2026-02-11 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for a Valentine’s Day celebration! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Secret Valentine by Catherine Stock and Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger and Dan Santat (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

BBC World Book Club Live Recording with Laurent Binet
2026-02-12 18:30 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Join us for a special live recording of the BBC World Book Club at the Library, featuring celebrated French novelist Laurent Binet.
First published in 2010, HHhH won the Prix Goncourt du Premier Roman and has been translated into more than 40 languages. In a boldly self-questioning narrative, Laurent Binet places himself inside the story, constantly interrogating his own choices as a writer and probing the fragile boundary between truth, memory and our relationship with history. This daring approach has made HHhH a landmark of modern French literature, acclaimed by readers and critics worldwide.
World Book Club is presented by Harriett Gilbert, who will lead the discussion and put questions to Laurent sent in by listeners from around the world, alongside questions from you – our audience in the room. The event offers a rare opportunity to hear a major contemporary author connect directly with our international community of book lovers.
The conversation will be recorded in English for the BBC World Service. Important information: This event is organized by the BBC World Service at the American Library in Paris. Book your spot and review the terms and conditions for audience participation here.
For any ticketing questions, please contact the BBC World Book Club directly.

60 Minutes to Create Stories (ages 6–12)
2026-02-14 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Join Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec for a workshop dedicated to creative writing. Participants will work together and individually to create short stories (written and oral). This activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided.
All participants in this workshop will receive information about the Library’s Young Authors Fiction Festival 2026. 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. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Story Hour: Magnificent Mammals (ages 3–5)
2026-02-18 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for a reading of picture books (both factual and fictional) about mammals—warm-blooded vertebrates such as lions, tigers, rhinos, and more. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Never Take Your Rhino on a Plane by K.E. Lewis, illustrated by Isabel Roxas (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-02-19 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 Egg by Kevin Henkes, which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Librarian Laurine Lucie and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec. 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.

Teen Night: Cookie Bake Off (ages 12–18)
2026-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
If you love sweets, then this event is for you. Bake a batch of cookies, and bring them in to add to our testing table. You’ll try to identify the ingredients, and vote on your favorite cookies. Participants will also participate in a trivia game with questions about baking, cookie ingredients, and famous sweet treats.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services 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. 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.

Saturday Series: Fact or Fiction (ages 6–12)
2026-02-21 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Learn research skills and as well as tips and tricks for deciphering fact from fiction and then, face the fact or fiction challenge to separate the truths from falsehoods, in our interactive trivia game.
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 Manager Celeste Rhoads, 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.

Starting Your Short Story (ages 12–18)
2026-02-21 16:00 - 17:30 | The American Library in Paris
Begin your own original short story ideas and get started putting pen to paper and working out the piece from beginning, middle, to end. This interactive writing workshop will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec. Participants will begin their own short stories and there will be time to share for those who want feedback.
Participants in this workshop will be given information about the Library’s Young Authors Fiction Festival.
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’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

After Nations with Rana Dasgupta and Martin Gelin
2026-02-24 19:30 - 20:30 | The American Library in Paris
As liberal democracies falter and new global powers rise, prizewinning writer Rana Dasgupta and author and journalist Martin Gelin join us to discuss After Nations: The Making and Unmaking of a World Order, Dasgupta’s sweeping history of how the modern nation-state was formed—and why it may now be failing. Ranging from ancient empires to contemporary tech giants, and the return of Chinese power, the book traces how this political model was forged and how it may be coming apart. Together, they’ll explore what comes next when political systems no longer provide security, stability, or a sense of belonging.
About the speakers:
Rana Dasgupta is the author of two novels and a non-fiction portrait of twenty-first century Delhi. Dasgupta was a visiting fellow in the humanities at Princeton University and has taught as a visiting lecturer at Brown University. His essays have been published in the Guardian, New Statesman, and BBC.com, and his writing has won the Windham Campbell Prize, the Commonwealth Prize, and the Ryszard Kapuściński Award. He lives in Delhi.
Martin Gelin is a Swedish-American journalist and the author of seven books on American politics, foreign affairs and culture. His latest book, Rules of Attraction: Why Soft Power Matters in Hard Times, will be published in English in 2026. He has written for the Guardian, Foreign Policy, Washington Post, and New York Magazine. After two decades in New York, he now lives in Paris, where he is also the president of the Anglo-American Press Association, the oldest foreign press organization in France. Important information: The discussion will be available both online and in person. While the conversation will happen in person (the speakers will appear in the Reading Room), the Library will stream the conversation on Zoom for a live viewing experience. Both in-person and online attendees will be able to pose questions.
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.
Evenings with an Author are free and open to the public (with a 10€ suggested donation)
thanks to the generous support of GRoW @ Annenberg.

