These membership rules help ensure that all who use the library have an enjoyable experience. If you need clarification, please ask a staff member at the Circulation Desk, or contact the Circulation Manager.

Library Hours

The American Library in Paris is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10h00 to 19h00 and Sundays, from 13h00 to 19h00 September through June. Reduced summer hours apply during the months of July and August. The Library is closed on all French holidays.

See our Location and Hours page for more information and details of upcoming holiday closures.

Library Cards

Please show your library card to a staff member when entering the Library. If you forget your card you may check out materials with another valid ID.

There is a 5€ charge to replace a lost or damaged card. There is no charge to replace a stolen card when a police report is presented.

At the time of library card renewal, all late fees must be paid in full. Borrowing privileges will be suspended for late fees in excess of 25€.

Borrowing Library Material

Most Library material can be borrowed for three (3) weeks (exceptions below). Items may be renewed one time, for the original loan period, providing no other member has requested the item and has placed it on hold. Senior members are afforded an additional renewal (two in total), providing no other member has requested the item and has placed it on hold.

Exceptions:

• New fiction may be borrowed for two (2) weeks and may be renewed for an additional two-weeks, if there are no other requests.
• Agrégation d'Anglais material may be borrowed for one-week only and is not renewable. A maximum of four (4) Agrégation d'Anglais items, 2 per subject, may be borrowed at any one time.

Returns, Renewals and Holds

Borrowed items may be returned to the Library in person or via mail. A book drop is conveniently located adjacent to the entrance for after-hour returns. Members are responsible for all items checked out on their account. For that reason, when returning Library materials by post, we recommend registered mail.

You can renew materials one time and in any of the following ways:

• On the web. Go to the online catalog, click "my account" and enter your membership number and password to log in.
• By phone. Call 01 53 59 12 61 during Library operating hours.
• By email. Send your full name and membership number, together with details of the items you want to renew to .
• In person. Please go to the Circulation Desk.
  

Cardholders are responsible for late fees or losses incurred for materials borrowed on their cards. Overdue material may be renewed.

Members may request that a hold be placed on up to four (4) items. You will be notified when the item requested becomes available. Once notified your hold will be held for 8 working days.

Late Fees

The Library assesses late fees on materials not returned on the due date:

• 0.20€ per item per day the Library is open, maximum of 6€ per item
• 0.40€ per Agrégation d'Anglais item per day late including Sundays, Mondays and holidays

Lost and Damaged Material

Members are responsible for returning items to the Library in the same condition as when they were borrowed. Members will be assessed the cost of replacement plus an 8€ processing fee for lost or damaged items.  The Library cannot accept replacement or substitute material.

Internet Access

Internet access at the Library is free of charge for all members as well as for Day and Week Pass users. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the Library; just ask for the password at the Circulation Desk. You may also reserve Internet access time on one of the Library's two workstations.

All users are expected to use the Library's Internet access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. For more details, see our Internet Access Policy and usage guidelines.

Code of Conduct

We ask that you help everyone enjoy the Library by honoring these simple rules:

• Please set you cell phone to vibrate while in the Library and step outside when making a call.
• Food in the Library creates problems with pests. Bottled water is allowed. There are many eateries adjacent to the Library.
• Please allow others to enjoy our books by refraining from writing in the margins or underlining passages.
• Leave your roller blades, skates and scooters at the front of the Library.
• Library space is limited. Please leave your dogs at home.
• Causing a disturbance or engaging in any behavior which interferes with Library activities will not be tolerated. Proscribed behavior includes (but is not limited to) verbal abuse, threats of violence, sexual harassment, or use of "fighting words" to harass any person whether a patron, staff or volunteer of the Library. Any patron committing such an offense is subject to sanctions, including being asked to leave Library premises and/or having membership revoked.

Unattended Children Policy

In an effort to provide a library environment that allows all patrons to use library materials and resources in a safe, relaxed manner, help us make sure your child's visit to the library is a safe and happy one. Please review our Unattended Children Policy.

Public Notices Policy

All notices, posters and free materials must be approved and placed on notice boards or in the pamphlet racks by Library staff. Staff may discard items not approved for placement and excess copies of any items received. Outdated materials will be removed by Library staff.

Staff will follow the guidelines listed in this policy in making decisions about placement of materials. Items will be placed on the notice board or in the pamphlet rack on an equitable basis, subject to available space, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the individuals or groups represented.

Placement of a notice or materials does not imply endorsement of their contents by staff, volunteers or the Board of The American Library in Paris.