Events & Programs

On February 5, 1947, twenty-nine year old Ruth McBirney set sail for Europe. Ahead of her was a great adventure: six years in Paris, the opportunity to witness the “City of Light” come back to life after the grim experience of German occupation during World War II and a new position at The American Library in Paris.

Together with director Ian Forbes Fraser and librarian William K. Harrison III, she built up the library’s collections and extended its outreach by establishing branches across France. Experience part of the Library's history through Ruth's photographs and memorabilia, on display through January 3rd.

Special thanks to Alan Virta, Head of Special Collections of Albertsons Library, Boise State University for making this exhibition possible.