American Library in Paris

Story Hour: Indigenous People (ages 3–5)
2025-11-05 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional written by and about indigenous people from the Americas! National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, rich histories, contributions, and stories of Native American and Alaska Native communities. Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Johnny’s Pheasant by Cheryl Minnema and Julie Flett (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes. Ask our children’s and teens’ services staff for recommendations for books to help you learn more about Native Americans. A selection of books will be available during this Story Hour.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-11-06 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 Cinnamon Bun, I Love You 1 by Amy Scwartz, 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.

History Tour at the Library
2025-11-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-21 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-28 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-05 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 105-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.

Teen Night: Mix and Match Comic Strips (ages 12–18)
2025-11-07 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Learn about the language of comics and comic strips, then make your own. We’ll have all the supplies you need to create your own original comics. This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue and Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads, with the help of Library volunteers.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided by the Library. Important information:
This event is free for Library members, and 15€ per teen for non-members. Advance registration is required. All visitors are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. 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: Spinning Stories (ages 6–12)
2025-11-08 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Participants in this workshop will think about characters and settings for original stories, and learn tips for storytelling. After a discussion, everyone will create paper wheels of fortune with the prompts they’ve come up with, which can be used to get stories started at home. All supplies will be provided by the Library.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Intern Claire Delarue with the help of Library volunteers. The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. All participants must be able to understand and speak English in order to participate in the program. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library.

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

Make and Mend: A Workshop with Ella Springer (ages 12–18)
2025-11-08 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
The practice of mending has existed for as long as we’ve been creating and wearing clothing. As fast fashion and even faster consumption become the norm, mending skills are slowly being forgotten between generations. In this workshop, participants will learn about what we wear, how we consume, and basic mending skills to make repairs to our clothing. Materials will be provided for practice, and you are also welcome to bring in your clothing items. Jeans are the best place to start!
About Ella Springer: Ella Springer is an artist and designer originally from Michigan and currently based in Paris while completing her thesis at Parsons Paris. Through her work, she is on a mission to revive the skills and communities surrounding clothing repair and sustainable hand making practices. In today’s fashion culture these skills are more crucial than ever. With a needle and thread as a tool for change, Ella leads children to the joy of mending through workshops and creative activities. You can find out more about Ella here. 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: Family Feast (ages 3–5)
2025-11-12 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional written about food and feasting! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Around the Table That Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill and Jaime Kit (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 Claire Delarue will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Celebrating the Prix Médicis
2025-11-13 19:30 - 20:30 | The American Library in Paris
Join us for a special conversation exploring the history and inner workings of the Prix Médicis, one of France’s most prestigious literary distinctions.
Just days after the 2025 laureates are announced on 5 November, get an inside look at how the prize is awarded from jury members Pascale Roze, Marie Darrieussecq, and Anne Garréta.
We’ll learn about the prize’s evolution over time, how a book is crowned, and the influence of major literary honors in shaping France’s literary future.
About the Prix Médicis:
The Prix Médicis was founded in 1958 by Gala Barbisan and Jean-Pierre Giraudoux with the aim of recognizing bold and innovative literary works, often outside the mainstream. Each year, it awards a prize to a novel, story, or collection of short stories by an author who is either a debut writer or whose renown does not yet match the recognized quality of their work.
Thanks to the patronage of the GRoW @ Annenberg Foundation, which took effect in 2025, the Prix Médicis awards a grant for the translation into English of the winning French-language novel, thus contributing to the bond between the two cultures. Rejoignez-nous pour une conversation exceptionnelle autour de l’histoire et du fonctionnement interne du Prix Médicis, l’une des distinctions littéraires les plus prestigieuses de France.
Quelques jours après l’annonce des lauréats 2025, le 5 novembre, découvrez les coulisses de l’attribution du prix avec membres du jury Pascale Roze, Marie Darrieussecq, et Anne Garréta.
Nous explorerons l’évolution du prix au fil du temps, la manière dont un livre est couronné, ainsi que l’influence des grandes distinctions littéraires sur l’avenir des lettres françaises.
À propos le Prix Médicis:
Le prix Médicis a été fondé en 1958 par Gala Barbisan et Jean-Pierre Giraudoux, avec l’intention de distinguer des œuvres littéraires audacieuses et innovantes, souvent en marge des courants dominants. Il récompense chaque année un roman, un récit ou un recueil de nouvelles dont l’auteur débute ou dont la notoriété reste encore inférieure à la qualité reconnue de son œuvre.
Grâce au mécénat de la fondation GRoW @ Annenberg qui a pris effet en 2025, le Prix Médicis accorde une bourse de traduction en langue anglaise au roman de langue française primé, contribuant ainsi heureusement au lien entre les deux cultures. Important information: The discussion will be available in person only. Please note this event will mainly be in English.
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.