Story Hour: Black History Month (ages 3–5)
2026-02-25 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for stories to celebrate Black History Month! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Let the Children March by Monica Clark Robinson, illustrated by Frank Morrison and When I Hear Spirituals by Chery Willis Hudson, illustrated by London Ladd(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. Member Services Assistant Colette Dia and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec 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.

Music Together with Stacey Pavesi Debré (ages 0–5)
2026-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Board Game Afternoon
2026-03-01 15:00 - 17:00 | The American Library in Paris
Join us for a fun-filled Board Game Afternoon at the library! Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or just looking for a casual afternoon of gameplay, you’re welcome to come along.
🕒 When: Sunday 1 March, 3:00pm-5:00pm
📍 Where: American Library in Paris, 10 rue du Général Camou, Paris 75007
Bring your friends or come solo and team up with fellow game enthusiasts. A wide selection of games will be available for all skill levels and interests.
Details:

Free for library members. Non-members are welcome for 10€.
Registration is required. Click on the RSVP button above!
Light refreshments will be provided on the night
This event is for adults and mature teens. Check out our Kids & Teens calendars for events for under 18s!

We can’t wait to see you there! For any questions, contact us at info@americanlibraryinparis.org

Story Hour: Giggles Galore (ages 3–5)
2026-03-04 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this program, join us for stories that will make you giggle and guffaw! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, and Come Home Already by Jory John and Benji Davies (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 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.

An Evening with Cultural Fellow Elizabeth Gilbert
2026-03-04 19:00 - 20:00 | The American Library in Paris
From her early career as a journalist to the global phenomenon of Eat Pray Love and her influential reflections on creativity in Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert has shaped how millions of readers think about living authentically. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gilbert discusses her new memoir, All the Way to the River, alongside the themes that run through her work—love and obsession, freedom and responsibility, devotion and self-reinvention. Join us for an intimate evening with Gilbert, the Library’s Spring 2026 Cultural Fellow, as she offers a candid look at a career defined by curiosity, risk, and hard-won wisdom. This conversation will be moderated by Rachel Donadio, Curator of Cultural Programs.
About the speakers:
Elizabeth Gilbert is the bestselling author of novels and nonfiction that explore creativity, spirituality, and love with intelligence, wit, and irresistible warmth. Her memoir Eat Pray Love was a #1 New York Times bestseller translated into more than 30 languages and adapted into a major film starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. Beginning her career as a magazine journalist, Gilbert went on to write several bestselling books, including Committed: A Love Story and Big Magic. Her books have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. She has also earned major critical recognition, including finalist honors for the National Magazine Award and the National Book Award for The Last American Man. With over 21 million views, her TED Talk on creativity is among the most viewed of all time. She is the founder of The Onward Book Club and writes the Substack newsletter Letters from Love. All the Way to the River is Gilbert’s first non-fiction book in a decade.
Rachel Donadio, the Library’s Curator of Cultural Programs, is a Paris-based writer, journalist and critic, a contributing writer for the Atlantic, a regular contributor to the New York Review of Books and a former European Culture Correspondent and Rome Bureau Chief of the New York Times. Important information: The discussion will be available in-person only. Please note, tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
Autographed copies of All the Way to the River will be available in English and French (published by Calmann-Lévy) for purchase. Please note that the event will not be followed by a book signing.

18:40-19:00 – Doors open & check-in
19:00-20:00 – Event begins
20:00-20:30 – Book sale

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.
Evenings with an Author are free and open to the public (with a 10€ suggested donation)
thanks to the generous support of GRoW @ Annenberg.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2026-03-05 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 Bedtime for Sweet Creatures by Nikki Grimes*, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, 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!
Award-winning author Nikki Grimes will speak at the Library on 29 May 2026. Find out more here. 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.

Teen Night: Creative Writing 101 (ages 12–18)
2026-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
How do you begin a short story?
What makes a character compelling?
Explore these questions and more as you begin your own original short story and get started putting pen to paper. Participants will attempt to complete a story from beginning, middle, to end in this interactive writing workshop hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Tjasa Kmetec with support from Library staff and volunteers. There will be time to share for those who want feedback.
Participants in this workshop will be given information about the Library’s Young Authors Fiction Festival.
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.

Saturday Series: Cool Crochet (ages 6–12)
2026-03-07 11:00 - 12:00 | 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 Intern Tjasa Kmetec, with the help of Library staff and 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.
