Optional Visit - The American Library in Paris

The American Library in Paris was a brief, but exciting visit! When we walked up to the library the first thing we all saw was a cart full of free books! Obviously we were powerless to resist and grabbed some reading material for the bus ride back to London. I was very interested in the history of the library. We were only able to stay for a short time, but we were so warmly welcomed that I wish we would have been able to stay and tour the library further. The library was established in 1920, with the backing of the American Library Association. The library was created for American soldiers to use. Although the ALA no longer backs the library, it has become the largest English-language ending library on the European continent. In addition to English-speaking patrons, those who are learning English also frequent the library for assistance. There are many interesting facts in the history of this library! Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein were regular contributors to the monthly review Ex Libris. The Library staff provided an underground lending service to Jewish members during World War II. In 1955 The Library launched the English Language Library for the Blind, which was the first collection of Braille books in English on the continent. The Library was given Marlene Dietrich’s personal library in 1992. These and many more interesting facts can be found on The Library’s website here!