History Tour: 1920s Edition
2025-11-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-12-12 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Did you know that Gertrude Stein had a penchant for pulpy mystery novels? Or that Hemingway attempted to secure a job at the Library for his drinking buddy?
The American Library in Paris invites you to register for a 1920s-focused History Tour. Come visit us in person at 10 rue du Général Camou and discover:

Our origin story, when our Library warehoused a collection of books donated to the Doughboys fighting alongside Allied troops in WWI
The establishment of the American Library in Paris as a private library
The famous writers of the Lost Generation (Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, Henry Miller, and more) who explored our stacks during their time in Paris
Our Paris Library School, which brought American innovations to French libraries in the 1920s

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.

Music Together with Stacey Pavesi Debré (ages 0–5)
2025-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | 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.

An Evening with Cultural Fellow Molly Ringwald
2025-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 | The American Library in Paris
From her starring roles on screen to her celebrated literary work as an essayist and translator from French, Molly Ringwald has built a career defined by reinvention and creative curiosity. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with Ringwald, the American Library’s Fall 2025 Cultural Fellow, tracing her path across film, fiction, and French literature.
In conversation with author and staff writer for the New Yorker Lauren Collins.
About the Fall 2025 Cultural Fellow:
Molly Ringwald is an actress, author, and translator. She is the author of two bestselling books, Getting the Pretty Back and When It Happens to You, and the translator of the award-winning, internationally bestselling novels Lie With Me by Philippe Besson and My Cousin Maria Schneider by Vanessa Schneider. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, the New Yorker, Vogue, Marie Claire, and the Guardian.
Her extensive film work includes Paul Mazursky’s Tempest; the iconic John Hughes films Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, and The Breakfast Club; the independent drama All These Small Moments; and Netflix’s The Kissing Booth. On stage, Ringwald has starred in numerous Broadway productions, including Cabaret, Enchanted April, and Sweet Charity. Her television credits include the acclaimed series Riverdale, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and Feud: Capote vs. the Swans.
About our Moderator:
Lauren Collins is a staff writer for The New Yorker. Her subjects have included Michelle Obama, Emmanuel Macron, Demna, the street artist Invader, French tacos, the refugee crisis, and equal pay. Since 2015 she has been based in Paris, covering stories mainly from France. She is the author of When in French: Love in a Second Language, which the Times named as one of its 100 Notable Books of 2016. Her second book, “They Stole a City: Wilmington’s White Supremacist Coup and the Families Who Live With Its Legacy,” will be published on July 7, 2026. Important information: This event is reserved for Library Members. Please have your Library card accessible when purchasing your ticket. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This event will be in-person only, and a recording will not be made available.

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

Please note: Each guest may have only one book signed.

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: Good Friends (ages 3–5)
2025-11-19 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional written about making friends and caring for friendships! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Johnny’s Pheasant by (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-11-20 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 I Can Do It Too! by Karen Baicker, which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

[Friends of the Library] The Englishman Who Created Parisian Haute Couture with Stephen Clarke
2025-11-20 19:00 - 20:00 | The American Library in Paris
Charles Frederick Worth was once the most celebrated couturier in the Western world — so influential that the Petit Palais recently devoted an entire exhibition to his legacy. In this new biography, the prolific Stephen Clarke uncovers the full story: how a British draper’s apprentice and his overlooked French wife, Marie, revolutionized fashion in the 19th century, inventing the catwalk, brand labels, and the very idea of the designer as creative genius.
About the speaker:
Stephen Clarke has written 20+ books about Anglo-French relations. These include the million-selling novel A Year in the Merde and the UK number-one 1,000 Years of Annoying the French. He curated the Centre Culturel de l’Entente Cordiale at Hardelot, France. Stephen works with the world’s oldest stand-up comedian, 91-year-old D’yan Forest. He wrote her latest one-woman show, A Gefilte Fish Out of Water, which she recently performed in New York, and he co-wrote her memoirs, I Did It My Ways. He writes and occasionally performs his own songs. Important information: Please note, this event is reserved for Friends of the Library. Learn more about supporting the Library here.
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.

