Established in 1920 as a private non-profit association, the American Library in Paris has grown to become the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. Open to all, the Library serves as a center for literature, learning, culture, and community.

Location & Hours

The Library is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10h00 to 19h00 and Sundays, from 13h00 to 19h00 September through June. Reduced summer hours apply during the months of July and August. The Library is closed on all French holidays.

View an interactive map and information about how to get to the Library.

Library Fact Sheet

The American Library in Paris has more than 2,300 members hailing from more than 60 countries. About a third of our members are American, and about a quarter French.

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Newsletters & Reports

Sign up for e-Libris, the Library's bi-monthly electronic newsletter, download current and past issues of Ex-Libris, our quarterly print newsletter, and learn more about the Library's activities through our annual reports and other news.

Discover our newsletters and reports.

History of the Library

Established in 1920, The American Libary in Paris has played an important role in the city's literary community for almost a century. Download a quick timeline of the major milestones in the Library's history, and read a detailed historical account of the Library from its founding in the aftermath of the First World War to the present day.

Discover the history of the Library.

Governance

The Library is governed by an elected Board of Trustees which is responsible for setting Library policy, overseeing its financial health, and appointing the Director. The Director oversees and administers the operation of the Library in line with the objectives, policies and principles set by the Board of Trustees.

Discover more about the Library Board.
Contact a member of the Library staff.

Employment Opportunities

At The American Library in Paris, we believe in the value of personalized service and strive to achieve a balance between excellent delivery of traditional services and openness to emerging trends.

Find out what employment and volunteer opportunities are currently available at the Library.