Check out the free books at the left.This is a bit out of order but when we went to Paris we stopped by the American Library in Paris (I have a bag!) to speak with the Librarian there. The library was opened in 1920 by the American Library Association as a place for American soldiers to find literature in their own language. In 1940 while most libraries in France are closed due to Nazi involvement the American Library in Paris remains open and attracts French users.
By the end of the war the ALA no longer has any involvement in the library and it becomes a private enterprise. It is considered a place for English speakers and also for those wanting to learn the language. In 1955 the library opens the first collection of Braille books in English on the continent.
This library is very unique. It is situated in an out of the way place and the first thing we were all impressed by was the free books outside the front door. We (as in I) may have gotten a bit dizzy (was this all the heat?) from the excitement at that moment and had to be reminded there was more inside the actual building. We discovered that this library is used far and wide as a wonderful resource for American literature and a chance to hone English language skills. It was a really interesting little library with a lot of history.
By the end of the war the ALA no longer has any involvement in the library and it becomes a private enterprise. It is considered a place for English speakers and also for those wanting to learn the language. In 1955 the library opens the first collection of Braille books in English on the continent.
This library is very unique. It is situated in an out of the way place and the first thing we were all impressed by was the free books outside the front door. We (as in I) may have gotten a bit dizzy (was this all the heat?) from the excitement at that moment and had to be reminded there was more inside the actual building. We discovered that this library is used far and wide as a wonderful resource for American literature and a chance to hone English language skills. It was a really interesting little library with a lot of history.
The information I have provided here is just a brief snapshot of what this library is all about. I really encourage you to head to their website here and read some of their fascinating history for yourself.
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