Creating Dystopian Worlds with Amy Plum (ages 12–18)
2025-11-21 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Discover dystopian fiction, and science fiction, and explore what elements define this genre. During this workshop, participants will learn essential tips for researching, world-building, and plotting their own works of dystopian fiction.
About Amy Plum: Amy Plum is the author of Die for Me, an international bestselling Young Adult series set in Paris. Her books have been translated into thirteen languages. Her second series is a duology After the End and Until the Beginning, which she describes as “a faux-post-apocalyptic, road trip, adventure, romance, thriller with a bit of magic.” Her third series is the Dreamfall duology: Dreamfall and Neverwake. Amy grew up in Birmingham, Alabama before venturing further afield to Chicago, Paris, London and New York. An art historian by training, she can be found on most days either daydreaming or writing (or both) in a Parisian café. To find out more about Amy, and writing classes in Paris, visit her website. 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.

Thanksgiving Pie-Tasting (all ages)
2025-11-22 14:00 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
Library members are invited to taste classic American pie recipes, play Thanksgiving trivia, and try seasonal games! There will be cakes and donuts generously donated by two independent Paris bakeries 12 Cakes and Boneshaker Donuts to sample. To make this community Thanksgiving celebration even better, guests are asked to contribute a homemade treat to share (and the recipe, too, if possible!). Please note in the registration form what you will bring along.
This event will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services staff with the help of Library volunteers. Library programs are created to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Books will be on display and available for checkout. Children under age 6 must have a chaperone with them for the duration of this activity. Children between the ages 6–12 may participate in Library programs on their own, while their chaperone remains inside the Library, however all chaperones are encouraged to join in the event.
The activity is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided.

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: Gratitude (ages 3–5)
2025-11-26 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional written about gratitude! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as Thank you, Omu by Oge Mora(pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Member Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Game Day (ages 3–12)
2025-11-29 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 3–6 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.

LoFi and Chill: Card Games (ages 12–18)
2025-11-29 17:00 - 18:30 | The American Library in Paris
Learn card games played with a standard 52 card deck such as Golf, Kings in the Corner, and Liar, and play classic cards games like Uno as you get to know other teens in the community.
Light snacks and drinks will be provided by the Library.
This event will be hosted by Member Services Assistant Colette Dia.
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.

Open House at the Library - Discover, Celebrate, Support!
2025-12-02 15:00 - 18:00 | The American Library in Paris
No RSVP needed! Join us at any time during 15h00 – 18h00.

You’re warmly invited to a free Open House at the American Library in Paris on Tuesday 2 December from 15h to 18h.
The Library will be open to all: bring friends, family, neighbors, and anyone curious about our welcoming home for readers and thinkers.
Pop into the Florence Gould Reading Room anytime between 15h to 18h to:

Uncover hidden treasures from our Archives and hear fascinating stories from the Library’s colorful past

Explore our Children’s and Teens’ collections and activities

Visit our “Geek Corner” for board games and graphic novels

Get personalized help navigating our digital treasures (ebooks, audiobooks, and research databases)

Discover exclusive donor events like our annual Book Award and Gala, and learn how your support brings them to life

Find out how to volunteer and join our vibrant community

Why This Matters
As an independent, non-profit organization since 1920, the Library thrives solely due to the generosity and passion of our community. This Open House is your chance to see what we’re all about and discover the many ways you can be part of our story.
Giving Tuesday Challenge
This fall, we’ve set an ambitious goal: reach 100 donors by year’s end. If you’d like to support the Library during your visit, we’ll have a donation station in the Reading Room. Every gift—large or small—brings us closer to our goal and helps keep our doors open!

