The American Library in Paris was established in 1920 under the auspices of the American Library Association with a core collection of books and periodicals donated by American libraries to United States armed forces personnel serving their allies in World War I. The Library has grown since then into the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. It operates as a non-profit cultural association in France incorporated under the laws of Delaware.

Library members have access to more than 120,000 books, 300 periodicals (some of which date back to the mid-19th century), movies on DVD and VHS, and other audio-visual materials, plus reference and research resources in paper and electronic form. Two digital bibliographic and full-text databases were added to the collection - EBSCO's MasterFILE™ Premier providing full text articles from nearly 1,750 periodicals and JSTOR's "Public Library Collection I" - offering access to a wide range of arts and humanities journals, available to members at the Library and from home. 

The Library hosts regular literary and public-affairs programs and book groups, as well as children's and teen events and activities, and is building on its network of partnerships with French and American schools, universities, and other institutions.

Open to all, with annual and short-term memberships for individuals, families, students, and seniors, the Library serves nearly 2,300 members hailing from more than 60 countries. The Library's staff of twelve speaks eight languages, and a team of more than 50 volunteers participate in all operations and services of the Library.

Current data

In 2009, members and other users of The American Library in Paris checked out or renewed 146,508 items, an average of 67 items per person. The number of checked-out books, tapes, compact discs, CD-ROMs, videos and other library materials increased thirteen percent from 2008. In a typical week, 1,525 people visit the Library, with 44 people either joining or renewing their membership.

More than 2,500 young people of all ages, and their appreciative parents, participated in nearly 200 programs in the library's youth department during 2009. Our free evening programs continued to reach an ever growing audience. Sixty-eight evening programs were presented in 2009 with nearly 3,500 people in attendance. Our bi-weekly electronic newsletter, e-Libris, is sent to over 4,000 people. 

Vision & Mission

Vision

The American Library in Paris celebrates the written word and the life of the mind. It is constantly renewing its purpose in Paris as a center for literature, learning, culture, and community.

Mission

• To provide access in France to what is best in English-language books, periodicals and other materials by sustaining and extending a varied and enduring collection.
• To provide the services of a contemporary American public library.
• To encourage and support reading in English by children and young adults.
• To act as an educational support center for people of all ages on their pursuit of formal instruction or personal growth.
• To promote better understanding between France and the United States by making available the artistic, historical and business record of the American experience to an international audience.