American Library in Paris | The American Library Association Archives

Originally the American Library Association's Service for the Expedentiary Force during World War I, the American Library in Paris was formally incorportated in 1920.  The institution's goal was to provide English language books to both Americans and local residents with English language material, promote mutual understanding and goodwill between the two countries, and be a lasting memorial to the American soldiers who died during the war.¹

Initially a series of summer training courses in librarianship by the American Committee for Devastated France, the American Library School in Paris was established in 1923.  As the only library training program in the American librarianship tradition, it attracted students from all across Europe.² The Library School discontinued in 1929 due to lack of funds.³

¹"American Library in Paris," Record Series 7/12/5, Box 1, Folder: Reports and Memoranda, 1923-25, 1930, 1939.

²"Nationalites des etudiants," Record Series 7/11/6, Box 4, Folder: Nationality of the Students, 1923-26.

³"International Library Cooperation, Paris Library School Alumni Association, 1931," Record Series 7/11/6, Box 4, Folder: Nationality of the Students, 1923-26.