Story Hour: Twinkle Toes (ages 3–5)
2025-12-03 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional written about dancers and dancing! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as The Twelve Dancing Princesses retold by Rachel Isadora (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Laurine Lucie and Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Toddler Time (ages 1–3)
2025-12-04 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 Saturday by Oge Mora, which will be featured during this session. This session will be hosted by Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads. Enjoy stories, music, movement and rhymes and help develop your child’s early literacy skills. Stay for play and social time after the event.
The program is entirely in English, as are all of our events for children and teens. No translation will be provided. Each child must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, and chaperones are required to remain with their children for the duration of the program. Parents and caregivers are expected to sit with their children beside them, or in their laps, and participate in the program. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers! Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children and Teens Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

Teen Night: Music Quiz Nite with Rock U. (ages 12–18)
2025-12-05 19:00 - 21:00 | The American Library in Paris
Join Matt Black, creator of Rock U., for a challenge to test your musical knowledge. No need to be an expert at rock music to play—all teens are welcome: diehard music fans and those just looking to discover great music and great people.

About Matt Black: Matt Black has worked as an educator for more than 30 years, and gets big thrills as a guitarist and vocalist with beloved Paris party band The Doodads. In 2012, he searched Paris for a rock band program for his daughter—and when he couldn’t find one, he created Rock U. instead! Matt works with Rock U. students on the techniques of playing together to craft a live band performance. Learn more about Matt Black and Rock U. 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. 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: Circle, Square, Line—Geometric Art (ages 6–12)
2025-12-06 11:00 - 12:00 | The American Library in Paris
Using Art’bracadabra by Raphael Garnier as inspiration, as well as reproductions of works of geometric art in the Library collections, participants will explore shapes, lines, and forms to create their own art. We’ll have all the supplies you need.
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.

Story Hour: It Came from Outer Space (ages 3–5)
2025-12-10 14:30 - 15:30 | The American Library in Paris
For this Story Hour, join us for picture books both factual and fictional written about planets and outer space! Stories featured in this event include picture books such as We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang and Your Alien by Tammi Sauer and Goro Fujita (pictured here). We’ll also sing songs and practice rhymes.
This program is entirely in English, and no translation will be provided. This participatory program is intended to encourage children to actively engage with stories. Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads and Member Services Assistant Colette Dia will read books and lead you and your little one in songs and hand-rhymes during a live, interactive session. Plan to join in, sing along, move around, and model movement and listening for your little one. We ask that all caregivers put away their phones and other electronic devices for the duration of this program. With your help, we hope to inspire children to become lifelong readers!
Important information: This event is for Library members, and advance registration is required. Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with the Library Policy for Children and the Rules and Code of Conduct so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Questions about collections and programs for children and teens can be sent to the Library’s Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager, Celeste Rhoads: celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org.

2025: The Year in Review
2025-12-10 19:30 - 20:30 | The American Library in Paris
From the first year of President Trump’s second term to political turmoil in France and ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, 2025 has been a challenging year. Join top Paris-based journalists as they reflect on what they have seen and heard on the front lines.
This event is in partnership with the Overseas Press Club of America.
About the speakers:
Dov Alfon, Editor in Chief, Libération. Dov has led the French daily since 2020, boosting subscribers 500% and overseeing award-winning stories. Raised in Paris and Tel Aviv, he was previously editor of Israel’s Haaretz newspaper. He’s also a prize-winning novelist, for his bestseller Long Night in Paris, based on his experiences in Israel’s elite high-tech intelligence unit 8200.
Ben Barnier is a senior correspondent for France Info TV. He has tracked this year’s history-making news from Washington, Kyiv, and Israel, and in between, has analyzed the impact from the studio. He has previously worked for ABC News in London, and has degrees from Sciences-Po and Columbia University’s journalism school.
Saskya Vandoorne is CNN Paris bureau chief. She has covered French political upheaval, as President Macron makes major diplomatic moves globally while fending off troubles at home. Previously based in CNN’s New York headquarters, Saskya has also covered the global economy and reported from Kenya and Ukraine. She has degrees from Durham University and Columbia University’s journalism school.
Moderator: Vivienne Walt is Time & Fortune Paris Correspondent, and contributor to the New York Times DealBook. She has reported from 50 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. She has covered the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Arab Spring, Gulf global power and Europe’s far-right movements. Her Time covers include interviews with President Macron, Marine Le Pen and Steve Bannon. She graduated from the University of Cape Town, her hometown. She is currently on the Board of Governors of the Overseas Press Club of America. 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.
