The American Library in Paris is located at 9 rue de Teheran, near the Arc de Triomphe, in a beautiful old mansion. It opened in November 1919, before being incorporated as an American private non-profit corporation in May of 1920. Its operation was paid for by the American Library Association until November 1920, when everything was officially deeded to the Library's corporation. Donations and paid subscriptions have been used to fund it ever since, as it receives no government funding. Patrons include American citizens abroad, French nationals, students, journalists, and other English speakers. By 1938, one third of subscribers were French; this number has increased since the start of the war.
In addition to its regular services, the Library established two charitable programs at the onset of World War II: one which sends donated books to French and British soldiers, and the Soldier's Service which provides them with books to learn English or French. Soldiers were also issued free library cards (designated by a red, white, and blue stripe at the top) to be used while in Paris. However, these programs ended with the German occupation.
The library is currently under the new directorship of Countess Clara Longworth de Chambrun (the previous director, Dorothy Reeder, has recently been called back to America). The Countess is in the process of changing ownership of the library from the American-based corporation to the French Information Council, as a pre-emptive measure (should the United States enter the conflict) to allow for its operation through the war. Dr. Hermann Fuchs, now a German Officer and head of the Bibliotheksschutz (agency responsible for overseeing libraries in occupied territories), is also an ally of the library.
Paid membership is required to use the library. Subscriptions are available for individuals or families, at rates of 1 year, 6 months, or 4 months. One week and one day passes are also available to individuals, although these do not allow for borrowing privileges. Further information is available at the Circulation desk.