La rentrée I’m one of many helping to renovate the Children’s Library and the Teen Mezzanine at The American Library in Paris as we prepare for la rentrée (or back-to-school). There’s no question that this is a special place; staff, members, and volunteers and their families and friends have been pitching in to refurbish the place on a limited budget in 90-degree weather. Chisels and hammers, along with blistered hands and elbow grease, are in ample evidence as I look about. Some of the teens will earn community service for their work, but many signed up to volunteer because they have been coming to the library for years and simply want to contribute to a place that they care about. This September, as every fall, I will see many newly arrived expats and travelers in Paris; they come to the library eager to make new English-speaking friends and are excited to discover a library that functions much like those in their home countries. The American Library in Paris is the largest English-language lending library on the European continent. It’s been housed in various locations throughout the city since 1920, providing both books and services for English-language lovers. The library was founded with a collection sent by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Library War Service during World War I. For more than 30 years, it has been housed on two floors (and a mezzanine) in the 7th arrondissement in Paris. It's a neighborhood full of expats, and home to an American supermarket, an American church, an American elementary school, a British university, numerous other English-language institutions—and the Eiffel Tower. Patrons & Programming The children and teens whom I work with come in to stock up on books, but they're also looking for a place to connect with others, and not just other Americans. “American Library” is somewhat of a misnomer; the library provides English-language resources from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and other countries, as well as the United States. The patrons I serve are sometimes American, sometimes British, sometimes Indian, and sometimes from other countries; they are often dual passport holders who have lived in several countries. They all speak English and many profess a love for the language. What our patrons are also seeking at the library is a connection to other English speakers and a link to the culture that accompanies the language. Teens especially seem to be searching for a place where they can speak English easily and freely to others their own age (as opposed to the way they communicate in the immersion programs they are often placed in), and our programs often become spaces where they can meet over common interests. I’m constantly trying to balance (and fulfill) the needs of incoming teens while maintaining interest for those individuals (age 3 or 17) who have lived in Paris all of their lives. At the library, we try to create programming with a relaxed and very American feel (Oreos and popcorn are staples at every teen event, and, at children’s storytimes, we make it a point to sing loudly and boisterously—luckily that spot is nearly soundproof!). Opportunities for conversation are built into all activities. Our most successful teen events have involved lots of time for casual conversation—with games or activities (and snacks) that fuel socializing. The library’s busiest seasons are fall, winter, and early spring. We try to catch people’s attention in late August and early September with an Open House, back-to-school programs, and free teen events. (Events are usually members only, and library membership requires a small yearly fee). Banned Books Week Banned Books Week displays have proven to be a great way to introduce patrons to the library and its culture. I am lucky to have a director who has given me carte blanche when it comes to programming and collection management. Banned Books Week celebrations have become a big part of every fall at The American Library for children and teens, and we hope the events create an environment where patrons understand that they can expect access to a wide range of materials from varying viewpoints and feel free to ask for anything that they might want. These celebrations also offer us an opportunity to dialogue with patrons, volunteers, and staff about what guidance children and teens can expect from their librarian. This year, when we’ve finished our much-needed deep clean and renovation of the targeted areas, I look forward to installing a big, bad, bright Banned Books Week display on the backdrop of our newly painted walls. As I install it with the help of what is sure to be an enthusiastic group of teens and library volunteers, we will likely reminisce about the dust that settled in our eyes, the paint that splattered on our clothing, and the blisters we earned fixing renovating the space, and those new to Paris will hopefully be grateful to have found a place to call home. Celeste Rhoads is originally from California, but has been living in France for 10 years. She is the children's and young adults' services manager at The American Library in Paris.