The Library’s children’s and teens’ services department is a bustling place that represents an important part of the Library’s activity. Children and their families are encouraged to make use of our extensive print and audio-visual collections or to attend one of the many readings, programs and workshops offered for young people year round.

Caregivers are expected to familiarize themselves with our Children in the Library Policy so that we can provide a pleasant library environment for all patrons. Unless otherwise stated, children attending Library programs must have their own library card, or be covered by a Household membership, otherwise a day fee will apply.

Are you an author or performer? Contact Celeste (celeste@americanlibraryinparis.org), the children’s and teens’ services manager, if you are interested in scheduling a reading or special event at the Library.

What the Children's Library Offers...

  • A full-time children’s and teens’ services manager, a full-time children’s and teens’ services librarian, and a team of skilled volunteers to assist you
  • A large and diverse collection of nearly 20,000 print materials
  • A large collection of children’s audio-visual items (music CDs and audiobooks)
  • Extensive and varied children’s programming for all ages

For Infants and Toddlers

  • Sturdy board books for small hands
  • Tactile Books and touch-and-feel books
  • Picture books (classics and favorites, as well as new and noteworthy titles)
  • Audiobooks
  • Our Toddler Time program: a twice-monthly event for one-to-three-year olds and their caregivers, featuring books, rhymes and songs in English

For Preschoolers

  • Weekly Wednesday Story Hour: an hour-long read-aloud session for children three to five years old
  • Seasonal celebrations, creative activities, author readings, and musical events
  • Picture books (classics and favorites, as well as new and noteworthy titles)
  • Age-appropriate children’s fiction, non-fiction and magazines
  • Access to age-appropriate digital resources (e-magazines, WorldBook Encyclopedia online)
  • Audiobooks

For School-Aged Children

  • Full access to a collection of over 20,000 volumes for young people up to age 18, including seminal classics, contemporary favorites, award winners, and new and noteworthy material in a variety of genres
  • Print magazines
  • Audiobooks
  • Access to age-appropriate digital resources (e-magazines, WorldBook Encyclopedia online)
  • Saturday programs for children 6–12, including author visits, art and music appreciation events, seasonal parties, readings and musical events
  • The Library’s Summer Reading Program
  • Workshops, book clubs, and creative activities for children 9-12 years old

Ask a Librarian!

The children’s and teens’ services department is staffed by two full-time librarians dedicated to children’s and teens’ services who are able to provide reference and research help for young people, as well as recommend reading material for all age levels and interests. The Library provides full reference services on site from Tuesday through Sunday (with no reference service during our evening nocturne hours). Members and users of the Library can receive general reference assistance. They may also arrange in-depth research conferences with a specific librarian by appointment.