Calendar of Events

The American Library in Paris is marking its ninetieth anniversary with a special exhibit of images, books, and archival items reflecting its extraordinary history. In the glass cases for "90 Years" you can see documentary evidence of the Library's roots in World War I, and understand how a famous wartime poem, "I have a Rendezvous with Death," indirectly inspired the Library's founding.

The World War II Nazi occupation was as perilous an hour for the Library as for the rest of France, but a combination of courage and fortune kept it open through the dark years, an ordeal reflected in the exhibit.

Other displays offer little-seen photographs of the Library's four Paris locations over the years - next to the Elysée palace, near the Parc Monceau, on the Champs Elysées, and in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower - and of three of its courageous directors, Dorothy Reeder, Clara Longworth de Chambrun, and Ian Forbes Fraser.

Then there's the special corner dedicated to Marlene Dietrich, whose personal collection of books was donated to the Library. And authors - lots of authors.

Photo Credit: "Hey fellows!" Your money brings the book we need when we want it American Library Association, United War Work Campaign, Week of November 11, 1918 / /Sheridan, John E., artist