The Library’s Youth Leadership Program (offered in partnership with Toastmasters), offers teens ages 14–18 an opportunity to develop public-speaking potential.

The Library’s Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is designed as an eight-session, workshop-style program which enables teen participants ages 14–18 the opportunity to develop public speaking potential through practical experience and guidance from professionals and practiced speakers. Over the course of eight meetings, the club members will have a chance to work on various aspects of public speaking and leadership. Each meeting features a speech and lesson from a member of one of the Toastmasters groups in Paris. Teen club members will each give two original speeches throughout the year, and will serve a role in the club (President, Vice President, Secretary, etc.). During these meetings, friendly, constructive encouragement and feedback will be given to members from the Toastmasters and fellow teen club members.

The YLP is led by the teen participants themselves with the guidance and support of Toastmasters from several groups in the Paris area, the American Library in Paris’ Assistant Children’s and Teens’ Services Librarian Colette Dia, and the Toastmasters Coordinator (for the 2026–2027 YLP: Jacqueline Huynh). Toastmasters participate at each meeting to coach and help evaluate. The first YLP meeting at the Library was held in 2017.

Applications for the 2026–2027 Youth Leadership Program were accepted through 31 July 2026 and are now closed for the year. Applications will be open again in the spring for the next academic year! During the application period, teens between the ages of 14–18 are welcome to apply—Library members and non-members. Participation in this club is free if accepted. Teens can connect with other English speaking peers by participating in one of the other events for ages 12+, which can be found on our calendar of events.