New routines, germs, disappointment, and anxiety: Picture books for reading together right now
24 November 2020American Library in Paris Interview with Janet Skeslien Charles, author of “The Paris Library”
1 February 2021Gifts for book-lovers
Looking for the perfect present for the bookworm in your life? Here are gift ideas to satisfy readers of all ages. Suggestions include items from the wish-lists of our staff of avid readers.
Library membership
A Library membership is the gift that keeps giving all year long. Over four thousand students, families, and individuals from around the world enjoy the Library’s rich print and digital collections, lively programs, and comfortable study spaces in the heart of Paris. Join this historical institution that has been lending English-language books since 1920. You can register online for a Library membership for your household, or contact our Member Services team to purchase a membership for a friend: info@americanlibraryinparis.org
Original artwork or prints from your favorite illustrator
Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste Rhoads is a big fan of picture book artwork, and she loves these prints by Caldecott Medalist Kadir Nelson, as well as these by Jessica Love. This original piece by Nick Sharratt would make a fun gift for someone with a taste for whimsy.
The perfect novel or work of nonfiction
If you’re looking to purchase a book for someone in Paris, consider a visit to a local independent bookshop. For those who want books in English, The Red Wheelbarrow and The Abbey Bookshop each accept orders by phone and email. Shakespeare and Company offers a “Call & Collect” service.
A cookbook
Assistant Director Abigail Altman is asking for a copy of Yotam Ottolenghi’s latest cookbook, Flavours, because she doesn’t want to get food stains on the Library copy. Our staff here at the Library agree that Ottolenghi’s cookbooks make lovely gifts.
Book-inspired t-shirts
The Eric Carle Museum shop ships anywhere in the US, and has apparel for based on Eric Carle’s hungry caterpillar and brown bear, as well as other famous children’s book characters such as Elephant and Piggie, and Peter from The Snowy Day. The shop also has fun swag for fans of classic books. You’ve likely seen Children’s and Teens’ Services Manager Celeste and Children’s and Teens’ Services Volunteer Mary Wessels sporting some of the t-shirts found here.
A sweatshirt or scarf with a quote from your favorite book
Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Kirsty loves the apparel from storiarts, where you can find sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks, and more with quotes from the likes of Virginia Woolf and Louisa May Alcott. She also has this “Just one more chapter” sweatshirt on her wishlist—a perfect gift for the person who just can’t put down their book! Many of the librarians on our staff love the clothes and accessories from Out of Print.
A book cover jigsaw puzzle
For puzzle-loving bookworms you can offer a gift that combines two loves, like these book cover puzzles featuring the book cover art from Dracula, Little Women, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the Harry Potter series.
A bag—to hold all of your books
Consider a tote bag from your favorite library. Tote bags from The American Library in Paris are available on-site in several colors, with a limited edition centennial tote available for a short time (reserve yours here). Readers might also like the leather wallets and bags from Yoshi’s “Well Read” series.
Sponsor a bookshelf in the Children’s Library in honor of your special young reader
As the American Library in Paris celebrates its centennial, we are expanding the Children’s Library and Teen Mezzanine, and donors may sponsor a shelf in honor of friends and/or family members. The regular support of members and friends of the Library is essential in ensuring its health and vitality. Please contact the Library’s advancement coordinator Morgan Wurzburger at wurzburger@americanlibraryinparis.org to find out more about sponsoring a bookshelf.
